Blank Canvas Weddings: What Are They and How Do You Style Them?
If the thought of a cookie-cutter wedding venue makes you cringe, then a blank canvas wedding might be your dream come true. Forget pre-set décor and restrictive layouts, this is your chance to create something completely unique. But with total creative freedom comes the challenge of starting from scratch.
Here’s how to transform an empty space into an unforgettable experience that’s so you.
What Is a Blank Canvas Wedding?
A blank canvas wedding is exactly what it sounds like, an open space with no pre-existing decor, themes, or restrictions. Think warehouses, art galleries, industrial lofts, or even just a patch of lawn. You bring the vision, and the space becomes whatever you want it to be.
🔹 Pros: No limitations, fully customizable, lets you break away from tradition.
🔹 Cons: Requires more planning, can feel overwhelming, usually means bringing in all vendors separately.
How to Style a Blank Canvas Wedding
1. Start with a Signature Concept, Not Just a Theme
With a blank space, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “anything goes.” Instead of picking a broad theme (boho, vintage, modern), anchor your wedding in a feeling or story.
🎨 Fresh Ideas:
A wedding inspired by your favourite art movement (hello, Surrealist dreamscape or Bauhaus minimalism!)
A sleek, monochrome affair where everything, from florals to fashion, is one striking shade
A futuristic neon-lit dance hall with metallics and digital projections
2. Play with Layout & Movement
Without a fixed venue structure, you control the guest experience. Think beyond standard seating charts and static spaces.
🛋️ Ideas to Try:
Lounge-style reception with a mix of sofas, cocktail tables, and interactive spaces
A “progressive” event where different parts of the evening unfold in different areas
Circular or U-shaped seating for a more immersive ceremony
3. Make the Space Feel Full (Without Overcrowding)
An empty venue can feel overwhelming if not styled intentionally. Use large-scale statement pieces to add impact without clutter.
✨ Key Styling Moves:
Oversized floral installations or hanging floral clouds to create drama
Bold lighting choices like sculptural chandeliers or moody uplighting
Playing with ceiling height—if it’s high, add suspended elements to create intimacy
4. Use Textures & Layers for Dimension
A blank space can feel stark, so layering different textures will make it feel dynamic and warm.
🌾 Material Mixes to Try:
Velvet draping paired with sleek acrylic furniture
Rough, industrial surfaces softened by lush textiles
Minimalist tables contrasted with rich, sculptural florals
5. Think Beyond Traditional Wedding Elements
Since you aren’t limited to a venue’s standard offerings, you can get creative with what your wedding includes.
🚀 Unexpected Touches:
A fashion-forward bridal moment with multiple outfit changes
A custom-built bar with signature cocktails named after your love story
A multi-sensory experience with live art, immersive projections, or interactive installations
Own the Creative Process
Blank canvas weddings are for couples who want to do things their way. It’s a challenge, but also a chance to build a day that feels fresh, exciting, and completely original. No pre-set packages, no limits, just endless possibilities to make your wedding as bold, modern, and one-of-a-kind as your love story.
We LOVE creating a blank canvas wedding and have the tools to assist you in designing day that’s completely YOU, and nothing you’ve seen before.
Let’s start the process babe! 💘