When it comes to your wedding day, the decor is one of the main ways you add your own personal touch to your chosen theme, tying everything together. But weddings can cost a pretty penny, and if you're looking to cut down on some expenses, there are a few decor hacks that you should know about.
Now, you probably still want your wedding to be classy and sophisticated, but some online DIY platform ideas or suggestions tend to fall in the tacky category. Have no fear, you can have your reception site decorated the way you want and all within your budget. Below are seven great budget-friendly decor ideas that can transform your reception venue into the wedding site you've been dreaming of.
1. Twinkle Lights
Lighting is a crucial element in creating the right ambience for your wedding. Twinkle lights are a great addition to any reception decor, no matter the theme or season. Extremely affordable and versatile, you can hang them from the ceiling, string them across the room, place them in vases for a whimsical feel, or use around the cake table.
Not only are there are a variety of ways you can use twinkle lights, but they can accent just about any aspect of your venue. Another great thing about them is that they really illuminate the place as the sun begins to set. This sets the stage for great pictures and a whimsical atmosphere.
2. Candles
Nothing says romantic quite like candles do. The great thing about them is that they come in all shapes and sizes, can be found at thrift stores or bought in bulk. You can use them sparingly or place them in clusters.
Have them stand-alone on small stumps or pair them with gold candlesticks, all depending on the look you're going for. Not all venues allow for an open flame, but most are just fine if you have floating candles. If you want to get fancy with your floating candles, put wildflowers in tall and thin vases, fill them with water and place the candles on top.
3. Tree Branches
Birch tree branches are a fantastic way to create a classy feel without needing to spend a lot. You can use them in your bouquets, use them in centerpieces, or place them around your venue.
Not only do they last forever, but are extremely versatile when it comes to style. You can add them to your floral centerpieces for a foresty or rustic look, or utilize them on their own for a modern feel. The branches also make great photo props for the wedding rings and other accessories.
4. Wine Bottles
The best thing about wine bottles is that you generally don't have to spend any extra money on them. Simply save your own or ask a few friends if they can hold onto theirs when they've finished enjoying the contents, and you'll soon have all the bottles you need.
You can then decorate them in a variety of ways. Spray paint is a great option if you want to cover the original color. Wrapping them in twine is another creative solution if you have a more rustic theme. You can leave them as is or place a single flower in for that perfect touch.
5. Baby's Breath
Flowers are always a great addition to any wedding decor, but they tend to be pricey. There is however one flower that is not only versatile but very affordable. Baby's breath is a great flower to utilize if you're sticking to a strict budget.
Not only do they add a soft feel, but as a small white flower, it pairs well with just about every wedding style. And you can use it everywhere. They work great as centrepieces, in hanging arrangements, on the cake, and can easily be used for a kissing ball. While not as durable as the birch branches, Baby's Breath will last for 5-10 days.
6. Old Books
Old books have a particular feel to them and may not work for every wedding theme, but if they fit your style they are certainly a great accessory. They definitely give off a vintage vibe, and if that's the direction you were going for they can certainly help create the right mood.
You can even carve out a book to use as a holder for the wedding rings for the ceremony, as a way of tying your theme together. If you don't own any old books, thrift stores will have them by the plenty.
If you start far enough in advance, you can be selective on which books you buy to get not only the best deal but also to hand-select the best ones. Stack them to create the base for a masterful centrepiece, or as a standalone piece.
7. Balloons
If you have tall ceilings, white balloons can be a great and inexpensive addition to your decor. Filled with helium they can make for fantastic floating centrepieces without dishing out a lot of dollars.
If you want to get fancy with it, you can fill them with flower petals or sparkles before blowing them up. Balloons can also be a great decoration piece to frame the cake table or seating chart. If you like the idea of balloons but aren't wanting to mess with helium, blow up balloons of the same colour but a variety of sizes and stick them to a wall.
This not only makes for a great photoshoot spot but it also adds a bit of dramatic flair to your venue. For an extra chic look, cover the balloons with tulle.
And there you have it, seven inexpensive and creative ideas that allow you to decorate your venue the way you'd like without compromise. Just because you have a budget to stick to doesn't mean your decor has to suffer.
Don't worry yourself with spending hundreds of dollars on decorations. You can achieve the look you're going for with these creative hacks. In the end, they'll only help to put the spotlight on you, just like they're supposed to.
