Springtime always makes me think of outdoor weddings and ceremonies. I don’t know about the rest of the country, but except for last Saturday, the weather in Southern California has been absolutely gorgeous and temperate. So if you’re taking advantage of a picturesque gazebo, like this one at Almansor Court in Alhambra, you should definitely take heed of a few tips I have to offer for decorating it.

Tip #1: Use a really bright color. Most gazebos are painted white (although there is the odd brown one), so just about any color will pop against a gazebo.  Of course, I’m very partial to fabric as decoration, and on a gazebo its especially nice, because then things are all floaty and blow a little bit in the wind. Don’t give too much loop to the fabric, though, or it could catch something.

Photo by Doris

Tip #2: If you’ve got a small gazebo or if its in a spectacular location (like on a beach or overlooking the Pacific Ocean) like this gazebo at the La Venta Inn in Rancho Palos Verdes, then less is more. Don’t overwhelm the gazebo with flowers (you don’t want it to fall over from the weight!) and white tulle will soften the edges. Even just a few flowers will pack a punch against a gazebo like this, as you can see.

Flickr photo by Castaway Restaurant Burbank

Tip #3: When decorating a gazebo or any outdoor venue, bring a ladder and several bottles of water. I learned this the hard way — again — when decorating Jinah’s wedding a few weeks ago. I was in the sun on a surprisingly warm day all morning, in jeans, sans any water, and was dehydrated and possibly suffering from heatstroke the rest of the night and most of the next day. This is really important, especially for you brides planning to decorate your own weddings. (I don’t recommend that, by the way. You have too much to worry about.)

Flickr photo by jp1958

Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to get creative. Use whatever catches your fancy — fabric, balloons, even palm leaves like these. (Incidentally, this is a very cheap option, seeing as how these kind of palms are available in so many backyards.) Honestly, you should use what makes you happy. I have found that the more stressful or expensive a thing or experience is, it detracts from my happiness.

There are probably a whole bunch of other tips I could give, but its a bit late and I can’t think of anything else at the moment. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below, and I’ll try to answer as best as I can.