19 Ways to Save Serious Money on Your Wedding Decor
You’ve seen ’em on Pinterest: wooden farm tables, cascading bouquets, beautiful chinaware and four-tier gorgeous wedding cakes. Sounds like you’re planning your dream wedding — and you’ve got some seriously trendy decor ideas. But it’s no secret that tying the knot is expensive AF, so how are you going to have your cake and eat it too? (Pun totally intended.) Have no fear! There are tons of ways to cut back on all the little details, save cash and still capture those Pinterest-worthy wedding moments. Below, we’ve listed 19 decor hacks for budget-conscious brides. Happy pinning!
1. Bridal Party Perks: Instead of renting 20 beautiful wooden tables and purchasing large floral centerpieces for each one, opt to decorate the table where the bridal party is seated more extensively. Then, let your photographer know the setup! They should be able to snap some gorgeous detail shots. (via Katelyn James Photography)
2. Faux Cake: You want the look of an extravagant dessert (like the one pictured here), but your budget is tight. Good news: The “fake cake” is a popular compromise. This piece of art consists of fondant icing placed on top of a Styrofoam frame. Guests will never know they’re actually munching on sheet cake that was hidden in the kitchen! Still want a cake-cutting ceremony? Make the top tier the real deal. (via Camille Catherine Photography / Elizabeth Anne Designs)
3. Centerpiece Savings: Flowers are fabulous — but every bud adds up! If large floral displays are over your budget, order lanterns in bulk. You’ll get to enjoy their warm, flickering glow, and guests will love bringing home their new home decor. (via Flourish Photography / The Knot)
4. Know Your Buds: Do you love lush, romantic peonies? Garden roses — also known as “vintage roses” or “cabbage roses” — are going to be your new BFFs! They look very similar, and won’t cost you $200+ for a bouquet. This type of flower also has a longer growing season than peonies. (via Jose Villa)
5. Word of Mouth: If you’ve got a few gal pals who’ve already gotten married, don’t be afraid to ask them for help! Do they have leftover votives — or can they share their best local vendor advice? (via Jillian Michelle Photography)
6. Recycle It: Reuse bottles from around the house or go bargain hunting for cheap glasses. Just add one flower to each bottle and you’ll save a little dough with an on-trend minimalist look. (via Steve Steinhardt Photography / Homedit)
7. Catering Cutbacks: A family-style dinner does great things for your wallet: It’s cheaper than a seated meal, and you won’t need to purchase large centerpieces. Instead, everyone will have their eyes on the delicious food! (via Beth Kirby)
8. Get Crafty: Looking for gold and silver decor? Consider spray painting knick knacks for reception tables instead of seeking out real mixed metals. The above were used as beach wedding escort cards! (via Confetti Daydreams)
9. DIY Booth: If you love the photo booth idea, but don’t want to dish out serious dough, consider making your own. Flower walls, balloons and strips of ribbon are all Instagram-worthy backdrops. Don’t forget the props! (via Green Wedding Shoes)
10. The Right Venue: Consider having your ceremony and reception at the same place. Chairs and flowers can be reused, plus there will be no additional transportation costs. Hidden bonus: Your guests will have more time to party! (via Indie Wedding Guide)
11. Garden Vibes: Greenery is an excellent way to save with your florist. Plus, garland is so in style! This particular (all-natural) table runner is made from eucalyptus leaves and is cheaper than large flower displays. (via Mandy Busby / Southern Wedding)
12. Cocktail Hour: The cost for passed hors d’oeuvres and alcohol can quickly add up! Food and drink stations are an easy way to trim the number of servers your reception will need. (via Valerie Busque / Style me Pretty)
13. Built-in Bonus: Choose a venue that doesn’t need many additional decorations. Think: ornate ballrooms and botanical gardens, like this swoon-worthy ceremony space. (via Honey Bee Photography / Marry Me Mitten)
14. Reusable Buds: Bridesmaid bouquets make perfect table centerpieces. If your other floral displays are going for $75+ each, and you’ve got six lovely bridesmaids, that saves you nearly $500 right there! The trick? Keep your flower schemes similar and alter between smaller and larger bouquets on reception tables. (via Edyta Photography)
15. Sell It Back: Don’t get stuck with a bunch of candelabras and chargers after your wedding. Try selling your oh-so-fabulous decor! Sites like Tradesy are perfect for both finding and making deals. (via Elizabeth Anne Designs)
16. Go Minimal: Be a part of a new reception trend. Instead of ornate centerpieces, stick to sprigs of greenery, large twigs and pops of color — like these adorable rose-tinted glasses! (via Peaches & Mint)
17. Natural Cake Topper: Opt to use real flora on your wedding cake. Sugar flowers can be much more expensive — and naked cakes with small buds and greenery are so elegant! (via Liz Banfield / Martha Stewart Weddings)
18. Shop Local: Flowers, rental companies, food trucks — find everything nearby so you don’t spend big bucks on delivery fees. Also, it’s a unique experience for your wedding guests! (via The Duke Truck)
19. Strike a Deal: If your venue is hosting more than one wedding a weekend, see what vendors other couples are using… and if they’ll work with both of you for a discount! For instance, if lighting companies don’t have to change their setup, they might be willing to negotiate. (via Kristyn Hogan / Style Me Pretty)
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