Ceiling Draping for Weddings and Banquet Halls

Walk into a plain banquet hall with a drop ceiling and exposed ductwork, and you start to understand why couples spend money above their heads. Ceiling draping hides the lines of the room, adds height or softness, and gives lights something to glow against. It is also one of the most room-specific decor choices, so you need measurements before you pick a style.

What ceiling draping does

• Hides the mess: ductwork, pipes, tile and fluorescent panels.
• Lowers a huge room so it feels cozy, or creates the look of a tent.
• Hosts lighting: uplights, string lights and chandeliers sit in the folds.
• Defines zones: a drape over the dance floor tells guests where to look.

Three common styles

What the venue has to allow

This is the part people miss. A rental drape is hung from something. Possible anchors include ceiling grid, trusses, I-beams, or freestanding frames. Many venues prohibit nails, tape, staples or hooks in the ceiling. Some require their own rigger or certified installer. Ask your venue these questions before you price anything:

Fire and sprinkler rules

Fabric near sprinklers and smoke detectors is a safety issue. Venues and local fire departments set clearances and fabric requirements. Do not guess. Ask your venue for its written decor policy, and ask the rental company for fabric certification. In Chicago and suburban buildings, the rules vary by building and by village. Check with your venue and the village or city fire office.

Sizing and fabric

Rental companies often quote ceiling draping by the square foot of ceiling covered or by the number of panels, so give them the room's dimensions. A rule of thumb is that fabric should be several times the covered area, because it is gathered. Ask how many yards of fabric the plan uses. White, ivory and champagne sheers brighten a room, while black and dark colors hide ceilings and make light stand out.

The sprinkler clearance above is a common fire-code planning number, but it varies by local code. Treat it as a question to ask, not a rule.

Lighting inside the drape

Warm white uplights and string lights behind sheers create a glow. Chandeliers need a hanging point. See our lighting and power resources and ask about power runs to the ceiling before you design.

Pairing with the rest of the room

A drape works as a frame for the floor, so plan it with your dance floor size and the room transformation plan. Chairs with a lot of detail, like the Louis medallion, look best under soft, simple fabric.

Mistakes to avoid

• Ordering without a site visit.
• Assuming you can hang from the ceiling grid.
• Using dark fabric in a low room.
• Forgetting that heat from lights can scorch cheap fabric.

Plan the floor and the whole rental list in one call

Planning a transformation? Book a free 15-minute seating call and we will help you map the room, or request a quote with your guest count and venue. We help plan the full rental list in one call, so the dance floor, tables, chairs and decor are priced together.