This styled shoot at Manor By The Lake focused on a layered palette of chocolate brown, dusky blue and soft light blue. The aim was to show how darker tones can feel soft when paired with draped fabrics and lighter textures.
We often find couples hesitate with brown tones. When balanced with blue and white, the result feels warm rather than heavy. This shoot demonstrates how to use that contrast effectively across both ceremony and reception spaces.
The main feature was a single serpentine table with a cascading floral arrangement and a draped backdrop. This worked particularly well in the venues new Garden Lounge space as it created movement through rather than a static layout. With stunning natural light filling the room the serpentine table added drama and flowed through the space.
The table was styled with:
Our second tablescape in the Ballroom features a gorgeous curved table set up with champagne ruffled cloths which added texture and definition accompanied by our Poppy range with added florals in chocolate brown, dusky blue and light blue. Ceiling draping in light blue and mocha added depth and dimension and our Poppy broken arch perfectly framed the central cake display. Mocha double chair drapes tied with a light blue ribbon continued the theme through into the finer details.
The ballroom table was styled with:
The cake was positioned centrally on a draped plinth and podium. This created a natural focal point without needing a separate display area.
The design was simple:
Keeping the cake minimal allowed it to sit comfortably within the wider styling without competing with the backdrop or florals.
One common mistake is using too many dark linens. Here, the champagne base kept everything balanced.
Behind the serpentine table in the Garden Lounge, a draped backdrop combined chocolate, mocha and dusky blue fabrics. This added depth without needing additional structures.
Ceiling draping in light blue and mocha in the Ballroom, combined with fairy lighting, helped bring the styling upward. This is especially effective in venues like Manor By The Lake where ceiling height can otherwise feel underused.
We find that ceiling styling is often overlooked, but it makes a noticeable difference in photographs.
The ceremony space featured a styled podium framed by a broken arch from the poppy range. Additional chocolate, dusky blue and light blue tones were introduced into the florals, using roman urns and plinths to add different height and dimension to the ceremony space.
This setup included:
Draped fabrics were used again here to connect the ceremony visually with the reception styling. and a simple circular ceremony set up surrounding the pavillion, satin bows in chocolate brown and dusky blue to tie the colours into the outdoor styling.
We find that repeating materials across spaces creates a more cohesive experience for guests.
Several smaller details helped tie the full look together:
These elements ensured consistency without making every table identical.
If you are planning your wedding and want a similar layered, styled look, we offer wedding decor hire across:
Worcester, Birmingham, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Kidderminster, Stratford-upon-Avon and Solihull.
Our team can help plan layouts, colour combinations and practical setup details based on your venue.
If you’re considering wedding decor hire for your day, get in touch to check availability and discuss your styling.
Can brown work for wedding decor?
Yes. Brown works well when paired with lighter tones like blue or white to soften the overall look.
What is a serpentine table layout?
A serpentine table is curved. It creates flow in the room and works well for statement top tables.
Do you provide draping for ceilings and backdrops?
Yes. We supply fabric draping for both backdrops and ceiling installations.
Can I mix different table styles in one room?
Yes. Mixing straight and curved tables adds visual interest when styled consistently.
Are floral arches reusable or custom?
Our designs are artificial. They are reusable but can be customised with added colours.
Do you set everything up on the day?
Yes. We handle delivery, setup and collection so you don’t need to manage logistics.
Photographer Credit: Laura Jenkinson
We’d love to hear from you and help bring your dream day to life. Whether you’re ready to start planning or just exploring ideas, our friendly team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Visit us by booking an appointment.
Call us on:
01905 794 200
07934 359 009
For out of hours and emergency enquiries:
07834 242 467
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