How to Decorate Like a Pro at The Exchange
The Exchange is beloved for its industrial-chic charm, versatility, and mood-setting features. From the main hall, to the courtyard, to the bridal suites, you and your guests are going to LOVE engaging with the space. And since the venue provides such a fantastic backdrop with different colors and textures, we’ve seen some INCREDIBLE décor themes over the years. In this article, we’re going to highlight some do’s and don’ts for creating a timeless look that you can proudly and fondly reminisce over for years to come.
3 Pillars of Creating a Timeless Look
With multiple textures and backdrops throughout The Exchange, our venue is highly regarded by brides and photographers as one of the most versatile and visually impressive wedding venues at the Lake of the Ozarks. And as such, it provides a fantastic blank canvas for a timeless decorative touch that can be achieved with authenticity, consistency, and minimalism.
Embrace Authenticity
Infuse your wedding with authentic elements that truly reflect your love story. For instance, consider sourcing some reclaimed wood from a meaningful location to your family or perhaps your first date. Reclaimed wood is a great way to add warmth and charm to your welcome sign, head table, or arbor. Adorn it with lush greenery and delicate fairy lights to add some color and draw attention to your elements. Tell the story of your journey together by displaying photographs of your most cherished memories on the venue's eye-catching frosted window pane partition. Take your personalization to the next level with our Full-Service package. With this package, you can create a signature cocktail menu inspired by your favorite drinks and display it on a vintage-inspired bar sign. Personal touches like these will create a wedding experience that is uniquely yours and memorable for years to come.
Keep a Consistent Theme
By harnessing the industrial-chic vibe of The Exchange to create a consistent theme, you will create a lasting impression for your guests and a fantastic visual backdrop for your photographer/videographer. Consider a color palette that combines neutral tones with metallic sheen. For instance, eucalyptus green, complemented by touches of rose gold and ivory linens, creates an air of sophistication. One of our most popular looks involves dressing our custom-made farm tables with leafy garlands (now available in our “Something Borrowed” Closet - included with EVERY Venue Rental!). When paired with golden candlesticks and gold chargers, these elements combine to create an elegant and consistent centerpiece. Leverage the high industrial-steel rafters for suspending delicate greenery and fairy lights to add an enchanting touch that brings the entire room to life. These elements, when harmonized with the venue's polished concrete floors and the shimmer of the gold Chiavari chairs, will create a cohesive and visually stunning atmosphere.
Avoid Clutter
Simplicity is the key to achieving timeless elegance at The Exchange. Celebrate the venue's architectural features and create a clutter-free ambiance with the use of creative lighting options and minimalist-yet-elegant table décor. Featuring clean lines and a single statement centerpiece of fresh foliage and delicate blooms can create conversation-friendly environments for your guests and provides plenty of room for their place settings. The beauty of the brick wall at The Exchange serves as a striking backdrop for your vows, your head table, and your first dance. Our pre-prohibition-era bar has been rescued and fully restored to command attention and keep your guests contentfully served throughout the evening. This is a great place for a custom neon sign or to display notable trinkets to help propel the theme of your wedding. By keeping the design simple and purposeful, your theme will take center stage as it becomes fully enhanced by the venue's inherent charm.
When & How to Make a Statement at The Exchange
At The Exchange Venue, you will have an array of industrial-chic focal points that lend themselves beautifully to your dream wedding style. By identifying these key areas and enhancing them with carefully curated décor, you can create a truly memorable experience for you and your guests.
Identify the Natural Focal Points
As guests enter, they are greeted by a breathtaking 5-tier crystal chandelier, casting a dazzling glow and setting the tone for sophistication and romance. The classic frosted glass partition wall adds an element of elegance and separates the entryway, creating an intimate atmosphere. This entryway is the perfect spot for your welcome sign and gift display. Another striking feature is the venue's beautiful brick wall, providing a charming and textured backdrop for your vows and head table. The 100-year-old bar, with its intricate details and rich history, exudes timeless charm. Finally, the outdoor courtyard offers a picturesque setting for guests to enjoy, with its serene ambiance and the potential for al fresco festivities.
Enhance the Natural Focal Points
To accentuate and enhance these natural focal points at The Exchange Venue, draw inspiration from the best wedding decor styles. Let's explore some ideas:
The Entryway: Create a grand entrance by framing the doorway with lush greenery and delicate blooms, adding a touch of natural beauty to the classic frosted glass partition wall. Use elegant draping and twinkling fairy lights to accentuate the chandelier, amplifying its enchanting presence.
