Decor & Details
8 Unique Wedding Decor Ideas from NJ Couples
Seating charts, signage, centerpieces—oh my! Choosing decor for your big day can be daunting, but also a ton of fun if you’re a DIYer. Get inspired
Read MoreSeating Charts, Guest Books & More Unique Wedding Decor Ideas
Posted on January 10, 2024 by Jacqueline Larcara
Photo: Susan Elizabeth Weddings
Make a statement with a seating chart that will grab your guests’ attention. Opt for a personalized guest book that will have everyone talking. Choose themed decor that people will remember. Get inspired by these fun seating charts, unique guest books and more whimsical wedding decor ideas from real couples.
1. Wooden leaf guest book
Couple Alexis Reyes-Jimenez & Michael Jimenez
Venue The Hamilton Manor, Hamilton Township
Photographer United Elite Photography
Inspo “Our guests signed small wooden leaves and dropped them into the frame to fill the branches of the tree,” says Alexis. “We loved the idea of a tree not only because it matched our fall theme, but it was symbolic of starting our own family tree. It’s now hanging
in our dining room.”
Where They Shopped Frame, leaves, box for extra leaves, table stand and hanging equipment, Etsy shop SeanOfAngeles.
See more photos from Alexis and Michael’s stunning big day at the Hamilton Manor.
2. Christmas-themed seating chart
Couple Sabrina & Justin Salem
Venue Park Château Estate & Gardens, East Brunswick
Photographer Sam Glennon Photography
Inspo “I would describe my seating chart as being a Christmas lover’s dream,” says Sabrina about the decor piece at her early-December wedding. “I truly love the happiness and joy the holiday season brings. I pictured almost a life-sized Santa’s nice list, but instead it would have my guests and their table numbers on it. I knew I wanted it to say ‘to all a good night’ to hint at the classic Christmas story.”
Where They Shopped The Jess Press.
See more photos from Sabrina and Justin’s stunning big day at Park Château.
3. Floral-filled cloche seating chart
Couple Kara & Robert Jameson
Venue The Ashford Estate, Allentown
Photographer Susan Elizabeth Weddings
Inspo “Our seating chart was 14 glass cloches filled with florals, presented upon wooden crates,” says Kara. “Each cloche had hand-calligraphy displaying the table assignments. I was inspired by the enchanted red rose in glass from Beauty and the Beast. A sign that said ‘Be Our Guest’ beautifully tied it together.”
Where They Shopped Cloches and crates, Michael’s. Crates were hand-stained by bride’s dad. Calligraphy, the Jess Press. Florals, MDS Floral Designs.
See more photos from Kara and Rob’s stunning big day at the Ashford Estate.
4. Noisemaker seating chart
Couple Brittany Botta & Lucas Paez
Venue Crossed Keys Estate, Andover
Photographer Nicole Aston Photography
Inspo “Our seating chart was made up of a beautiful display of colorful noisemakers,” says Brittany. “The title, ‘Make a Joyful Noise,’ felt so right as it was such a joyous celebration of our love. The noisemakers also had cards attached with our table names, which were states we’ve traveled to. They also turned out to be such a fun prop during the
reception.”
Where They Shopped Etsy shop AdornMarket.
[RELATED: “The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Venues in New Jersey“]
5. Spotify song guest book
Couple Taylor & Christopher Bassani
Venue The Park Savoy Estate, Florham Park
Photographer Timothy Anderson
Inspo “My guest book was a picture frame, and on the glass I pasted an engagement photo of us along with our wedding song, ‘Wonderful Tonight’ by Eric Clapton,” says Taylor. “It looked like our song was playing on Apple Music or Spotify but with our photo in place of the album photo. People signed it with black, gold and silver Sharpies.”
Where They Shopped Frame was spray painted gold, Hobby Lobby. Photo, Shutterfly. Song details, made on bride’s Cricut.
6. Book case seating chart
Couple Sarah & Brian Metcalfe
Venue Crystal Plaza, Livingston
Photographer Kelly Sea Images
Inspo “We decided to make our seating chart one big book case and each guest got their own book with their table number,” says Sarah. The couple included the lyrics And at every table, I’ll save you a seat at the top, which was from their first-dance song, “Lover” by Taylor Swift. “It was perfect because it included my two favorite things: reading and Taylor Swift,” says Sarah.
Where They Shopped The groom built the book case. Books and lettering, Scripted Swirls.
7. Crab trap card box
Couple Tara Zahorenko & Steve Gelber
Venue Daymark, Barnegat Light
Photographer Amanda Norman Photography
Inspo “We had a beach wedding with a nautical theme, so we thought making a card box from a crab/lobster trap was a great and creative option,” says Steve. “My wife and I love LBI. We were engaged and had our ceremony at the Lighthouse at Barnegat Light State Park.”
Where They Shopped The groom built the card box using pallet wood that he stained blue and painted over with a lighter blue, black and white before sanding it to give it a distressed look. Attached starfish, sand dollars and shells, Things a Drift on LBI. This launched Steve’s creative side gig business, @barksandcraftsnj.
8. Alice in Wonderland-themed drink cards
Couple Priscilla & Paul Segars
Venue The Gables, Beach Haven
Photographer Michelle Arlotta Photography
Inspo “We were in Berlin, Germany and saw something similar to these drink cards at a bar called Fairytale Bar. I immediately loved the idea,” says Priscilla. “We created signature drinks and bought beer, created names and put them on the cards. They were a fun way to show the drink menu based on the Alice in Wonderland theme, which was representative of how we wanted the day to be—fun, celebratory and not too serious.”
Where They Shopped Joy Cards in Princeton.
See more photos of Priscilla and Paul’s stunning big day at the Gables.
9. Butterfly table numbers
Couple Ellen & Joe Rada
Venue The Water Witch Club, Highlands
Photographer Off BEET Productions
Inspo “We are both nature lovers, so I knew I wanted to incorporate a nature element into our theme. I also studied butterflies in graduate school,” says Ellen. “I liked how each species of butterfly was assigned to each table. This added a bunch of new colors that weren’t necessarily in the rest of my theme. The table numbers are whimsical, natural, bohemian, free and represent new beginnings.”
Where They Shopped Documents and Designs Fine Stationery.
See more photos of Ellen and Joe’s stunning big day at the Water Witch Club.
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