Everything You Need To Know About Ceiling Drapes, Draping And Swags

Ceiling Drapes might not be the first thing thought of when planning a wedding or special event, but few final flourishes are as flamboyant or effective. However, there are do’s and don’ts that must be managed when dealing with ceiling-based draping as the innocuous fabric strips can indirectly cause OH&S issues. In this article we’ll detail everything you need to know about them.

What are Ceiling Drapes?

Ceiling drapes are colourful, flowing pieces of fabric that are either hung from a ceiling or suspended in the air by special frames and stands. They’re often used as decorative flourishes at special events like weddings, anniversaries, banquets, milestone-birthdays and similar celebrations.

Ceiling Drapes

What are ceiling drapes also called?

They are also commonly referred to as ceiling swags and ceiling draping.

What are they made from?

Ceiling draping can be constructed from many materials including Satin, Silk and Chiffon. Lightweight fabrics are typically used due to the long lengths and multiple modules combining to make a mighty mass that can weigh enough to generate structural concerns.

How do you hang them? 

Ceiling drapes should be hung from specialist frames and mountings. These can take many forms including round rings that are suspended from the ceiling and backdrop stands which form a fabric façade. The former are suspended by chains or (strong) fishing line while the latter resemble lightweight scaffolding.

At the other end of the ceiling-strung draping, the fabric can be connected to a clear, acrylic tube that can easily be clipped onto most surfaces with a variety of connectors.

What are the dangers of drapes?

As with any structural-based decoration, care should be taken both in mounting the fabric properly and ensuring that the frame will not fall onto anyone. This is of particular importance in large halls where the frame might weigh many kilos and be supporting significant weight of fabric from a high height.

It’s also important to note that the light-weight nature of the material means that it’s often not flame retardant. As such it should be kept well clear of candles, open flame and hot lightbulbs.

Where can I buy them?

Luna Weddings and Event Supplies carries a range of ceiling draping. Check out the different colours of ice silk draping and also glamorous white chiffon variants

If you need additional mounting kits, whether it’s a ceiling ring, backdrop stand, clip, tube or spigot check out Luna’s range of hardware here.