This One Design Tip Can Transform Your Entire Wedding Experience
When you’re planning a wedding or private event, it’s easy to get caught up in the big-ticket decisions - your venue, your color palette, your timeline. But sometimes, it’s the less obvious choices that leave the biggest impression. If you’re searching for event planning in Austin or working with a wedding planner in Grand Rapids, you’ve probably already gathered a few ideas for how you want your day to look. But if there’s one insider design tip that truly transforms the feel of an event, it’s this: layering.
Whether you’re hosting a wedding at a downtown Austin venue or designing a private party in Grand Rapids with elevated flair, layering adds depth, warmth, and a polished, editorial quality that your guests won’t forget.
What Is Layering, and Why Does It Matter?
Layering is the art of adding dimension and depth to a space through intentional choices - think mixed patterns, textured materials, and curated design details. It’s not about choosing two colors and calling it a day (we’ve moved on from that!). Instead, it’s about creating a dynamic, cohesive atmosphere through thoughtful elements at every level.
Yes, you still need an overall color palette and a clear sense of your event’s vibe - but don’t restrict yourself. One common misconception is that you need to pick just two or three “wedding colors” and stick with them across the board. But the truth is, neutrals don’t count as colors, so you can layer them in freely! That might mean mixing warm tans with cool grays, or pairing ivory and oatmeal with soft metallics. It’s in that freedom to play where the real magic happens.
Layering might look like:
On a large scale:
Layering different table sizes or shapes to add visual interest
Mixing chair styles (think modern + vintage) for a custom look
Adding ceiling or backdrop draping to soften and elevate the space
In the decor:
Mixing striped and solid linens for contrast
Combining rattan chargers with vintage floral plates and stone candle holders
Adding texture and variety to the place settings with layered napkins, menus, and unique glassware
In the atmosphere:
Layering lounge furniture with soft rugs to define zones
Varying candle heights and centerpiece designs to create dimension across the tablescape
This technique works whether you're designing a wedding at a Grand Rapids venue or curating a rooftop event in downtown Austin. It adds that “wow” factor without ever feeling overdone.
Layering Is Just the Beginning of Our Design Philosophy
When couples hire our team., they’re not just getting help with timelines and vendor coordination - they’re getting both a
planner + designer.
From the very beginning, we prioritize the creative design process just as much as the logistics.
That means you’re not expected to know how to layer patterns or balance textures on your own. We guide you through it all with clear communication, collaborative mood boards, and custom mock-ups so you can feel confident in every design decision. Our goal is to help you feel inspired and supported - not overwhelmed.
A Real Wedding Example: Annie + Max in Fort Worth, TX
Annie and Max’s private estate wedding in Fort Worth was the perfect example of how layered design transforms a wedding into an intentional, guest-centered experience. Instead of relying on a single-use layout or static color palette, we thoughtfully designed distinct zones for dancing, cocktails, and conversation, giving guests the freedom to move throughout the space in a way that felt natural and elevated.
We used layering at every level - mixing textures, playing with scale, and adding thoughtful details throughout each zone - to create a setting that was visually rich and emotionally engaging. From the ceremony to the reception, every corner had purpose, telling a story that felt both curated and relaxed. This was one of those events where everything worked together seamlessly: the vibe shifted as the evening unfolded, but the design always felt cohesive. That balance is exactly what layering makes possible - an environment that’s immersive, dynamic, and undeniably fun.
🫶 You can see more from their wedding, as featured on WedVibes!
Why Couples Often Overlook This Detail
Many couples come to us with a clear vision - but they’re hesitant to mix styles, patterns, or palettes. One question we hear all the time is, “Are you sure this goes together?”
That hesitation makes sense - our brains love things that match. But when you embrace layering, your event starts to feel curated, not cookie-cutter. It’s what makes guests say, “This is so them.”
We help our couples step confidently into this more nuanced design space with mock-ups, mood boards, and expert guidance every step of the way.
A Styled Shoot That Shows What’s Possible (Even Beyond the Color Wheel)
To show couples what’s truly possible with layered design, one of our favorite creative projects was a styled shoot in Michigan that celebrated color in a fresh, organic way. The vision was to challenge the idea that weddings have to stick to just two colors. Instead, we showcased how layering desaturated tones, natural textures, and varied shapes can create a dynamic, storybook-inspired tablescape that still feels relaxed and approachable.
We layered striped and solid linens to create a grounded base, then added stone candle holders, vintage silver vases, rattan chargers, and antique blue floral plates. Paper goods echoed the details of the table by layering different shapes and colors - right down to a delicate blue floral pattern pulled directly from the vintage china. That same thoughtfulness carried through to the bar with printed linen signage and styled vintage trays.
The result looked effortless, but getting there was an intentional design challenge. Mixing multiple colors and textures in a way that feels cohesive - without becoming overwhelming - takes precision. We wanted the final design to feel like a celebration of the season: a little wild, a little relaxed, and rooted in that fresh, organic energy we love to bring to every event. This shoot pushed us creatively, and reminded us just how powerful layering can be when you want your design to feel both curated and lived-in.
Your Event, Reimagined
Whether you’re hosting a private event in Grand Rapids, a wedding in Austin, or a corporate gathering in between - layering is the key to a memorable guest experience. It’s how you turn your vision into something that feels intentional, immersive, and elevated at every level.
Ready to bring your layered design to life? Let’s create something unforgettable together!
Inquire here to get started with full-service planning and design that’s as thoughtful as it is beautiful.