Inexpensive Wedding Decor: Creative Ways To Save On Your Big Day

Planning a wedding can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to make your big day special without breaking the bank. From DIY decorations to clever use of natural elements, here are some ideas to help you create a beautiful and affordable celebration.

One way to save money is to get creative with your decor. For example, you could make your own centrepieces by arranging flowers and greenery in bud vases or Mason jars, or hang paper lanterns and fairy lights to create a whimsical atmosphere. You could also use natural elements like leaves, fruits, and vegetables as place cards or centrepieces, or add a rustic touch with wooden accents and potted plants.

Another way to cut costs is to choose a venue with built-in decor or eye-catching surroundings, such as an outdoor garden or park. This will reduce the amount of money you need to spend on decorations while also providing a gorgeous backdrop for your photos.

If you're feeling crafty, you could try making your own invitations, place cards, or even your bridal bouquet. And don't be afraid to enlist the help of family and friends – many hands make light work, and it's a great way to involve your loved ones in the wedding planning process.

Finally, don't forget to shop around for the best deals on decor items. Websites like Etsy, Amazon, and Wayfair offer a wide range of budget-friendly options, and you can also look for second-hand items at thrift stores or garage sales.

With a bit of creativity and some careful planning, you can have the wedding of your dreams without spending a fortune.

Use foliage and candles as table decorations

Candles and foliage are a match made in heaven when it comes to wedding decorations. They create a romantic, ethereal atmosphere that will make your wedding photos look like a dream. Here are some tips to achieve this look:

Choose the Right Candles

Select candles that fit your wedding style and colour scheme. Tapered candles are the quintessential romantic table candle, while pillar candles can stand on their own and come in various heights, allowing you to play with different styles. Tea lights and votive candles are small and add a cosy glow without overpowering your other decorations.

Get Creative with Foliage

Foliage can be fresh or dried, and you can use eucalyptus leaves, baby's breath, ferns, or even herbs like basil to add an organic touch. Greenery can also be draped to fill out sparse areas, such as banquet tables, the newlyweds' chairs, or the bar. You can also create a unique candle display by floating a single candle above smooth river rocks in a tall glass pillar set on a raw wood tray.

Mix Candles and Foliage

Combine candles and foliage to create stunning centrepieces. For a rustic look, flank pillar candles with bud vases filled with flowers and greenery. For a whimsical touch, hang tea lights in little glass circles from trees, along with taller standing column candles. For a more elegant look, try tall candelabras with an overflowing abundance of flowers.

Play with Heights and Sizes

Mix and match different heights and sizes of candles and foliage to create a visually interesting display. Use tall candelabras to draw the eye upward, or suspend candles above your tabletop, along with a matching display on the table below.

Safety First

Remember to keep foliage away from direct flames and never leave candles unattended. Opt for battery-operated candles if you want the glow without the worry of an open flame.

With these tips, you can create a magical atmosphere at your wedding using candles and foliage.

Repurpose wine bottles as vases or carafes

Wine bottles can be repurposed in a variety of ways to create beautiful and inexpensive decorations for a wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Centrepieces

Group a couple of wine bottles together and add a single stem rose or other flowers of your choice to each bottle. This simple yet effective centrepiece adds height, colour, and visual interest without breaking the bank. You could also fill the bottles with fairy lights for a magical touch.

Table Numbers

Paint or etch table numbers onto wine bottles and place them on tables at your wedding reception. This idea is perfect for a vineyard or rustic-themed wedding. You could also wrap the bottles with twine or lace for a more elegant look.

Vases or Carafes

Drinking glasses and carafes can be made from wine bottles by cutting off the bottom of the bottle and smoothing the edges. These can be used as vases for flowers or as drinking glasses for water or wine. If you want to get creative, you can even paint or etch designs onto the bottles before cutting them.

Bird Feeders

Create a unique bird feeder by hanging a wine bottle from a branch and attaching a small plate to serve as the feeder base. Fill the bottle with birdseed, and you'll have a decorative and functional piece that will attract birds to your backyard.

Hanging Lights

Wine bottles can be turned into hanging lights or chandeliers by drilling a hole in the bottom of the bottle, threading a light cord through, and installing a bulb. For a more rustic look, you can dip the bottles in acetone and wrap them with twine before installing the lights.

Planters

Wine bottles can be cut in half and used as self-watering planters for small gardens. Simply fill the bottom half of the bottle with water, place dirt in the top half, and plant seeds. This is a creative way to add some greenery to your wedding decor while also being environmentally friendly.

With a little creativity, wine bottles can be transformed into elegant and unique decorations for your wedding. Not only will you save money, but you'll also have fun crafting these beautiful pieces.

Create a photo booth with a fun backdrop

Photo booths are a great way to capture unforgettable memories and encourage your guests to interact with one another. While renting a photo booth can be expensive, you can easily create your own DIY photo booth with a fun backdrop. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create a memorable photo booth experience for your wedding:

Choose a backdrop that fits your theme:

Select a backdrop that complements your wedding theme and decorations. You can use extra flower decorations, fairy lights, or curtains to create a fun and festive backdrop. If your wedding is outdoors, consider using natural elements such as a tree or a garden wall as your backdrop.

