Creating Inexpensive Wedding Columns: A Guide

Wedding columns are a great way to create a focal point for your ceremony, but they can be expensive. Real columns are typically made of wood, stone, or iron, and renting them can be costly. However, you can design your own wedding columns using styrofoam or plastic foam sheets, which are available at craft stores. In this article, we will show you how to make cheap wedding columns that look elegant and sophisticated. We will also provide tips on how to decorate and reuse your wedding columns to save money. By following these instructions, you can create beautiful and affordable wedding columns that fit your budget.

Use styrofoam or plastic foam sheets

To make cheap wedding columns, you can use styrofoam or plastic foam sheets. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Materials:

• 8 plastic foam sheets (36" by 12" by 1/2")
• 2 plastic foam sheets (36" by 12" by 2")
• 2 10-inch plastic foam balls
• Plastic foam glue or a low-heat glue gun
• Stone-texture spray paint

Instructions:

• Use a serrated knife to cut both 12" by 36" by 2" sheets in half widthwise. These four small sheets will be the tops and bases of the columns.
• Place one of the base sheets on a flat surface.
• Glue four 12" by 36" by 1/2" sheets to the base along their 12-inch edges.
• Glue two of the 36-inch edges together to form a 90-degree angle. Repeat this process until you have four column walls.
• Wait 20 minutes to an hour for the glue to dry.
• Place a hardcover book inside the column to weigh it down and ensure it doesn't get knocked over easily.
• Cover the edges of the top piece with glue. Hold the glue gun at a 10-degree angle and gently apply glue along the edges.
• Secure the top piece to the column walls.
• Use the foam ball as an accent piece by centering and gluing it to the middle of the top.
• Spray paint the columns with stone-texture spray paint.
• Decorate the columns with silk flowers, satin and lace embellishments, or drape lace or ivy around them.

These DIY wedding columns will cost you between $40 and $80 to make, and you can easily find the materials at any craft store.

Reuse flowers from the ceremony at the reception

Flowers are a key part of any wedding, but they can be expensive. One way to save money is to reuse the flowers from your ceremony at your reception. Here are some tips and ideas to help you do this:

Firstly, it's important to plan ahead. Decide who will be in charge of moving the flowers and when this will happen. You could ask a family member or friend, or delegate the task to your wedding planner or florist. If you're having a cocktail hour, this is a great time to move the flowers to the reception area.

If your ceremony and reception are in the same place, you can still reuse flowers from the ceremony. For example, you could have flowers lining the aisle or hanging from chairs, which can then be moved to decorate the reception space. Flowers from the altar can be used to decorate the gift table or bar, and bridesmaids' bouquets can be reused as centrepieces.

Another idea is to use flowers from the ceremony to decorate the cake table or guestbook table. You could also scatter petals on reception tables or use flowers to decorate a sweetheart table. If you're having a photo display, flowers can be used to decorate this area too.

If you're using flower jars or vases, these can easily be moved and reused at the reception. You can also cut the ribbons from hanging flower jars and use them as centrepieces.

Don't forget that flowers can also be reused after the wedding. You could dry and frame your bridal bouquet, create a resin keepsake, or make homemade potpourri. You could even donate your flowers to a charitable cause, such as a nursing home or hospital, to spread the joy beyond your wedding day.

Buy used wedding decor

Wedding decorations can be expensive, but there are ways to save money and still have beautiful results. One way to do this is to buy used wedding decor.

There are now many online marketplaces dedicated to pre-loved wedding items, where you can find everything from dresses to decor. Buying used wedding decor is a great way to save money and reduce waste. These sites often have a wide range of items, from tableware to floral arrangements and backdrops, all at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

For example, on Wedding Recycle, you can find a range of used and unused decor items, such as:

• Artificial eucalyptus garland
• Chair sashes
• A 7.4-foot natural birch wood wedding arch
• Handmade large paper flowers
• Glassware and dinnerware
• Candlesticks
• Floral arches
• Vases
• And much more

Another option is to buy directly from other couples who have recently gotten married. They may be looking to sell their decor items in bulk at a discounted price. You can often find these opportunities on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Gumtree.

When buying used wedding decor, be sure to ask questions about the condition of the items and whether they have been altered in any way. It's also a good idea to inspect the items in person before purchasing, if possible.

By buying used wedding decor, you can stay within your budget, reduce waste, and still create a beautiful and memorable celebration.

Go for a minimalistic wedding

If you're looking to save money on your wedding, one way to do so is by making your own wedding columns. Here's how to do it:

Embracing a minimalist aesthetic for your wedding is a great way to save money on decorations. This toned-down style focuses on keeping things simple, streamlined and neutral, eliminating anything that feels too busy or fussy. Here are some ideas to achieve this look:

• Use decorative linens, stylish dinnerware, candles and a touch of greenery to style your reception tables, instead of opting for expensive floral centrepieces.
• Choose a black and white colour palette for your wedding stationery, invitations and menu cards.
• Opt for a simple wedding hairstyle, such as slightly undone waves pinned to the side, for a casual and effortless look.
• Choose a wedding dress or bridal jumpsuit without beading or heavy embellishments.
• Use a simple seating chart, dressed up with a decorative greenery swag, to direct guests to their seats.
• Opt for black Chiavari chairs, which create a sleek, seamless effect.
• Keep your wedding bouquet small and choose just one type of flower for the arrangement.
• Use a single white flower, such as a rose or ranunculus, as a subtle boutonniere.
• Use bud vases as an alternative, minimalist centrepiece idea. Pick flowers in one colour and group them together in the vases.
• Use a wedding cake with minimal embellishments, such as an all-white cake with a Swiss dot pattern.

Make Your Own Wedding Columns

Another way to save money on your wedding is to make your own wedding columns. Here's what you'll need:

• 8 plastic foam sheets 36" by 12" by 1/2"
• 2 plastic foam sheets 36" by 12" by 2"
• 2 10-inch plastic foam balls
• Plastic foam glue or a low heat glue gun
• Stone-texture spray paint

To make the columns:

• Use a serrated knife to saw the two 36" by 12" by 2" sheets in half widthwise. These will be the tops and bases of the columns.
• Place a base sheet on a flat surface. Glue four 36" by 12" by 1/2" sheets to the base along their 12-inch edges. Glue two of the 36-inch edges together to form a 90-degree angle. Repeat until you have four column walls.
• Wait 20 minutes to an hour for the glue to dry. Place a hardcover book inside the column to weigh it down.
• Cover the edges of the top piece with glue and secure it to the top of the column walls.
• Use the foam ball as an accent piece by centring it on the top and gluing it in place.
• Spray paint the columns with stone-texture spray paint.
• Decorate the columns with silk flowers, lace or ivy.

Choose a venue that fits your vision

Choosing a venue that aligns with your vision is crucial when planning a wedding on a budget. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect venue that fits your dream wedding vision:

Consider Your Wedding Theme and Style:

Look for venues that align with the aesthetic and theme you have in mind for your wedding. For instance, if you're planning a modern wedding, explore art galleries, well-designed restaurants, or warehouse spaces. On the other hand, if you're envisioning a more natural, organic wedding, consider outdoor venues such as parks, backyards, gardens, or ranches. Selecting a venue that complements your theme will help create a cohesive and immersive experience for your special day.

Create a Guest List:

Before visiting venues, have a clear idea of your expected guest count. Knowing your guest list size will help you choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your group. It will also impact your budget, as venues often charge based on the number of guests. Additionally, having a finalized guest list will help you avoid the headache of managing last-minute additions that may exceed the venue's capacity.

Be Mindful of Your Budget:

When selecting a venue, consider the overall cost, including rental fees, catering, décor, and floral design. In-house catering, for example, can drive up costs, as some venues charge a price-per-plate. Understand your total budget and prioritize allocations to vendors and design elements that are most important to you. If a venue takes up a significant portion of your budget, consider scaling back on other expenses or exploring more affordable options.

Think About Your Guests' Experience:

If you're hosting a destination wedding or have many out-of-town guests, choose a venue conveniently located near hotels or accommodations. Also, consider your guests' comfort within the venue itself. The maximum capacity of a room may not always provide a comfortable amount of space, so inquire about the venue's comfortable occupancy and adhere to fire code regulations.

Evaluate What's Included:

When comparing venues, consider what is included in the rental. Some venues provide tables, chairs, linens, and other essentials, while others require you to rent these items separately. Price out the cost of renting additional items to make an informed decision. Additionally, if a venue has in-house catering, remember to factor in tax and gratuity, which can significantly impact the final cost.

Stay True to Your Authenticity:

While it's tempting to replicate wedding styles you admire on Pinterest, it's essential to choose a venue that reflects who you are as a couple. Ask yourselves what feels authentic to your relationship and select a space that aligns with your unique vision, even if it means deviating from popular trends.

Remember, by choosing a venue that aligns with your vision, you're not only creating a beautiful setting but also ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Frequently asked questions