Are you planning a wedding and looking to cut costs without having to skimp on style? Don’t worry—there is plenty of fun, creative ways of wedding decor ideas that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. You just need to know where to look! From affordable flowers to DIY table runners, here are eight of the best DIY budget-friendly wedding decor ideas you can use with your wedding planner to create a gorgeous event on the cheap.
Arrange Your Own Bouquets
The flowers you’ll find at florists are pricey, but they’re far from unique. To create your own unique wedding bouquets with a DIY budget, head to your local craft store and pick up some high-quality silk flowers. You can often find them on sale in bundles or as single stems. With just a few packs of silk flowers, ribbon, and spray paint (the type you use for posters), you can assemble gorgeous bouquets for well under $10 each.
Weave a Few Flower Crowns
Flower crowns are one of my favorite wedding DIY projects. Not only do they look gorgeous, but they’re also easy to make and don’t require a lot of material. So you can make quite a few for not much money. The best part? They last forever (if stored properly), so you can use them on any special occasion! Just think about it. You could have these beautiful decorations all ready for your next family dinner, baby shower, or friend’s engagement party. You can even buy some pretty ones to add to your bouquet! I’ve got eight fantastic flower crowns that are perfect for DIY brides, grooms, and all our wedding guests.
Write Out Wedding Signs
Here’s an easy way to DIY your wedding decor—craft a bunch of simple wooden signs and use them to guide guests throughout your reception. For example, make a large welcome sign that welcomes guests as they enter. Moreover, place little signs on tables denoting which table is which i.e., Table 3. Or place signs at guestbook tables that read, What is your best memory of you and [groom/bride’s name]? To make these even more budget-friendly, try writing out each word yourself instead of buying different letters for each word. If you have basic handwriting skills, it can look just as nice!
Compile the Wedding Seating Chart
The seating chart can be daunting, so start as early as possible. Most couples try to come up with a list of invitees and their significant others and then assign a place to sit for each of them. Compiling all those names into something visually pleasing is hard enough, but on top of that, you have to then group similar family members together (such as cousins). You may also want to think about how you want your guests seated at your wedding — according to where they live or who they are closest with? Putting some thought into how you want your guests grouped will save you from last-minute jitters and headaches!
Accessorize Baskets
To be honest, I never thought baskets could be so beautiful. But when you accessorize them with flowers, candles, and other items. They become a part of your wedding decor in such an elegant way. If you’re willing to invest a bit more in your wedding, invest in some high-quality baskets and make them one of your wedding centerpieces. Another great idea is to use small baskets as accent pieces on each table or seat; fill each with different types of flowers (i.e., rosemary sprigs).
Design a Ceremony Backdrop
If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of ways to save money without skimping on design and personal touches. For example, with a little creativity, you can transform plain white sheets into stunning draping or create your own canvas backdrop. You could even repurpose items around your home to achieve a similar effect (with a fraction of the cost). Scour thrift stores for interesting mirrors, vases and other decorative pieces that can be arranged in an elaborate scene on any wall or backdrop. Plan ahead so you have enough time to put it all together before your guests arrive.
Decorate With Vintage Rugs
If you’re looking for a quick and budget-friendly way to add color and style to your wedding decor, buying vintage rugs is a great option. Just be sure you know what you’re getting into before you buy; read our guide to buying antique rugs online. If purchasing online isn’t your thing, try visiting local flea markets or antique shops in your area. (Antique stores often have a high turnover of inexpensive items.) You can use vintage rugs in any type of wedding setting—from elegant vintage to rustic outdoor weddings.
Assemble a Ceremonial Arch
Ceremonial arches are lovely additions to any wedding—but their expense and complexity is often enough to keep brides from including them in their plans. If you’re looking for an arch that adds a little pomp and flair but won’t break your budget, consider building one yourself. With a few tools and basic construction knowledge, you can assemble an arch of flowers and greenery that will do your ceremony proud—and save your guests from having to ooh! and ahh! over a pricey favor. Assemble a Ceremonial Arch before it’s too late!