A Chinese setting
Photo courtesy of Camwork Weddings

Perhaps the most glamourous part of the wedding where everyone can let their hair down and have an enjoyable time with family, relatives and friends is the banquet. To rejoice with food and drink while surrounded by loved ones is undoubtedly an innate trait of Malaysian society. Whether one decides to host the banquet at hotels of international standard, restaurants of culinary distinction, community halls, private clubs or gardens, each unique venue provides couples the opportunity to create truly memorable and imaginative celebratory parties.

Elegant white and gold
Photo courtesy of kidchan studio

Ballroom grandeur
Photo courtesy of My Wedding Photographer

Signing the guest book
Photo courtesy of Edmund Tham Photography

In most instances, leading hotels and restaurants will have décor as part of the packages that they offer. This normally includes at least the following :

• Stage and backdrop.
  
  
• Floral arch or display at the entrance to the venue.
  
  
• Floral standees along the main aisle.
  
  
• Floral table centrepieces.
  
  
• Chair covers.
  
  
• Wedding favours.
  
  
• A 'dummy' wedding cake.
  
  
• Drapes from the ceiling.

Hearts on the stage
Photo courtesy of LoveHub

Pastel and striking
Photos courtesy of Jackimages Studio

Being 'standard' items as part of the package, the design of such items and the overall setup of the venue are often similar from one wedding banquet to another. This is not to say that the quality is inferior. On the contrary, well regarded hotels and restaurants only use décor items of the highest quality. However, couples may wish to inject some of their personality into the décor by incorporating some of their own ideas.

Entrance and table decor
Photos by Exes-Studio, courtesy of Touching Hearts

Chair back
Photo courtesy of Melissa Liew

For example, many brides and their team of enthusiastic friends in fact take great pleasure in arranging flowers, craft place cards and the like. A little bit of imagination and effort can do wonders. Some couples however, prefer to leave the setting of their venues in the hands of professionals. Specialists in décor abound in the market, catering to budgets big or small. In many instances, these service providers make their decision on whether to undertake a job based on their perceived compatibility with the bridal couple, and not necessarily on the size of the budget.

Shades of blue
Photos courtesy of Jim Liaw Photography

Speech
Photo courtesy of Qippy.com Photography

Some ideas :

• Wedding cake - a custom-designed wedding cake could be an elegant centrepiece.
  
  
• Glassware and garnishing - beautifully garnished glasses lined up on a table by the bar are attention-grabbers.
  
  
• Candles and flowers - candles are one of the simplest ways to add atmosphere to any setting. Floating candles and flowers in clear glass bowls are inexpensive yet romantic. A casual display of tea lights and votive candles also work well together.
  
  
• Be personal - individual place cards for guests is a nice personal gesture suited for a smaller banquet crowd. Alternatively, wedding favours can also be labeled with each guest's name, doing double-duty as both place cards and gifts.
  
  
• Napkins - enhance napkins with napkin-rings. A single floral bloom also makes a simple yet stylish adornment on a napkin.
  
  
• Stylish centrepieces - flowers have traditionally been favoured as centrepieces but candles, bowls filled with seasonal fruit, even a cluster of wedding favours are becoming increasingly popular as well.

Cake cutting
Photo courtesy of Armadale by Cheryl Yaw

Champagne fountain
Photo courtesy of My Wedding Photographer

Tip : Do consider working with external vendors to add that extra 'oomph' to the décor.