Do you want to save money on your wedding décor? I want to give you tips on how to do so!
Wedding decorations can cost a ton. Whether you create the décor yourself, via DIY methods, or order it from a crafty professional, the costs can really add up. And while pretty décor is fantastic, it’s not really the thing that will make, or break, a wedding. Yes, guests will appreciate it, but they will appreciate great food, a comfortable environment, and fun entertainment even more.
Because it isn’t usually a top priority of items to splurge on, it’s important to understand how to save money on your wedding décor. The great news is that saving doesn’t have to be that difficult. If you plan ahead, work with others, and stay strategic, there can be huge savings. More on that later.
Major Ways To Save Money On Your Wedding Décor
This post is going to share with you the major ways to save money on your wedding décor. I promise that each and every person planning a wedding can implement these ways, if they appeal to them. You can even just do a few of them, picking and choosing what works for you. In the end, you’ll end up saving money, and still have a gorgeous wedding.
Let’s get into it.
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR WEDDING DÉCOR BY BUYING USED ITEMS
Ah, used items. One of the best ways to save money, no matter what you’re buying.
Yes, new items are nice. I personally like to buy mattresses new. And underwear. I mean, there are things that are just better if they are not used. Wedding décor, however, doesn’t have to be one of them. Wedding décor tends to be used just once. Most of the time it’s in great shape after the wedding. From frames and arches to candle holders and pretty baskets, there’s no reason why it can’t be used again, at a discount.
If you want to save money on your wedding décor, consider looking at thrift shops, online markets, and garage sales for items. You never know what treasures you’ll find.
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR DÉCOR BY BORROWING IT
Even better than buying used? Borrowing items.
When it comes to borrowing items, you can save a ton of money. You can borrow items that are as insignificant as linens, or as important as a veil. Some people will even borrow furniture for their weddings, if they know someone with a really cool couch or table.
Be on the lookout for what you can borrow, so you can save on your wedding décor. You never know what people will let you use, as long as you have a plan to keep it safe and get it back to them. And, they may even be very excited to see their items in use at your wedding.
SAVE MONEY ON DÉCOR BY PLANNING TO RESELL IT
This way to save money on your wedding décor is more of a long game.
When you buy your wedding supplies, plan on reselling them. Not only will you recover some, or all of your costs, but you will also put those leftover supplies to good use. The key to making this work is to take care of the items that you use, and don’t customize things too much. I wrote a whole post about reselling your wedding supplies, if you want to check it out.
SAVE MONEY BY MAKING IT YOURSELF (BUT BE CAREFUL!)
Sometimes DIY can pay off.
If you want to save money on your wedding décor, consider making it yourself. To do this effectively, you need a solid plan. When it comes to DIY projects, it’s easy to buy the wrong materials and have to do a lot more than expected. However, if you can properly factor in the cost of creating something verses buying it, you can save big.
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR DÉCOR BY CHOOSING YOUR VENUE WISELY
Some wedding venues really don’t need a lot added to them.
For example, if your wedding is in a garden, you’re likely to save on your wedding décor. All the greenery, flowers, and supplies they already have out will minimize anything you need to add. Additionally, if you get married at an unusual wedding venue, like an art gallery, library, or museum, wedding décor may not be needed that much, either. When you look for venues, try and find ones that already have plenty of décor, and use what you can from them.
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR WEDDING DÉCOR BY SETTING THE RIGHT DATE
Certain times of year can mean big savings on your wedding décor.
For example, the holidays. If you get married at a venue that is already decorated for the holidays, chances are you won’t have to bring or add much to the space. Another example would be getting married when certain trees on site are blooming, or gardens are at their fullest. When you choose the right venue, and the right date to get married, you can utilize what they already have set up or available.
SAVE MONEY ON DÉCOR BY BUYING WHAT’S IN SEASON
When it comes to “living” wedding décor, like plants and flower, it’s important to buy what’s in season.
Buying items that are in season means that there is less transportation to get them to your wedding. And, the prices should reflect that. This is true for more than just flowers, too. Seasonal fruits can make amazing centerpieces. Buying what is readily available will be great for your budget.
SAVE MONEY ON WEDDING DÉCOR BY UTILIZING NATURE
Sometimes foraging can pay off.
When it comes to wedding décor, see what you can find right in nature. If you are crafty, or have a special eye for potential, go on a nature walk and see what comes to you. Certain objects, like sticks, leaves, and ferns can turn into amazing wedding décor if treated right. And, in most cases, taking a few sticks or leaves from a wooded area will be zero charge and no one will mind.
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR DÉCOR BY RECYCLING YOUR USED ITEMS
Do you use anything in your everyday life that can be recycled as wedding décor?
For example, wine drinkers may find ways to reuse their old wine bottles or corks at their weddings. The bottles can make great centerpieces and the corks can double as a fun guest book. You may have other things that you normally toss or recycle, that can find their way to your wedding. Sometimes things around our homes that have been forgotten, like an old frame or mirror, can find new purpose at a wedding, too.
SAVE MONEY ON WEDDING DÉCOR BY TRADING SERVICES FOR GOODS
Last one!
If you have a special skill, and find someone who can help with your wedding décor, consider bartering with them. Perhaps you know a mom who is super crafty and you trade babysitting for something that she can help make you. This all depends on who is around you, willing to help, and barter. You never know what others are willing to help you with until you offer up something you can help them with, too. These trades can be mutually beneficial and save lots on your wedding décor.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Friends, there are so many ways to save money on your wedding décor. It’s all about finding what works best for you and following through. Be creative, and ask for help if you need it. Find venues that will minimize the need for you to make or purchase lots of décor, and see what you already have. Happy wedding planning!
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Great article! Experience is the best teacher, especially if you can just garner the wisdom from someone who’s already learned these lessons first hand! I’ve found the less cash fluid I am, the more creative juice flows to my inner designer and all of a sudden, a lot of things are possible! Also, after my wedding, I donated my florals, vases, etc., to the women’s ministry at our church. It’s fun to see various pieces of this decor appear from time to time when attending a church event.
Thanks Cheryl! I totally agree with you – when we have challenges, we can get creative with solutions. Donating is such a kind and useful way to take care of items after the wedding, I love that you made great use of your wedding décor! And awesome that you get to see the items from time to time and know where they once were 🙂