Decorating Ideas for Wedding Pedestals

Pedestals are frequently used in wedding decorations for everything from holding candles on the altar to showcasing the wedding cake during the reception. There are even giant pedestals that can hold up a tent ceiling or make a graceful archway to the ceremony itself. Many pedestals are beautiful simply as they are, but for a truly coordinated look you can decorate them to match your wedding dcor.

Lights

Since pedestals are visual focal points, make them stand out even more with the use of strategic lighting. Try setting a small spotlight at the foot of the pedestal, aimed up for dramatic effect; use white lights or choose a shade that matches the colors of your wedding. You can spiral a string of twinkle lights up the column part of the pedestal, or cover it entirely with lights for a Vegas effect. Using pedestal candlesticks to support pillar candles can impart an air of importance to centerpieces.

Fabric

For an elegant look, wrap the pedestal with spirals of a white, gauzy fabric like cheesecloth. You can twist ribbon around the fabric to add a burst of color. Even low pedestals like cake stands will benefit from a flourish of ribbon in your signature colors, particularly if the bow is enhanced by crystals, beads or charms for added sparkle. Lace is another classic wedding look; drape it over the pedestal's platform just as you would a tablecloth. It can fall several inches, several feet or all the way to the floor. For an even more opulent effect, place the lace over cloth of richly colored satin.

Flowers

Nothing says "wedding" like decorating with flowers, and pedestal embellishments are no exception. You can surround the base and the top edge with wreaths of your wedding flowers or go all out and wind long garlands of flowers up the column. Wire small nosegays of flowers to candlesticks and place a lavish floral wreath around the cake plate to complete the look.

Color

If you own the pedestals---that is, if they're not rented---you can change their look completely. Paint them to match your wedding colors, or add a textured finish or a crackling glaze to make them more interesting. Gilt---either real gold or gold paint---can add rich, glowing highlights. For more sparkle glue on some mirroring; use square-shaped mirrored tiles cut to fit flat-sided pedestals, and randomly placed small-mirrored embellishments on round pedestals. You can also cover the pedestal columns with adhesive paper so that they resemble wood or marble.