Wedding Decorations on a Budget: Savvy Décor Tips & Tricks

You’re not alone, countless couples struggle with the daunting task of decorating for their big day. And let’s face it – weddings can be expensive. According to a recent study conducted by Zola, the average cost of wedding décor alone is between $2,000-$10,000. But fear not, there are ways to create a beautiful wedding atmosphere without breaking the bank. Here are some tips and tricks for planning stunning wedding decorations on a budget.

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average wedding décor costs

As previously mentioned, the average couple spends around $2,000 on decorations for their wedding. However, it’s important to note that this number can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, season, and the couple’s personal preferences. While some couples may prioritize grand floral arrangements and extravagant centerpieces, others may opt for a more minimalist approach.

So, what is the average costs of your typical wedding décor items? Accordingly to Zola, here is the breakdown of average wedding décor costs:

• Flowers: $500-$12,000
• Centerpieces: $50-$500 per table
• Tablecloths/runner: $20-$80 per table
• Chargers: $8-$10 each
• Lighting: $200-$5,000
• Candlesticks: $10 each
• Photo booth backdrop: $100-$1,500
• Welcome sign: $10-$50
• Aisle runner: $30-$200
• Ceremony arch: $75-$1,000

Why the range? Because some venues don’t require as much heavy lifting on the decoration front. For example, an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception needs more minimal décor than a hotel ballroom that’s basically a blank slate.

To better understand how much you should budget for these items, The Knot provides couples with a recommended wedding budget breakdown. For flowers, décor and lighting, they recommend allocating 12% of your budget. So, what is that quick match?

• $10,000 Wedding Budget = $1,200 décor and floral budget
• $15,000 Wedding Budget = $1,800 décor and floral budget
• $20,000 Wedding Budget = $2,400 décor and floral budget

wedding decorations checklist

As every venue needs are different, and every wedding day vision is different, your checklist may look a little different; however, there are a few key wedding décor elements that can make a big impact to consider. These include:

• Centerpieces: The focal point of each table, centerpieces can range from simple floral arrangements to more elaborate designs incorporating candles, lanterns, and other decorative elements.
• Backdrops: A backdrop can serve as a stunning focal point for the ceremony or reception, and can be customized to match the couple’s theme and aesthetic.
• Aisle décor: Whether it’s flower petals, lanterns, or potted plants, adding some flair to the ceremony aisle can make a big difference in the overall ambiance.
• Lighting: From twinkle lights to lanterns to candles, lighting can set the mood and create a romantic atmosphere.
• Signage: Whether it’s a welcome sign, seating chart, or menu board, signage can add a personalized touch to the wedding décor.

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wedding decorating on a small budget

OK, first, for wedding decorations on a budget, there are three big pieces of advice to consider before your start décor planning and prep:

1. Have your wedding ceremony and reception venue locked in, so you can carefully consider the ambiance of the space. Ask for photos so you can get an idea of what other couples have done.
2. When you’re working with an already beautiful space, such as a natural outdoor setting like the example pictured below, let the space do more of the talking and go with more minimal decoration to tie in your wedding theme and provide guest wayfinding.
3. Set a budget, and stick to it! I know, easier said than done, but once you’ve have a budget locked in, you can figure out how to get creative to make sure you keep things in check. I’ll go through budget saving ideas in just a moment.

7 Low cost wedding decoration ideas

Now, onto the good stuff – let’s talk about your options for wedding decorations on a budget. Afterall, saving here will allow you to put more of your budget into the things you and your guests really care about… like a deluxe air conditioned restroom trailer… I’m actually serious. My guests still haven’t stopped talking about it.

OK, here are seven ways to save on your wedding ceremony and reception decorations:

#1 | Buy in bulk

Purchasing items like candles, vases, and other decorative elements in bulk can help you save money in the long run. Look for deals on sites like Amazon, local craft stores like Hobby Lobby or JoAnn Fabrics, or at wholesale stores like Oriental trading.

#2 | Shop secondhand

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, as they say. For low cost wedding decorations, check out consignment stores like Savers and the Salvation Army. Thrifted event décor can add a personalized or vintage touch to your wedding theme; or, if vintage isn’t your vibe, lots of thrift store finds can be repurposed to fit your unique wedding theme.

