As much as we would all like to have our wedding in the Bahamas or some other exotic location, we more often than not end up hosting our friends and family in the church reception hall. In many cases, this reception hall doubles as the Family Life Center, with sports courts and the smell of sweaty socks. If you are facing a less-than-aesthetically-pleasing banquet room, then there are a few things that you can do to bump up the glamor before your big day.

First of all, take a quick tour of the reception hall. Keep your eye open for anything that just must be covered during the big party, including any vibrant posters on the walls, unflattering marks on the floors, and not-so-pretty smells. This will give you a good idea of what you’re working with, so you can start to make plans for your decorations.

Let’s attack that gym smell first, because it may be the hardest to hide. The best way to rid the hall of unflattering smells is to open all of the doors and let fresh air in for several hours at a time. You may be tempted to just light candles or spray air fresheners, but this will only mask the smell and may bring about some allergic reactions. You should let a breeze carry out as much as possible before you get to work on adding nicer smells. Candles are the best idea because they won’t release the harsh chemicals that sprays do, and that can avoid quite a few headaches.

Next, you can attack the walls and floors. If your reception is to be held in the gym, it’s possible that there are floor covers already available to you. These are usually made of heavy-duty vinyl and attach by Velcro. The seams can be a bit dangerous, especially to those in heels, so try to plan your other decorations to cover those seams up. If your budget allows for draping fabric, this is the wisest way to eliminate unsightly wall decorations. By creating an indoor wedding tent, you can add some mystery and elegance to an otherwise nondescript room.

Placing columns and potted plants throughout the room can separate the space into smaller rooms. This can keep guests from feeling overwhelmed in such a large area while also drawing the eye away from the basketball goals. These are the best idea for covering those floor cover seams, as well, if necessary. By grouping tables creatively and placing the buffet and bar near the center of the room, you can make the room seem even more intimate.

Finally, your creative flowers and table centerpieces can add the crowning touch. This is really your chance to make the reception hall shine. Creative and colorful blooms will keep the eyes on the pretty parts of your reception, which means that guests will be too busy discussing the French White Anemones or the Black-Eyed Susans to notice the doors to the locker rooms.