Stage size: a factor that directly affects the price of your décor
How to choose décor that fits your space, your outfits and your budget
Before choosing your backdrop, floral arches or draping, you need to know the exact size of your stage.
We regularly receive inspiration photos showing grand setups, without the couple checking whether they can actually fit in their venue. Décor that looks stunning on a large stage can’t always be recreated on a smaller platform.
Leave enough space for the couple and their guests
Stage size is sometimes overlooked. Some couples choose very full décor, inspired by Pinterest, without leaving enough room to move around. On the wedding day, they may then have to remove decorative elements or move candles, with a risk of breakage.
Before choosing your décor, ask yourself a few questions: how many people will need to go up on stage for rituals, activities or photos? Will you need space to move and welcome your loved ones?
Your outfit matters too. A mermaid dress and a ball gown don’t take up the same space. A full ball gown needs more clearance, especially to sit, stand up and walk without catching on accessories.
A small stage: 8 × 8 ft
On a stage 8 ft wide by 8 ft deep, décor that is too large can quickly crowd the space. Choose a simple, well-proportioned setup, for example:
- A floral arch or elegant draping.
- A compact sofa or a small head table.
Always check furniture dimensions and keep a clear area for moving around and for photos.
A standard stage: 12 × 8 ft
A stage about 12 ft wide by 8 ft deep offers more options, but proportions still matter. Depending on the exact size of the pieces, you could choose:
- A floral arch or a set of decorative panels.
- Elegant draping.
- Compact furniture, such as a sofa or a head table.
You don’t need to set up everything at once. The goal is to showcase the couple without reducing usable space.
A large stage: 20 × 8 ft or more
On a stage 20 ft wide by 8 ft deep or more, small décor can look lost. To keep a balanced look, you may want to plan:
- Several arches or panels.
- Draping that covers a wider area.
- Fuller floral arrangements spread over several levels.
- Stage skirting to tie everything together.
Watch the budget: a large stage may require more draping, covering, structures, flowers, transport and setup time. Décor designed for a 12 × 8 ft stage therefore isn’t necessarily the same investment as décor suited to a 20 × 8 ft stage, even if the result looks similar in photos.
What if your venue has no stage?
Not having a platform doesn’t prevent you from creating a beautiful wedding décor. A backdrop can be set up directly on the floor, in an area reserved for the couple. This works well with some modern, minimalist styles.
You still need to check guest flow, available space and how visible the couple will be from the tables.
Don’t forget the ceiling height
Ceiling height affects the proportions of your décor. In a very tall room, a standard-height backdrop can look small compared to the volume of the space.
For a grander result, you may need taller structures, more draping and larger floral arrangements. These choices usually increase the equipment, transport and setup required, which explains why two décors that look similar can have different prices.
Our tip: before requesting a quote, send your decorator the stage dimensions, the ceiling height and photos of the room.
7 questions to ask yourself before choosing your décor
- Do you want to cover your stage? Does it need a covering or skirting?
- What are its dimensions? Do the width and depth allow the décor to be set up with room to move?
- What is the ceiling height? Do you need taller décor to keep the proportions right?
- Do you want a specific theme or colour? Does it match the room and its lighting?
- Do you prefer a head table or a sofa? Does that choice fit your program and your outfits?
- What style are you looking for? Clean, full, upscale or traditional?
- What is your budget? Does it match the size of the room and the result you want?
At Wedding Decor Montreal, we take all of this into account to design harmonious décor suited to your venue, your preferences and your budget.