Your wedding day only comes along once, which is why so many brides want to choose the perfect venue for both the ceremony and the reception. There are a number of things that might lead to you reserving your second or even third choice, including time limitations, available space and price. Though you may find it hard to believe, you can transform any venue and make it your dream venue.

Change the Lighting

One easy and simple way to transform the space is with new lighting. Vanja Veric of She Knows recommends using twinkle lights or fairy lights that you hang around the space to provide mood lighting for your guests. Veric also suggest using mason jars with candles or lights placed inside. If you worry about guests knocking over the candles, you can use battery operated candles inside those jars to give the venue a warm glow.

Bring in Unexpected Pieces of Furniture

The problem with some venues is that you might find yourself stuck with using the same tables and chairs that dozens or even hundreds of other brides used in the past. Bringing in some new and unexpected pieces of furniture can help set the space apart and give you the dream wedding look you always imagined. Look for vintage chairs covered in velvet or other rich fabrics that add a luxurious touch to the space, or bring in chrome chairs in bold colors to give the space a more contemporary feel.

Choose Your Own Tableware

The Knot writer Vi-An Nguyen suggests that you choose your own tableware, including glasses and plates. When you rent a wedding venue, the venue will often recommend that you use the tableware already available, which limits what you can do to decorate each table. Renting plates and glassware in the colors that you want and in designs that match your theme helps you create your own unique look.

Become a Decorating Goddess

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to transform an ordinary venue into something special for your wedding day, but you will want to bring out your inner decorating goddess. Take a page from Martha Stewart and decorate the space in the way you always wanted for your reception. You might hang chandeliers from the ceiling, bring in some fabric to cover dingy or ugly walls or arrange candles all over the room. Don’t be afraid to ask your bridesmaids, family and friends for a little help decorating too.

Regardless of where you exchange vows and celebrate with loved ones, you can make that venue look amazing. Create a plan for decorating to transform that space into one you will never forget and one everyone will love.