How To Plan Wedding Decor On A Budget Without Sacrificing Quality

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by PSECU, a Pennsylvania-based credit union.

Planning a wedding on a budget isn’t as easy as it seems. Simple things can start to add up quickly, especially decor for tables, entrances and even around the aisle. Here seven simple ways to plan wedding decor that looks classy and elegant without blowing up a budget.

1. Pick a Beautiful Location

One of the simplest ways to spend less on wedding decor is to pick a stunning location to begin with. Outdoor venues with a beautiful overlook or a garden with plenty of flowers and greenery are great spaces to hold a wedding or reception without needing to buy extra decor. Non-traditional couples can even opt to get married in an art gallery or bed and breakfast to find a classic charm that doesn’t need any extras.

2. Don’t Feel Afraid to Rent

Buying every single piece of decor from the flowers to the centerpieces can add up and quickly cause couples to go over budget. Instead, renting china, drinkware and even decorations from friends can save money in the long-run. Before purchasing brand new china or table linens, check with different wedding venues to see what’s included in the package price. Then, ask recently married friends if they have any decor they could loan or rent for a lower price.

3. Use In-Season Flowers

Some brides dream about using their favorite flower on their wedding day, from roses to lilies. However, depending on when a wedding takes place, those flowers may not be in season. Choosing to decorate with in-season flowers can significantly reduce the cost of decor. Check with a wedding planner or a florist to find out which flowers are in season during your wedding date and make them the focal point to avoid rising costs.

Another option is to use paper flowers or silk flowers, which look exactly like the real thing. They’re more cost-effective, and you can use them again if one of your friends gets married or another event pops up.

4. DIY Everything You Can

Thankfully, the internet makes it easy to DIY almost anything for a wedding, even if the bride isn’t particularly crafty. Use YouTube and Pinterest for DIY ideas and put together everything from elegant centerpieces to rustic chalkboard signs. This is a great time to recruit friends and family members that are crafty or have some free time on their hands to help with wedding decor.

5. Make It Christmas All Year Round

Everyone loves the holidays, so why not bring out parts of Christmas at a wedding? White Christmas lights provide a soft and warm glow to any wedding ceremony or reception. Hang them from the ceiling, around the table or use them with flowers to add another dimension to wedding decor. Brides can easily save money by purchasing these lights right after Christmas when stores have big sales on Christmas items.

6. Decorate with Food

Planning a wedding is all about prioritizing — couples who love food and want to make it a focal point of the wedding can use food as an easy way to decorate tables. After deciding on a food and drink menu, arrange it on platters with pizzazz and cut back on other areas of the reception tables. Jars of candy, trays of meats and cheeses and even different arrangements of bread can make a reception feel fancy without breaking the bank.

7. Use Greenery Instead of Flowers

For brides who aren’t tied to a specific flower, greenery is cheaper and takes up more space than flowers. Try incorporating different greens for table settings at the reception or even around the aisle to create a rustic and peaceful atmosphere. Research local growers in the area, as well, or source greens from around the venue to save even more money.

Most of All, Have Fun

Weddings are supposed to be fun and full of joy — not stress. Don’t worry if the decor doesn’t all fall into place right away. Start early and look around for deals to help your budget. Some of the best things fall into place without any worrying or planning. Have fun and use these tips to create a dream wedding without going over budget.