Creative and Fun Wedding Ideas Made Simple Creative and Fun Wedding Ideas Made Simple
Who would have dreamed that a “Phantom of the Opera” theme would one day be used for a wedding reception? But it has been done! If you’re among the daring couples up to the challenge, we thought it would be a thrill to pass along some DIY-able styling ideas to help you capture that vintage-glam “Phantom” look. Aside from your reception, you could also consider this masquerade ball-inspired theme during Mardi Gras season for your engagement dinner, a fancy rehearsal party, or even a bachelorette party with your BFFs!
The Color Palette: Black and White!
It all begins with a fittingly dramatic black-and-white palette. Lay out pure white table cloths on the guest tables, and drape white fabric from the ceiling, around windows, and atop the buffet table and cake and favor displays. Then, against this backdrop, set the rest of the decorations and table accessories—all in black, with highlights of silver.
The Ceremony + Welcome Display
With the “Phantom of the Opera” being a love story (albeit a tragic one), create a welcome display using a unique storybook ring pillow. Choose one with a romantic vintage look, featuring Victorian lace, quilting, and pearl embellishments—something the lovely Christine herself would fancy! In fact, this could be the same ring pillow you just used at your wedding ceremony, now brought in as part of the reception decor.
Present this at the entryway to the reception venue, lighted by white rose candles on pearl-ringed mirror coasters. You may even add little white cards and a quill pen for guests to write a personal greeting.
The Place Settings and Favors
Once at the party tables, wow guests with a “Phantom” cookie mask awaiting each of them atop their plates. This clever confection is covered entirely in white sugar icing! How’s that for something unusual and sweet to take home and enjoy? Then, for unique place cards have the guest’s names formed in cutout letters on black felt paper (see close-up below). For a pop of color, you could tie a red velvet ribbon to each mask handle and glue a ruby red gemstone on one corner of every place card.
The Centerpieces and Table Accents
Continue the striking table elements with centerpieces that are “floral” in a truly creative way! In place of flowers, you can use white marshmallows or white pom poms on wire stems bundled together like edgy bouquets. Adorn these with black leaf cutouts and black feathers, and lay them on black runners or placemats in the center of each table.
If you’d prefer to go with fresh flowers, you could create centerpieces using white calla lilies, roses, or magnolias. Then, simply combine these with black feather plumes, black lace, or black velvet ribbons for a similarly modern-chic effect.
Table Decor and Lighting
This wouldn’t be a “Phantom” theme without candles everywhere! On the guest tables, display decorative candles atop vases painted silver. Coiled aluminum swirls around the candles create a striking contrast. Position more luminaries and votives throughout the venue—amidst the buffet dishes, in clusters on the floor or on steps, on side tables, even hanging from archways or overhead ceiling beams.
Clearly, the overall ambiance to aim for is one of romance, drama, and mystery. If you pull this off in style, your wedding reception will certainly be one your guests won’t soon forget!