Who Decorates a Wedding Venue? Here’s What Couples Really Need to Know
One of the most common wedding planning questions we hear is:
“Who decorates the wedding venue?”
And the honest answer is: it depends on the venue, the planner, and the couple.
This is also one of the biggest areas where couples make assumptions—and where stress shows up on wedding day.
As a vineyard wedding venue owner, let’s break this down clearly so you know what to expect, what to ask, and how to avoid décor chaos.
The Short Answer: Who Usually Decorates a Wedding Venue?
Most of the time, wedding décor is handled by a mix of:
The venue staff
The wedding coordinator or planner
The couple and their vendors (like florists)
Very few venues fully decorate everything automatically—and many couples don’t realize that until it’s almost too late.
How Décor Works at Riviera Vines
At Riviera Vines, décor is one of the ways we try to make planning easier (and less expensive).
Here’s how it works:
Couples choose from a menu of Riviera Vines décor options
You work directly with our Wedding Coordinator to decide:
What décor you want to borrow
How and where it will be used
Our coordinator and venue staff handle setup of:
Our décor
Any décor you bring
You are not left figuring this out alone.
What Décor Is Included at Riviera Vines?
We include hundreds of décor pieces with your venue rental, which is not common across Virginia wedding venues.
Included items:
Tables and chairs
Basic setup
Arches
Lighting
Signs
Ceremony décor
Reception décor
Table settings
Candles
This is one of the ways we help couples save money and avoid renting everything separately.
When Does Décor Cost Extra?
The only time décor costs extra at Riviera Vines is when it becomes labor-heavy.
Examples of décor that requires added labor:
Hanging items
Large installs
Complex table designs
Décor that requires ladder work
Use of venue dishes, glassware, or linens
(Yes, we’re a winery—but wine glasses are not included because they require bussing and washing. We include plastic cups and charge extra for glassware.)
This isn’t about the décor itself—it’s about the time and staffing required.
Who Sets Everything Up on Wedding Day?
At Riviera Vines:
Our venue staff and wedding coordinator handle setup
Florists handle all floral arrangements
Full-service planners (if hired) oversee the entire event
The key is clarity ahead of time.
Anything that requires assembly must be discussed in advance.
DIY Décor: What’s Allowed (and What’s Not)
DIY décor is welcome—but there are rules to protect the space.
Not allowed:
Flammable liquids (Sterno heat is okay)
Confetti or loose glitter (any size)
Rice, silly string, fake snow
Fireworks, sparklers, confetti cannons
Nails or command strips on our white walls
Allowed:
Candles in glass containers
Loose real flower petals in grass
Fake flower petals indoors
Decorating our faux grass wall behind the bar
Rules like these are normal for vineyard wedding décor and should always be asked about early.
The Biggest Décor Mistake We See
Couples bring décor that:
Requires assembly
Wasn’t discussed ahead of time
Has no one assigned to set it up
Assembling décor on wedding day causes more stress than almost anything else.
If something needs to be built, hung, or arranged, it must be decided:
Whether our team is doing it (for an added cost), or
Whether someone in the wedding party is assigned
Surprises the day before—or the day of—create chaos.
A Real Example (Hard Truth)
We once had a couple who decided they wanted to drape our patio (which isn’t allowed).
They didn’t tell us until the day before—and they had no one to install it.
This led to stress, frustration, and unmet expectations, all because roles and rules weren’t discussed early.
Clear communication prevents this every time.
One Hard Truth About Venue Décor
Couples shouldn’t fall in love with venue-provided décor items.
Why?
Because shared décor is used often and isn’t guaranteed to still be in inventory on your wedding date.
That’s why we focus on:
Providing lots of options
Helping you build a look, not depend on one item
Questions Every Couple Should Ask About Wedding Décor
Before booking any venue, ask:
Who decorates the wedding venue?
Who sets it up?
Who tears it down?
What décor is included?
What costs extra?
What’s not allowed?
What time can we access the space?
These questions save money, time, and stress.
Why Décor Is Easier at Riviera Vines
Many couples overspend on décor at other venues because nothing is included.
At Riviera Vines:
We include extensive décor
We help plan setup in advance
We handle the heavy lifting
We aim to save couples money
That’s part of our approach to transparent, supportive wedding planning.
Final Thoughts
So—who decorates a wedding venue?
At Riviera Vines, we do it together, with a clear plan and no surprises.
If you’re looking for a vineyard wedding venue where décor doesn’t turn into a headache, we’d love to help.
👉 Schedule a tour of Riviera Vines and see how simple wedding décor can be when expectations are clear.