The Brick Wall: Celebrate the venue's charming brick wall by incorporating minimalist yet impactful decor elements. Hang suspended geometric terrariums filled with air plants and trailing ivy, offering a contemporary twist on a natural aesthetic. For an extra touch of elegance, add minimalist calligraphy signs displaying romantic quotes or your favorite love poems.
The 100-Year-Old Bar: Pay homage to the rich history of the bar by adorning it with vintage-inspired crystal decanters, antique cocktail shakers, and bespoke signage featuring your signature drinks. Incorporate gold-accented barware and lush floral arrangements to add a touch of opulence and sophistication.
The Courtyard: Transform the outdoor courtyard into a romantic oasis by stringing fairy lights overhead and draping billowing white fabric from the surrounding trees or pergola. Opt for minimalist seating arrangements, such as sleek modern benches or elegant bistro chairs, to create an inviting space for guests to relax and mingle.
Throughout these enhancements, maintain a modern style by focusing on clean lines, subtle textures, and a limited color palette. Embrace elements like sleek acrylic signage, gold chiavari chairs, and delicate glassware to create an understated yet elegant aesthetic.
Remember, making a statement with your wedding décor is about striking the perfect balance between enhancing the natural focal points and allowing the venue's inherent beauty to shine through. By drawing inspiration from the best wedding decor styles and infusing your personal touch, you can create an ambiance at The Exchange Venue that is truly unforgettable. You have found the ideal canvas to bring your elegant-yet-modernly minimalist wedding dreams to life. So, embrace these natural focal points, let your creativity soar, and design a wedding that exudes timeless elegance and charm.
How to Determine Your Décor Budget
When planning your wedding, determining your décor budget is crucial to ensure you create a beautiful and memorable ambiance. Let's break down the process step by step and explore the advantages of The Exchange's Full-Service wedding package.
Start with Your Total Budget
Begin by establishing your overall wedding budget (here’s a great tool from The Knot). This will help you allocate the appropriate amount to each aspect of your special day, including décor. As a general guideline, décor expenses typically account for about 10% to 15% of the total budget. However, sourcing each item individually can be time-consuming and potentially costly.
Make a List of Your Wedding "Must-Haves"
Once your total budget has been decided upon, it’s time to start determining which aspects of your wedding mean the most to you. For your décor, create a list of essential elements that are non-negotiable for your dream wedding. These typically include the arbor & backdrop display for your vows, the head table centerpiece and backdrop, floral arrangements, and any specific decorative items that hold special meaning to you.
Make a List of Your Wedding "Nice-to-Haves"
Next, compile a list of additional décor elements that would enhance the overall aesthetic but are not essential. These could be items such as signage, accent furniture, specialty lighting, linens, cake stands, candle holders, or other items that may not be unique to your love story, but help set the scene. It’s items like these that can really take a toll on your original budget, which is why we’ve created the “Something Borrowed” Décor Closet at The Exchange (available with EVERY venue rental starting in 2024!)
Take Advantage of The Exchange's "Something Borrowed" Décor Closet
This carefully curated collection of items has been thoughtfully selected to accentuate the industrial-chic charm of The Exchange. Leveraging our “Something Borrowed” Décor Closet not only eliminates the need to source these items individually but also guarantees their quality and seamless coordination.
Eliminate the time and effort needed to invest in researching, negotiating, and coordinating with multiple vendors to secure each element on your list. By choosing The Exchange, you gain access to a comprehensive solution that perfectly complements the venue's aesthetic.
Sourcing items individually can not only be time-consuming but also potentially costly. When considering the costs of sourcing on your own, remember to account for delivery fees, set-up fees, and potential damage or replacement costs if items are not returned in pristine condition.
In contrast, The Exchange provides a seamless experience where you can trust that each item in the "Something Borrowed" Décor Closet has been meticulously cared for and curated to meet the highest standards. This eliminates the risks associated with sourcing items independently and ensures a cohesive and visually stunning wedding décor.
By choosing The Exchange, you can have peace of mind knowing that all your décor needs will be handled by a team of professionals dedicated to creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. The stress of sourcing, coordinating, and managing each individual vendor is lifted off your shoulders, allowing you to immerse yourself in the joy of your wedding day fully.
Furthermore, with the Full-Service package, you benefit from the expertise and experience of Chelsey Cisar, the venue owner and wedding planning expert. Chelsey will work closely with you to understand your vision, discuss logistics, and outline a detailed plan. On your wedding day, a day-of coordinator will be present to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to relax and savor every moment.
Ultimately, by choosing The Exchange's Full-Service wedding package, you gain access to the expertise, elegance, and convenience of Lake Area's top wedding vendors. The value and peace of mind provided by this comprehensive package far outweigh the challenges and risks associated with sourcing and coordinating each element individually.