Get creative with props and accessories:

Encourage your guests to get creative with props and accessories. Provide items such as oversized sunglasses, fun hats, and other decorative items that match your wedding theme. You can also create your own props, such as ribbon wands or flower crowns, for a more personalised touch.

Use technology to your advantage:

Utilise technology to enhance your photo booth experience. Set up an iPad or tablet with a photo booth app, such as Onebooth or Mini Photobooth, to allow guests to take and print their photos. You can also provide selfie sticks and disposable cameras for guests who prefer to use their phones.

Add lighting for a touch of glamour:

Lighting can make a big difference in the quality of your photos. Consider using string lights, fairy lights, or disco balls to illuminate your photo booth area and create a fun atmosphere. If your wedding has a rustic theme, you can use candles or lanterns to provide soft lighting.

Repurpose wedding decorations:

Make the most of your wedding decorations by repurposing them for your photo booth backdrop. For example, you can use your ceremony arch, floral arrangements, or vintage rugs as a backdrop. This will not only save you money but also create a cohesive look for your wedding décor.

Encourage guests to use the photo booth:

Place a sign near your photo booth to direct guests and encourage them to strike a pose. You can also have a guest book where guests can leave their photos and messages for you to cherish.

By combining a fun backdrop with creative props and lighting, you can create a memorable and affordable photo booth experience for your wedding guests.

Make your own wedding favours

Making your own wedding favours is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your big day. Here are some ideas and instructions to get you started:

One idea for a simple, yet effective, wedding favour is to create personalised tags or labels for each guest. You could use a stamp and ink pad to create a design, or even handwrite a message, and then attach these to small gifts such as chocolates, jars of honey, or even individual packets of seeds. This adds a unique and thoughtful touch, and can be very cost-effective, especially if you have neat handwriting or are confident in your crafting abilities!

Alternatively, you could get creative with paper. Consider making little paper boxes or bags, which can be decorated with stamps, stickers, or ribbons. Fill these with sweets, small cookies, or even a personalised 'message in a bottle' scroll. This is a great way to involve your bridal party in the crafting process, and can be a fun activity to do together in the lead up to the wedding.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try making your own soap or candles to give as favours. This can be a fun project, and you can customise the scents and colours to match your wedding theme. Present these in small bags or boxes, tied with a ribbon, and perhaps add a personalised tag with a message and the date of your wedding.

Another idea is to give the gift of greenery. Small succulents or cacti can be very affordable, and you can pot them yourself in tiny terracotta pots, decorated with paint or twine. These favours double up as place settings, too, if you attach a name tag to each one.

Finally, consider edible treats. Baking your own wedding favours is a lovely way to show your guests you care, and most people appreciate a sweet treat to take home. Cookies, small cakes, or even jars of homemade jam or chutney can be a delicious and cost-effective favour. Just be sure to package them nicely with a ribbon or some twine, and perhaps add a personalised label or thank you message.

There are plenty of ways to create beautiful, unique wedding favours on a budget, and your guests will appreciate the time and effort you've put into these thoughtful gifts.

Use fairy lights to create a whimsical scene

Fairy lights are a great way to create a whimsical scene at your wedding without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas on how to use fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere:

Fairy Light Tunnel

Create a fairy light tunnel by hanging fairy lights from the ceiling or trees. Place your wedding table beneath this twinkling tunnel for a magical dinner experience. This idea is perfect for outdoor weddings, especially in the evening when the lights will shine brightly.

Mix and Match

Combine fairy lights with other types of lighting, such as festoon lights or candles, to create a gorgeous mismatched style. You can also mix different colours of fairy lights to create an eclectic and whimsical look.

Ceiling Fairy Lights

For indoor weddings, a web-like net of fairy lights on the ceiling can be spectacular. This idea works well in barn or tented venues, creating a magical atmosphere for your guests.

Fairy Light Canopy

Cocoon your guests in a fairy light canopy. Team the lights with soft, dreamy drapes to add a romantic touch to your wedding décor. This idea is perfect for creating an intimate atmosphere, especially in larger venues.

Fairy Light Curtain

Fairy light curtains can soften the venue space and make it feel romantic. Hang the lights vertically to create a whimsical scene that looks like it's dripping in magic. You can even cluster the lights together to form a light curtain, perfect for photo backdrops.

Greenery and Fairy Lights

Combine fairy lights with greenery hoops or garlands of greenery to create a show-stopping display. Drape the lights and greenery over the newlyweds' chairs, or use them to decorate a bar area or outline reserved seating.

Table Décor

Add some sparkle to your tables by incorporating fairy lights into your centrepieces or table runners. You can also use fairy lights to illuminate your wedding cake or dessert table, making it the focal point of the room.

With a bit of creativity, fairy lights can be used in endless ways to create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere at your wedding.

Frequently asked questions