If you take a peek at the Instagram feeds of the top event planners and photographers right now, you’re sure to see plenty of billowing wedding drapery creating a dreamy, dramatic effect at a reception. While deciding on your linens has always been part of the wedding planning process, many couples are choosing to invest in more fabric to completely transform their celebrations with swaths of cloth rather than just cover tables.
“Historically, draping has been used to soften or conceal logistical elements—tent poles, unsightly walls in ballrooms, and the like. In those cases, it functioned more like a backdrop or neutral canvas, similar to choosing a wall color or wallpaper in your home,” explains wedding planner Beth Helmstetter. “But in recent years, draping has evolved into a design feature in its own right.” She adds, “It’s no longer just functional. It’s a focal point.”
The perks of bringing fabric into your wedding design are endless. “Drapery offers softness and movement to a room, as well as a feeling of stepping into a one-of-a-kind space,” says wedding planner Alexis Eskenazi. She notes that the material can also work wonders when transforming a venue. “Draping is a great way to create a space within a space, or divide an area to create multiple chapters throughout the evening.”
Celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss says clients are requesting to use drapery in a number of ways we haven’t seen in the past. “I’m not just draping ballrooms and receptions now; I’m draping ceremonies and cocktail spaces, too,” she shares. “And, not only on the walls.” She points out chuppahs and wedding ceremony arches are a popular spot for adding in fabric, while other planners note hallway entrances are a prime spot for a moody draping moment.
Drapery can—and is—going further than these more traditional applications, as couples lean further into the trend. “I never thought I would say this, but I’m currently loving an artistic touch of draping on dining chairs and stools. I’ve been seeing very groovy ideas lately in the chair realm and am excited to execute a few looks this year,” says Eskenazi. “I also love a draped bar or DJ booth moment as most rental bars and booths are typically a hard surface. Even wrapping an interesting print around the surface of a plain bar can give a pop to your decor without breaking the bank.”
Once you decide where you want drapery, you should next think about the actual material you will be using. “The texture and weight of the fabric play a huge role in how the draping feels in the space,” says Helmstetter. “For romantic or whimsical settings, we love using flowy materials like chiffon or soft muslin. These fabrics move beautifully and create a sense of nostalgia and softness. When the draping is more of a backdrop and the event leans formal, we opt for textiles with more structure. Think velvet, crisp linen, or raw silk, depending on the overall aesthetic.”
Weiss adds that you don’t necessarily need to stick to a congruent fabric or shade for a draping display. “Don’t be afraid to mix fabrics,” she says. “It creates dimension. When you do this, the lighting hits it in all different ways to create moments. Couples are also getting creative with colors to create interest and that’s another way to make the drape stand out.”
While draping can bring on drama, those who want to invest in the trend should know it does cost a pretty penny. “If the couple is budget conscious, you have to give something up to get the look because drape is an expensive way to dress a space,” notes Weiss. “If you’re going to spend the money to drape, your guests should notice it.” Helmstetter agrees, sharing that it’s best not to skimp on materials if you want to pull the trend off with aplomb. “While there are budget-friendly polyester options available, investing in higher-quality textiles will dramatically elevate the overall look and feel of the event,” she says.
Another tip to follow? Prepare to be flexible if you’re draping outdoors. “You will want to invest in a very experienced draper who can secure the fabric well, not just for guest safety, but to maintain the look you want through uncontrollable elements,” advises Eskenazi. “You may have a specific vision of how it’s going to turn out, but sometimes the fabric has its own mind during install, and can even turn out better than you expected if you move with it versus against it.”
