Wedding Decoration on a Budget: 8 Ways to Save Money
Sticking to a budget can be one of the hardest parts of planning a wedding. Of course you want your wedding to resemble your Pinterest board, but you also don’t want to break the bank. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for creating a beautiful space while still planning a wedding on a budget. Small budget wedding decorations can be just as beautiful as high-end options. Here are eight smart ways to save money on your wedding decor without compromising on style.
8 Ways to do your Wedding Decoration on a Budget
1. Illuminate with Candles
Candles are a beautiful yet affordable way to create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. Candles are often cheaper than flowers and can be used in many ways throughout your big day. They can be used as centrepieces, aisle decorations, or as accent lighting throughout your venue.
Candles come in a variety of colours, so you can find ones that match your theme and venue. Combine pillar candles and taper candles of various heights, sizes. Arrange them in clusters, with greenery and flowers, in lanterns, or candle holders to add a warm, romantic glow to your celebration, without the hefty price tag.
2. Go Green with Greenery
Opting to use greenery rather than traditional floral arrangements can significantly cut costs while still adding a lush, natural feel to your budget wedding decor. Greenery like eucalyptus, ivy, ferns, and olive branches are beautiful options that bring elegance and freshness to your venue. Greenery can be used as table runners, draped over arches, or as backdrops for a stunning effect. Want to save some more? Opt for faux greenery that is guaranteed to last and can be reused.
3. Budget-Friendly Blooms
If you do have your heart set on flower arrangements, there are several tips you can follow to help save costs. Before deciding on a specific flower type, check what flowers will be in season during your wedding, this will help you avoid premium costs of out-of-season flowers. If you have a specific flower you love, consider asking your florist for beautiful alternatives that provide a similar look or using them as an accent flower in your arrangements.
Professional flower arrangements can be expensive, so don’t be afraid to take the DIY route with floral arrangements. Most cities have flower markets where you can buy flowers in bulk closer to market price. You can enlist the help of your bridal party, friends, and family members to help create the arrangements. If arrangements aren’t your thing, consider flowers that need little to no arranging, like hydrangeas.
4. Get Creative with DIY Projects
DIY projects can be a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding decorations while still saving money. Wedding decoration on a budget can still be beautiful with homemade centrepieces to handcrafted signage.
Before considering taking on a DIY wedding decoration project, make sure you have the capacity to do so. DIYs are a great way to save money, but can be time consuming and a labour of love, so make sure you actually enjoy putting projects together. From there, determine how many decorations you need. Think about your theme, colour scheme, and what style of decor makes sense for your special day. You don’t have to go the DIY route alone, either. Recruit help from your bridal party, friends, and family to help get your projects done!
5. Repurpose Your Ceremony Decor
Maximise your wedding budget by reusing the decorations from your ceremony at your reception. Aisle markers can double as table centrepieces, ceremony backdrops can become photo booth backdrops, and signage can be reused. As a bonus, repurposing your ceremony decor not only saves you money, but reduces unnecessary waste, making your wedding more eco-friendly.
6. Light-Up Your Special Day
Lighting can transform any space and create a magical ambiance that looks especially good in photos. Utilise fairy lights and candles as cost-effective lighting options that can add a whimsical touch to your wedding. For extra magic, opt for floating candles, which can be placed in glass vases or on any water features your venue might have. Drape fairy lights across ceilings, wrap them around trees, or weave them through your greenery for a sparkling effect. Combined with the twinkling glow from the candles, this will create a magical, romantic atmosphere.
7. Borrow from Friends and Family
Have a friend or family member who recently got married or hosted another big event? Don’t hesitate to ask them to borrow their decorations! Items like vases, candle holders, and tablecloths are often used once and then stored away or tossed. Borrowing reusable items can save you a significant amount when you’re figuring out your wedding decoration on a budget.
8. Shop Second-Hand
Charity shops and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Vinted are treasure troves for budget-friendly wedding decorations. You can find a variety of items, often only used once, for a fraction of the cost of buying new. Shopping second-hand not only helps you save money but also helps you be sustainable by giving items a second life. As a bonus, you can re-list your items on Vinted or donate them to charity shop when your done to help the next couple save on their wedding decor as well!
By incorporating these eight strategies, you can create a beautiful and memorable wedding all while staying within your budget. Focus on what truly matters during your wedding and let your creativity shine as you plan a day that reflects your love and commitment. Happy planning!
Some budget-friendly wedding decoration ideas include using seasonal flowers, incorporating natural elements like greenery and branches, utilising fairy lights and candles for ambiance, borrowing from friends and family, and shopping second hand.
To decorate your wedding venue on a budget, consider using items you already own, borrowing from friends or family, and choosing a simple colour palette. Focus on creating focal points with a few larger decorations like candles and greenery rather than trying to fill every space.
When decorating on a budget, prioritise elements that create the biggest impact, such as centrepieces and entryway displays. Consider the overall atmosphere you want to create and invest in items that enhance that experience while saving on less impactful details.
Absolutely! DIY decorations can add a personal touch to your wedding and save you money. From handmade centrepieces to custom signage, DIY projects can be fun and meaningful, allowing you to express your unique style.
Some easy DIY wedding decoration projects include creating floating candle centrepieces, making personalised table numbers, designing your own flower arrangements using thrifted vases, and crafting a photo backdrop with fabric or fairy lights. These projects are simple yet can significantly enhance your decor.