10 Ways to Use Draping at Your Wedding Reception

Use fabric to turn your reception into an oasis.

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Updated on 11/23/22

draping at wedding reception — Photo by Janine Licare Photography

If you’re looking to add some serious “wow” factor to your reception, go for gorgeous draping. When done right, adding fabric—usually sheer, gauzy textiles like chiffon, organza, or voile—will make your setting feel more luxe and upscale, yet intimate and cozy at the same time.

You could drape the walls to soften the venue’s edges (or hide anything you’d rather guests not see) or add floor-to-ceiling panels to section off a large, cavernous space—this will make the setting feel warmer and more personal.

If your reception venue features soaring ceilings, adding floor-to-ceiling drapery panels will help emphasize the height and lend an ethereal feeling to the space.

Keep reading for some of our favorite draping ideas to make your reception space feel a whole lot more magical.

21 Special Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Reception

01 of 10

Bring in Color

Anna and Skyler's champagne tower underneath a grand chandelier — Photo by Charla Storey Photography

Beautiful thick fabric in a rich color is a lovely way to incorporate draping into your wedding décor. Have it frame the entrance to the space as well to set the tone for your palette.

02 of 10

Let Nature Shine Through

Reception decor — Photo by Janine Licare Photography

At this outdoor wedding in Lake Tahoe, draping along a wooden structure helped create the illusion of a tent. However, the space between the white fabric allows the beautiful natural landscape peek through.

03 of 10

Stun With Sheer

Sophia and Louis's tented reception suspended with string lights, greenery, rattan lanterns, and draping — Photo by Jeff Brummett

String lights and sheer ceiling swags create the illusion of a starry night sky and made this reception space feel like a magical, al fresco dinner party.

04 of 10

Bring on the Drama

Catie Li pathway to wedding ceremony — Photo by Haley Rynn Ringo Photo

At this Old Hollywood-inspired wedding, drapery defined the pathway from the cocktail hour outdoors to a stunning grand ballroom for the reception. The use of color and thick fabric brought all the glamour to this space.

05 of 10

Create an Installation

reception dÃ©cor — Photo by Valorie Darling

Draped fabric at the ceiling of this reception space served as an artful installation that enhanced the overall feel of the aesthetic and brought movement to the design.

06 of 10

Cover Poles

newlyweds entering their tented reception — Photo by Studio This Is

Want to soften up your wedding tent? Add in draping along the poles can hide any eyesores of the structure.

07 of 10

Weave in Florals

This couple wanted the wedding to feel like an outdoor dinner party in Tuscany. Their wedding planners built an elegant gazebo over the dinner tables and draped the structure in a flowing taupe fabric that was accented with fresh florals and greenery.

08 of 10

Create a Cross

Indoor reception with criss-cross drapery — Photo by Meredith Teasley Photography

To make a large, cavernous space feel cozier and more personal, add overhead drapery. This design featured extra-long fabric swags that crisscrossed back and forth; the ends cascaded down the sides for an elegant, fluttery effect.

09 of 10

Make It Flow

tented wedding venue with a chandelier and long tables — Photo by KT Merry

A wave-like approach to drapery brought a beautiful flow to the ceiling of this elegant wedding at a French chateau. Wide pieces of fabric were draped upon clear wiring to help create the shape.

10 of 10

Bring the Outdoors In

Drapery and greenery draping in tent — KT Merry; Event Planning by Bellafare

This couple opted for a whimsical garden feel for their at-home wedding reception. Creamy fabric draping with lush greenery garlands woven throughout the canopy created a romantic greenhouse vibe, even in the wintry setting.