Other great options for shopping secondhand are online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, and wedding resale websites such as BravoBride.

#3 | Use seasonal décor

Take advantage of the season by incorporating seasonal décor into your wedding theme. For example, fall weddings could incorporate pumpkins, leaves, and other autumnal elements. Try to buy seasonal décor the year prior at the end of the season when items are deeply discounted. Michael’s is a great option for this.

#4 | DIY wedding decorations

Instead of buying expensive pre-made decorations, consider taking a DIY approach. This not only allows you to save money, but also adds a personalized touch to your wedding décor.

For example, you can make your own DIY wedding centerpieces using inexpensive materials from the Dollar Store or thrifted wedding decorations such as vintage frames for wedding signage from Savers or the Salvation Army.

#5 | Opt for Low-Cost Floral

Go with less expensive floral options such as in-season blooms, potted plants, or greenery for your wedding party bouquets and boutonnieres.

You can also DIY your own flower arrangements by purchasing from local farms, or an online retailer such as Fifty Flowers.

Or, skip floral altogether and consider non-floral alternatives like candles, lanterns or potted plants.

#6 | Repurpose ceremony decorations

Make a plan for using your ceremony decorations at your reception. Especially if the two are being hosted at the same venue, you can repurpose some ceremony décor, such as flower arrangements, lanterns, vases, etc. to dress up your reception space.

#7 | Utilize Cricut or Chalkboards for Wedding Signage

Rather than printed wedding signage, use chalkboards to hand-write wedding signage or, if you’re writing skills are sub par and you’re afraid your wedding guests will think your five year old neice helped with your wedding calligraphy, then maybe opt for tools like Cricut.

If you’re not particularly crafty, fear not – Cricut has got you covered. This handy product can handle any DIY wedding project involving cutting paper, felt, vinyl, fabric and other materials such as leather, matboard, and wood. Use it to create custom signs, table numbers, and more.

What can I do with leftover wedding décor?

One of the best ways to plan wedding decorations on a budget is actually through resale opportunities. Plus, one of the biggest challenges of decorating for a wedding is figuring out what to do with all the leftover decorations once the event is over. You could simply throw it all away or donate everything. However, there are actually several creative ways to repurpose or reuse wedding décor, or even sell it to make some money back. Here are some ideas:

Sell it online

If you have a lot of leftover wedding décor, consider selling it on a wedding décor resale site or even on social media platforms. There are many sites where you can list your items for sale, such as Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or Craigslist.

You can also try wedding-specific resale sites, such as Bride2Bride (mentioned already above), or Wedzee. Wedzee is a marketplace to buy and sell used or new wedding items and is one of the easiest and most robust online wedding marketplaces.

Resell locally

If you’re not comfortable with selling your leftover wedding décor online, try looking for consignment stores, or try reaching out to wedding planners, bridal boutiques, or rental companies to see if they would be interested in buying your items. You’d be surprised how many wedding planners are on the hunt for that unique item for their couple, and you might have just the thing! Like…the perfect mismatched chairs, or a sign that’s no longer sold in stores. You never know!

Don’t forget to ask friends and family members if they know anyone who might be interested in purchasing the items.

Repurpose it for other events

Just because the décor was originally intended for a wedding doesn’t mean it can’t be used for other events. Consider repurposing your wedding decorations for other occasions, such as birthday parties or even other weddings. If you have floral arrangements or centerpieces, you can also consider donating them to a local nursing home or hospital to brighten up someone’s day.

Whether you choose to sell it, donate it, or repurpose it, you can rest easy knowing that you’re doing something good for your wallet, the environment, and possibly even someone else’s wedding. Don’t hesitate to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to what to do with your leftover decorations.

In conclusion, creating stunning wedding decorations on a budget is completely possible. With a little creativity and some strategic planning, you can create a beautiful wedding atmosphere without spending a fortune. Whether you opt for DIY décor, thrifted items, or bulk purchases, there are plenty of ways to make your wedding décor dreams a reality.

Happy Planning!

xo,

The Savvy Swaréy