Planning Your Wedding -- Decorations on a Budget

When it comes to planning your wedding decorations, the location of the ceremony and reception will determine to a large extent what decorations you will need. For example, if you are planning an indoor dinner, you will need to include table centerpieces.

The two most common decorating choices for weddings and receptions are flowers and streamers. While the streamers and various other decorations are generally inexpensive, the flowers can really cut into your budget. If you need to cut costs, it is best to use artificial or silk flowers as they are less expensive and reusable.

For those who would simply prefer to use real flowers, it would be much cheaper to go with wild or hand picked flowers. Of course, you will be limited to whatever is in season and in winter, this obviously might not be feasible. But consider also wild greenery which is very attractive.

You may also find it a good idea to use your fresh flowers sparingly. For example, rather than going all out and decorating everything with flowers just use a simple arrangement for the center of the table. You can place little bunches of them strategically in small vases or with hand made crafts.

Rather than hiring a florist to do the floral design, consider purchasing the fresh flowers at a large discount store or use live potted flowers in singles or groupings.

Of course you can also opt to keep the flowers strictly in the ceremony. Silk flowers are getting more and more popular, or you might consider making hand made roses that are created from tissue paper. When they are placed on green pipe cleaners or wires that are covered in green tissue paper they are quite attractive. It is a nice way to save money and spend some time with your friends and family while creating them.

To further lower costs, the ceremonial decorations can be limited to just those involved in the ceremony, such as the wedding attire and candles. You can also pin balloons to the areas where the guests will be seated or create some flowers out of tissue paper.

Streamers may be used throughout the reception area, and there are other ways to decorate that are just as appealing. Here are some good tips for decorating at your wedding on a budget

• A really unique idea is to use glass containers and put small, colorful fish in them. It is very unique and attractive, and it is also cheap because the glass containers can be purchased at a large discount or dollar store.
• Candles and unique candle holders are always a romantic addition to any wedding decor
• If your reception is at night it is nice to add fireflies to a glass container with holes for air. For a daytime wedding you could do this with butterflies
• Small flower arrangements in a bamboo container are a nice addition and can be a keepsake for guests
• Using white Christmas lights streamed through greenery is a beautiful decoration and is one that you likely already have available
• Chocolate and candy bouquets are sweet accents to the décor and they can be souvenirs for the guests later.
• Balloons are very inexpensive and are always fun

These are only a few ideas out of the many decorations that are available but you are getting the picture. Be creative!

For a wedding on a budget, here are the top 10 tips that you should know in order to lower the cost of your wedding decorations.

1. Decide on the essential items that you must have first and then worry about the extras.
2. Hand make the centerpieces yourself using items priced within your budget.
3. Using artificial flowers is cheaper than fresh flowers unless you pick them or buy them at discount and arrange them yourself.
4. Skip the extra wedding favors and focus more attention on decoration detail.
5. Never go over your budget because you set it up for a reason
6. For smaller items like candles, candle holders, and other decorative items, visit your nearby dollar store.
7. Never underestimate the elegance of basic décor. Sometimes minimal is best.
8. Some very versatile items that can make a beautiful decorations include: clay pots, plastic bowls and vases, faux flowers, pearls, balloons, pillar candles, rhinestones, and decorated bottles.
9. Tissue paper roses and flowers give off a beautiful look to any decorating style and they are quick and easy to make.
10. A word to wise is that your decorations should not even amount to half of the money that is spent on the reception.

Your wedding decorations don't have to be extremely expensive to be an attractive addition to your special day. By planning ahead and using some creativity, your décor can be affordable and beautiful.