Creative Ways To Decorate Your Wedding On A Budget

Planning a wedding can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to make your big day look beautiful on a budget. From simple substitutions to DIY projects, here are some ideas for cheap wedding decorations that still look classy.

One way to save money on wedding decorations is to use the wedding party's bouquets as centrepieces on the head table. You can lay them flat so they look like a table runner or place them in a vase. Another idea is to use candles and mirrors as centrepieces – you can get cute votive candles for $0.80 each and mirrors for only $3. Fairy lights are another great way to create ambient lighting, and you can buy 16 feet of them for just $5.50.

If you're looking for cheap wedding decorations to drape over your wedding arches, doorways or ceilings, consider buying some light, flowy fabric. You can find sheer fabric for as little as $3 per yard. Paper lanterns are another cheap and cheerful way to decorate your wedding venue – you can buy them in bulk and hang them in clusters of different sizes and colours.

When it comes to table decorations, you can create your own table runners by buying fabric by the yard in a colour that fits your scheme. Etsy is a great place to look, with fabric available for $2 per foot. You could also use this fabric to accent your drapery or save it for other DIY projects.

Another way to save money on wedding decorations is to borrow items from friends and family, such as chalkboards, mirrors, vases, fairy lights and old books. You could also buy decorations with the intention of reusing them in your home, such as terrariums, succulents, potted plants or a chalkboard for your grocery list.

Reuse flowers from the ceremony at the reception

Flowers are a key part of any wedding, but they can be expensive. Here are some ways to reuse flowers from the ceremony at the reception to save money and create a cohesive look:

Repurpose Bouquets

Place the bridal party bouquets in vases as centrepieces for the head table. This saves money on additional floral arrangements and provides a special touch by giving each wedding party member a designated spot at the head table. You can fill in any blank space with lush greenery and candles to create a magical look.

Ceremony Aisle Flowers into Reception Decor

If you had floral arrangements lining the aisle, move them to decorate your welcome table, gift table, head table, or cake table. You can also use them as additions to the guest book table or dessert display. Just ensure someone is in charge of safely transporting and placing the flowers.

Utilise Archway Flowers

If you had a floral archway or altar at the ceremony, consider using it as a backdrop or prop for your photo booth. You can also surround your sweetheart table with the altarpieces or place the archway behind the head table.

Bridesmaids' Bouquets as Centrepieces

After portraits are over, the bridesmaids will likely want to ditch their bouquets. Have your florist design the bouquets with your table decor in mind, and ask for tips on keeping the flowers fresh. Then, use the bouquets as centrepieces at your reception.

Ceremony Seating Becomes Reception Seating

This one is a no-brainer! Using the same chairs for your ceremony and reception will save you money on rentals.

Ceremony Decor Becomes Table Decor

Any candles or lanterns placed along the aisle, as well as floral arrangements in tall vases, lush leafy garlands, and potted plants, can be reused to fill out your reception tables.

Buy used wedding decor

Buying used wedding decor is a great way to save money and reduce waste. Wedding Recycle is a vendor directory and marketplace for pre-loved wedding items, where you can buy and sell for free. You can find a wide range of items, from dresses to decor and more.

For example, their recent pre-owned listings include:

• Artificial eucalyptus garland
• 3-piece red, rose, and white floral arch
• 7.4 ft natural birch wood wedding arch
• Glass water goblets
• Handmade large paper flowers backdrop
• ShutterBooth Photo Booth credit
• Red Head Barrels for aging spirits and wines
• Vera Weng Waterford Lismore Flutes toasting set

You can also check out The Budget Savvy Bride for more tips on buying used wedding decor. They suggest checking out your local Goodwill and thrift stores, Walmart, and the dollar store for wedding decorations on a budget.

Additionally, you can rent wedding decor from sites like RentMyWedding or create upcycled wedding decor.

Opt for a minimalist wedding

Minimalist weddings are a growing trend, and for good reason. Minimalism is about making intentional choices and focusing on quality over quantity. It's not about removing things you like, but rather clearing away the clutter and only including what matters to you. Here are some tips for creating a beautiful minimalist wedding:

Choose a Strategic Color Palette

Start with a base color or two such as white, cream, light grey, ivory, or black. If you want to add more colors, stick to similar shades and then add a bright accent color. Remember, don't go overboard with too many contrasting shades, as this will distract your guests from the calming, simple theme.

Take Advantage of Textures

Play with different textures for your accent color. For example, display it in plastic, stone, glass, textiles, or wood. Contrast natural materials like wood with brutal urban textures, or pair neutrals with naturals, such as geometric plateware with delicate florals against sharp white linens.

Venue

For a truly minimalist wedding, choose a venue that is a blank canvas with lots of light and minimal decor. Outdoor spaces, refurbished warehouses, and lofts are great options. If you want an organic minimalist wedding, consider a forest clearing with lots of greenery.

Lighting

Take advantage of natural lighting whenever possible. For an indoor wedding, opt for a room with floor-to-ceiling windows. When the sun sets, use soft lighting like candles, string lights, and dimmed lamps to continue the ambiance.

