I think decor can be one of the easiest or one of the hardest aspects of a budget wedding. Easiest because you can DIY your florals, which can save a lot of money, while it’s harder to DIY your wedding location or wedding dress. What can make it hard is so many great ideas, and with some YouTube searches, you can learn how to do just about any basic decor. On top of that, the tiniest of details are always in front of our eyes, so we can quickly become overwhelmed.

Whether it lands on the easy or hard side doesn’t depend on your skill or abilities, but rather your awareness of how to merge your budget with your desires. When those two are in conflict, the decor becomes a lot more complicated and overwhelming. While we usually like to start with our dream ideas, imitating lovely ideas on Pinterest, Instagram, and the latest trends, I encourage you to start in a different place with decor. Let’s start with what you have easy access to - hear me out. We like to think that creativity will flourish if we have more money, more access to things, more everything. However, the truth is that creativity is at its best when there are limits. You know the saying, “necessity is the mother of invention.” Well, here is another saying: “limitation is the birth of creativity.” When we can see every possibility, every gorgeous bouquet or centerpiece, our creative juices don’t have to work; rather, they just need to imitate. Instead, embrace the joy of limitation; you may come up with amazing ideas. Take some time to assess what you have access to that is free (or nearly free) - such as wood slabs or jars. Do you have friends with lots of vases you can borrow, or maybe you can round up some lanterns? Do you have shells from the beach, or maybe wheat from a field? Build your decor off of those items.

After determining what you have to work with, now pour over those dream ideas and try to incorporate some of what you love with what you already have. You’ll likely be the one to create some fun vibes of your own.

Here are some practical tips to help with your decor budget:

• Ask for help from those who have an eye for creativity.

• Only the first few people entering the room will actually see it the way we see it in all the photos - sterile and untouched.

• Pick a few areas of decor that really matter and emphasize those. My daughter-in-law and her girls had stunning bouquets, but the other decor consisted of greenery on the tables and a few roses strategically placed throughout the room. There is something remarkable about intentional simplicity that takes your breath away.

• On the other hand, consider carrying a single long-stemmed flower, or even a striking spray of greens, to free up your budget for other decorative elements.

• Make the most of the other things in the space: Make the cake table, your head table, or the food tables become a focal point, rather than being tucked away in a cute niche.

• Use your bouquets in vases around the reception room.

• Tiny details can get lost, so pick one or two favorites and let the other tiny ideas go.

Guest Tables:

Be extra thoughtful with the guest tables, as there are many of them (approximately 13-15 for 100 guests), and costs and effort can add up quickly.

Here are a few tips to simplify guest tables:

• Go eclectic so everything doesn’t have to match perfectly. You can really build off of borrowed or used items if they don’t have to be a perfect “matchy, matchy.”

• Utilize cheesecloth runners or greenery.

• Use your centerpieces as gifts for the helpers.

• Elaborate centerpieces can actually keep people from visiting across the table instead of drawing them in. 

To accomplish all of this, consider:

• Fresh flowers from Costco, Sam’s Club, Trader Joe's, etc. Roses and other flowers will be about $1 per stem. Greens will come in about $0.50 per stem.

• CVlinens.com or tableclothsfactory.com have great prices on linens, napkins, and cheesecloth runners.

My goal is to help you enjoy the wedding planning process, not be stressed for months just so you can enjoy one day. So have fun with your decor, but don’t let all the details of this project weigh you down. If you feel stressed over the details, step away for a bit, then simplify your plans or delegate. The perfect flowers are lovely and look great in photos, but celebrating a great time with those closest to you, especially on your wedding day, is truly special.

“Limitation is the birth of creativity”