Flowers

There are many ways to incorporate flowers in a minimalist way. Stick with one type of flower and make it the star of the show. Dried flowers are also a great option – hang dried floral stems or arrange them in a vase. Single-stem bouquets and centerpieces are another elegant and simple choice.

Geometric Elements

Incorporate geometric shapes into your decor to add a modern touch. Look for sculptural, geometric options for items like tables, chairs, chargers, and table numbers.

Centerpieces

Keep your centerpieces simple and complementary to the minimalist theme. You can make one bloom center stage, use greenery or wild grass as a table runner, include potted plants or cacti, or go for a bohemian look with mismatched vases. Complement the centerpiece with tall candles, geometric table numbers, or sharp light fixtures.

Tablescape

To create a minimalist tablescape, start with a white tablecloth or a table runner made from natural fabrics. Add tall, thin candles in neutral tones (or geometric candelabras), choose napkins in your accent color, and add a simple centerpiece.

Arch and Aisle

For the wedding arch, consider clean lines, geometric shapes, cascading greenery, and materials like metal or wood. A minimalist design will support the overall style. For the aisle, decorate with pampas grass, candles, a colorful rug, or potted succulents.

Details

Remember, a minimalist approach means that every detail is carefully selected and stylish. There are no random choices or accents. From the big picture to the smallest details, everything should be simple and intentional.

Choose an elegant venue

Choosing an elegant venue for your wedding can be a daunting task, especially if you're on a budget. Here are some tips and ideas to help you select a venue that's both elegant and affordable:

Consider a Non-Traditional Venue

Think beyond the typical hotel ballroom or country club. There are many unique venues that can offer a sophisticated setting for your special day. For example, look into museums, art galleries, libraries, or even historic homes. These venues often have stunning architecture and elegant features that will elevate your wedding without breaking the bank.

Opt for Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor venues can be a beautiful and budget-friendly option. Consider parks, gardens, beaches, or even your own backyard. By choosing a naturally beautiful setting, you can save on decorations and create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Just remember to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather!

Look for Hidden Gems

Sometimes, finding an elegant venue on a budget is about thinking outside the box. Consider spaces that may not be traditionally associated with weddings. For example, a café with a charming patio, a cozy bookstore, or even a local winery could make for an intimate and unique setting. These venues often have lower rental fees and can offer a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Ask About Off-Peak Dates

Venue pricing can vary significantly depending on the day of the week and time of year. Consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday, or even during the off-peak season. You'll likely find that venues offer more competitive rates during these times, and you may have more flexibility in your planning.

Be Mindful of Guest Count

The size of your guest list can impact the venue you choose. Smaller, more intimate weddings can open up a range of elegant venue options that might not have been feasible for a larger group. So, if you're looking to keep costs down, consider trimming your guest list to only your closest friends and family.

Utilize Natural Beauty

When selecting a venue, look for places with natural beauty and elegant features that will enhance your wedding without the need for excessive decorations. For example, a venue with a stunning view, a garden filled with blooming flowers, or a space with elegant architectural details can all provide a sophisticated backdrop for your special day.

Remember, when choosing an elegant venue on a budget, it's important to be creative, flexible, and mindful of the small details that can make a big impact. With careful planning and a bit of research, you can find a venue that embodies elegance and fits within your financial plan.

Create a romantic atmosphere with lighting

Lighting is a great way to set the mood for your wedding. It can be used to create a romantic atmosphere and enhance the overall experience for your guests. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Uplighting

Uplighting is a simple yet effective way to transform your wedding venue. By placing lights on the floor around the room, you can instantly change the mood and add a "wow" factor to your reception. The lights can be set to any shade of colour, creating a custom look that matches your wedding theme. This option is also budget-friendly and easy to set up, requiring no prior experience.

Fairy Lights

Fairy lights or string lights can add a magical touch to your wedding. They can be hung from trees, draped across ceilings, or used to create a romantic backdrop for photos. For an outdoor wedding, consider hanging fairy lights to create the illusion of a starlit sky or a magical tent. You can also use them to line the aisle or create a curtain of lights behind the altar, making your walk down the aisle even more special.

Lanterns

Lanterns are a great way to add ambiance to your wedding, especially for outdoor or garden weddings. You can use paper lanterns in various sizes and colours to create a fun and colourful atmosphere. For a whimsical touch, try rattan ball fairy string lights, which will cast a playful and quaint glow over your reception. Moroccan-inspired lanterns can also add a metallic accent to your decor while keeping your space well-lit.

Chandeliers

For a touch of elegance and sophistication, consider incorporating chandeliers into your lighting design. Crystal chandeliers, in particular, can add a sense of magic and regal elegance to your wedding. If you're going for a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, opt for hanging pendant lights with oversized shades in neutral tones. These work well with modern, vintage, or contemporary wedding themes.

Candles

Candles are a classic way to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. For a simple yet effective centrepiece, use candelabras or long-stem glass candle holders on your tables. For outdoor weddings, line the aisle with flameless LED tealights in white lanterns to add a sweet personal touch. You can also use varying heights of candles, from taper candles to tall pillar vases and mini votives, to showcase the beauty of your venue.

With these lighting ideas, you can create a romantic and memorable atmosphere for your wedding without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions