Monday, April 18, 2011

Fun and Frugal Wedding Decorating Ideas

You have set the date for your wedding and now it is time to start thinking about your wedding decorating ideas and just how much you can spend to make it your "day of days".
The hardest thing to do, after you have set the amount you can spend on decorating, is to stay within that budget.
Let's see if I can help you with that, while still allowing you to have a beautiful celebration.
The first thing to remember is that as special as you want this to day to be, the decorations are to be used only once.
When planning the decorations, focus on the special places they will be most noticed; this would be the ceremony altar and the reception tables.
You can move the ceremony flower arrangements to the reception entrance and save a several hundred dollars and it gives you a fast and easy start to decorating the reception entrance.
Small white twinkle lights are often on sale after the holidays and they can be used to decorate pillars, reception door entrances, and the wedding party table which usually has seating on one side facing the guests.
Use them wherever you think it would make the area more festive.
Most places will cover the tables with plain white tablecloths. You can enhance the entire look and mood simply by adding runners or lace overlays in the wedding theme colors.
Make the wedding cake and it's table a centerpiece at the reception by placing it where everyone can see and enjoy it. Drape tulle around the table for a softer more romantic look.
Also, if you order a square tiered cake you can get more pieces out of it so you can get a smaller, less expensive wedding cake and, as a nice side benefit, since it's not the usual round cake it can become a striking and unique decoration all by itself.
Beautiful but inexpensive candles can be used as wedding reception centerpieces and at other key places around the room and they always set a wonderful mood.
Table favors for each guest can also become decorations and a nice memento to boot.
Place a votive candle at each place setting and stick a small paper umbrella with the guest's name on it into the candle so they can take it home when the day is over.
Have a disposable camera at each table and ask guests to take interesting pictures and send them to you for your album. They will love doing it and it is saving you additional wedding photographer fees.
Table centerpieces need not be an expensive thing. Use candles, seasonal flowers, even dried flowers and just let your creativity take over.
Depending on how you wish to decorate, you will find that craft stores, online merchants, and discount retailers are helpful and great sources of ideas and savings.
Ask your family and friends to pitch in and help you. It will be fun for all and make them feel a very special part of your wedding day.
There are many inexpensive wedding decorating ideas that you can use to make your wedding day gorgeous. The money you save will make the time and creativity you put into it well worth it and bring smiles to the faces of guests as they appreciate the beauty of your.

Cheap Outdoor Wedding Decoration Ideas

You have probably dreamed of an outdoor wedding since you were a child. Getting married while communing with nature seems to be a relatively great experience. In the past, an outdoor wedding usually refers to a garden wedding. Today an outdoor wedding could mean beach wedding; a mountain-top wedding, a backyard wedding, a park wedding, a zoo... the options are plenty.
Outdoor wedding decoration largely depends on where the venue is. One good thing about an outdoor wedding is that you don't need to have separate decor for the wedding and reception venues. An outdoor wedding is more casual and guests have the tendency to be more spontaneous. You also save money as there is no need to pay for separate venues for the occasion.
In order to facilitate your outdoor wedding decoration you need to see the venue a year in advance probably the same time as the intended wedding day. You can see for yourself the light, wind and general weather condition of the place so you can prepare for the right location of the wedding arch and altar. You can observe where to orient the guests' chairs so they won't have to sit facing the sun. You can also observe what time the sun sets if you are bent on a dusk wedding.
If you are planning to have a garden wedding, you can save on decorations as the trees, plants and flowers in the garden are natural backdrop for the outdoor wedding decoration. However you can add to the glamour and magic of the occasion by hanging fairy lights on trees and arbors and gazebos. You can also bow tulle on the back of the seat. Choose a color that matches the wedding motif. Use an aisle runner for the bride to walk on. You may choose a more natural color such as sage to match the grass. Line the aisle with topiary or other flower arrangement to frame the aisle. You can also choose to line the aisle with votive candles in complementing colors.
A wedding at the beach is fun. The bride and groom can wear their formal attire. The guests' attire will totally depend on the couple's wish. They could ask their guests to come in formal attire or in less formal attire. Whatever the dress code, guests are expected to comply.
The best time for a beach wedding is at sunset. The couple could ask someone to build a bamboo arbor then cover it up with palm leaves and tropical flowers. Old fashioned lanterns and tiki torches can be used for lighting. If the reception will be held in a roofed area, filling every corner of space with plants such as birds of paradise and palms is an option. If the reception is at the beach, then centerpieces made of tropical flowers would be great. A medium-sized aquarium filled 1/4 of the way with colored sand and with water would look best if flower-shaped floating candles are added.
Outdoor wedding decorations need to be simple and easy to remove just in case the weather fails to cooperate. You should also make sure that you have an option in case it rains. Make sure you have an alternative arrangement in case of bad weather. You should look into tent rentals or moving to an inside space in the garden or beach facilities.
If your wedding is set in the morning, make the necessary "niceties" such as table for hot coffee or cocoa for the arriving guests. If the wedding is at mid-morning, set a table for cold beverages for parched guests as they come. If the wedding is at late afternoon, cocktails and canapes will be just right to serve guests as they arrive for the ceremony.
Outdoor wedding decorations should be simple. What is important is that your guests are comfortable

Cheap Wedding Decoration Ideas That Look Stunning

A couple's wedding day can be one of the most special days in their lives, but they don't want the debt that comes with their wedding day to follow them most of their lives too. A fantastic way to save money is to make your wedding venue decorations. Saving money on your wedding and reception decorations does not mean you also cut down on the quality of them.
To get started, decide if you want a wedding theme and choose a theme whether it be a beach wedding or winter wedding. Make yourself a list of the decorations you'll be wanting to incorporate into your theme. With a list of your decoration ideas in hand, you can look for the clearance sales and pick them up for next year. There are times when the wedding decorations are included, you just need to check with your wedding organizer.
To stick to a budget, try to make as many decorations as you can whether it be spray painting candles or making confetti. Instead of using a florist, maybe you are talented enough at growing flowers, or you know someone who is and can grow the flowers for both the ceremony and the reception. Renting some of your decorations is also an option, providing you'll be able to return them in original condition.
Making wedding reception centerpieces are a great way to add a personal touch and save money. All that is needed is a little creativity and patience. There are many ideas for centerpieces, you could use candles in your wedding colors and decorate them with mirrors or flowers.
Yet another choice for decorating the tables is to include wedding favors that match your theme. You can purchase them on the web, and they come in styles that will match practically every type or theme of wedding. They are also a great way to thank guests for attending.
More and more people are placing disposable cameras on the tables during the wedding reception. Setting a camera on each table for your guests to use will produce many wonderful candid shots throughout the reception.
Using what is around you will bring your theme together. For a beach wedding, collect and distribute seashells all around. Or collect pieces of driftwood and arrange them though the site. By using a little patience and creativity, you will be able to come up with sensible wedding decorations to fit your theme, and you'll also create the mood that you desire and make your wedding day one that will be remembered for a long time.

Beautiful Wedding Decor On A Budget

Wedding decor is a very important element of your wedding. Mainly because it tells your guests the vision you had for your wedding. It shows them your colours, your style and vision whether it's rustic pretty, simply elegant, fun 'n funky or a seasonal theme. The atmosphere or mood you wanted to create for your guests and the formality (formal versus casual) is all relayed through your decor. To make sure it's all captured, get your photographer to really include the decor elements of your wedding so your vision will live on!
Many people think that wedding decor is expensive but it doesn't have to be. There are lots of ways to have great wedding decor no matter what your budget. Here are four tips to help you use decor to make your day even more beautiful:
1. Utilize Your Venue: Some venues or caterers provide things like linens, napkins, chair covers etc. My only piece of advice is to make sure you see a wedding set up with the decor. I have run into heavily stained, torn, very old and mismatching "venue/ caterer provided decor". So double-check and view a set-up before making any commitment to venue/caterer provide decor. You can always upgrade your linens or add your own touches such as chair sashes, table overlays, upgraded head table decor, etc through a wedding decor company or DIY it through a rental company.
2. Dress Up The Guest Tables: If you want to make it look like you've spent a lot of money on your guest table decor, place your wedding favours in nice packaging at the each place setting. It offers a nice presentation and if you have beautiful packaging and ribbons that match your theme it adds a finishing touch and more colour to the table too. For your centerpieces you can use inexpensive candles, coloured gems or silk petals that you can pick up at your local dollar store. If you don't have a big budget for an upgraded table cloth then go with a table runner and chose coloured napkins versus white.
3. Lighting: Make sure you spend some of your budget on lighting. If your guests can't see your wedding decorations then it wasn't money well spent. Full room lighting is a lot more affordable than many people realize and can create an atmosphere to remember and make your guests ooh and ahh when they walk in. You can also just have coloured lighting for your head table area to create a strong focal point. You can also work with the venue to use lighting to show your initials - a great effect that looks very expensive! If you're really on a tight budget then consider using candles or LED lights wherever you can.
4. Flowers On A Budget: There are some great flowers out there that aren't expensive and by filling in with less expensive flowers, the savings can really add up. Using flowers such as hydrangeas, carnations, daisies, mums, babies breath and seasonal flowers can really save you money. So be sure to talk to whoever is doing your flowers and let know your budget and ask for ways to save. Be sure to reuse your flowers from the ceremony and the reception so your bridesmaids flowers can become the flowers for your head table, the aisle marker flowers can become centerpieces.

Wedding Decorating Ideas Using White Wedding Decor

As a wedding event planner, it is always fun to unexpectedly come across a wedding or special event being set up. Recently, I was traveling in Spain and our hotel had one of the most beautiful outdoor wedding locations I had ever seen. I saw that they were hosting this wedding using white wedding decor which of course sparked the idea for this blog that describes various wedding decorating ideas.
First let's discuss outdoor wedding locations and why this site in particular stood out as one of the prettiest I have ever seen. Situated on the Mediterranean, the St. Regis Resort has a stunning view of the ocean from their large lawn where the wedding was held. They also have a path with bougainvillea archways that is beautiful for bride and groom pictures.
Other wonderful hotel features in respect to fabulous outdoor wedding locations is the grand patio where cocktails were held. This terrace is located just off of the main bar of the hotel and is beautifully furnished with outdoor furniture. Therefore, you can save some money and not bring in any of your own furniture.
Finally, as a wedding event planner, I felt completely at ease speaking with the catering department as they were setting up the event, and I got the sense that the hotel is very accommodating and understands the task at hand in making the wedding day special for the bride and groom. In addition, the food and service I experienced at the hotel were among the best I have had at any hotel.
Now for some wedding decorating ideas I picked up while watching the hotel set up the white wedding decor for this wedding.
* Use smaller tents and put them together creating individual spaces or rooms versus one large tent. Plus the bonus of using smaller tents is that you can leave off one corner and create an outside lounge or dancing area.
* Keep costs down with your lounge by using just votive candles on the coffee tables or simple white Cymbidium orchids in votive glasses.
As a wedding event planner, I really liked the idea that they used sand as filler for the flower vase instead of colored glass or rocks. This is a great white wedding decor idea incorporating the location with the wedding.
Other wedding decorating ideas include:
* Use different types of flowers and vases on the tables for an eclectic look and a contrasting color such as black for an accent color.
* Cover the chairs with white chair covers to give a clean and uniform style to the event.
* Bring in some fun decor pieces like these 2' diameter-sized large round candle holders and intersperse them around the reception area.
I hope you found these wedding decorating ideas interesting and can possibly incorporate them with your white wedding decor. As I mentioned above, the hotel in Mardavall was spectacular and I would consider one of the prettiest outdoor wedding locations I have seen. Until next time, remember the Budget Bash mantra: make it simple, delicious, stylish, fun & economical to all!

Wedding Backdrops and Affordable Wedding Decorations

Decorating for your wedding should be an enjoyable experience. After all, a wedding is supposed to be a joyful event. Unfortunately, some brides turn into monsters when making wedding arrangements. Instead of ruining the event, step back and relax. Consider wedding backdrops and other simple decorations to adorn your wedding location.
Wedding decorations should add fun, style and drama to your big day. Deciding on decorations for the ceremony and the reception area can be intimidating. Nevertheless, with the right affordable wedding decoration ideas, you could have a stylish and elegant event without going bankrupt.
Check out these three great wedding decoration ideas:
1. Make your own wedding tree by finding long branches or twigs around three to four feet high. Cut them and remove the leaves, then spray paint them to match the color scheme of your wedding. Place the branches in a vase with decorative rocks. You could also hang crystals or beads on it. This can make one large centerpiece or several pieces for every table. Making a wedding tree also serves as a wish tree where guests could hang well wishes for the newlyweds.
2. Decorate with lights. Provide plenty of lights for your wedding reception. Get rope lights, candles or Christmas lights to add sparkle to the reception. You can hang Christmas lights and wrap rope lights to make for a more dramatic wedding reception. The lights are affordable, and add elegance to the special occasion. You can even reuse the lights for the holidays.
3. Decorate your wedding with pictures, which include placing several photographs of you and your mate near the wedding cake. You could also add pictures of both sets of parents. Ensure that there is a large picture of the bride and groom at a noticeable location in the reception, such as the entrance.
4. Use wedding backdrops. Wedding backdrops can be used at the ceremony or reception. Many brides use decorative columns decorated with flowers or balloons. Arches are popular as well.
With a little imagination, you can plan a stress free wedding. Keep the experience fun and light-hearted for everyone.

Unique Wedding Ideas to Spice Up Any Theme and Other Fresh Wedding Decoration Ideas

Decorating a wedding can be one of the most exacting undertakings a party planner will go through. For those who revel in turning drone events to magical and memorable ones, it is certainly the most promising avenue to express creativity and ingenuity and to come up with unique wedding ideas.
Wedding decoration ideas best flourish in themed weddings. Just as focus is the key to succeeding in any area in life, providing a theme for a wedding gives party planner the focus needed in executing unique wedding ideas.
Favorite wedding themes include garden themes, beach wedding, seasonal weddings, Asian weddings and wine-themed weddings. It goes without saying that all the big and little details that go into planning a wedding should fit into the theme the bride and groom chooses. Aside from setting the theme in place, it is equally important to have a checklist of the wedding supplies needed for the wedding, both from the ceremony to the reception area.
For the ceremony, the following decoration ideas will add a fresh twist to age-old ceremonial tradition. Personalize aisle runners with a monogram and pick colors that shy away from the usual. Pearlized gold gives a classic touch; deep red, deepens a romantic theme and hues of blue, pink and yellow highlight a spring wedding. Embed a monogram to unity candles for a more personal touch and add a solid-colored border to the monograms for a modern twist.
For couples who prefer the out-of-the-ordinary, a classic sand unity ceremony kit provides just the right variation from tradition in a simple packaging. With a sand unity ceremony kit, couples can pour sand from individual vases to one vase to symbolize the union, instead of lighting a candle. Embed a monogram on the unity kit to further personalize these wedding decoration ideas.
Ribbons provide a much needed detail to ceremony programs and wedding vow scrolls. Personalize the ribbons with the first names of the bride and groom and the wedding date. Encourage participation from guests by providing freeze-dried or fresh petals in metallic paper petal cones, with a custom text on the inside that will perhaps include a line from your vow and the wedding date. Guests will surely be enthused to throw in the petals as you leave the ceremonial area with these unique wedding ideas. Eco-friendly confetti in acrylic cones and lavender wedding rice could take the place of the petals. Lavender rice gives off a wonderful aroma when stepped on.
Provide a signature frame in welcome areas for guests to sign on and spice up table runners with your signature monogram. In the reception area, leaving wedding bubbles in mini tubes or mini champagne bottles on the tables are wonderful decoration ideas that encourage guests to take part in welcoming the newlyweds. Wedding sparklers set on top of personalized wedding napkins can take the place of bubbles too.
Outdoor tabletop torches and candle on glass seashell tea light holders or heart shaped card holders when lit provide a romantic vibe to a reception. Provide ornate metal reception card box for guests to place wishes and set place cards in place card holders that double as party favors. One great way to set off a place card is by enclosing it in a frame that guests can take home.
Other unique wedding decoration ideas include customizing cake toppers and salt and pepper shakers to fit your theme. Use double happiness cake toppers for Asian themes or utilize metal or glass toppers with monograms for contemporary themes. Bride and groom salt and pepper shakers provide a modern feel to a table setting while junior size blown glass shakers give an almost Mediterranean touch.
These are just a few unique ideas to bring personality and style to any wedding. Remember that with creative enough, wedding decoration ideas will help you make use of items that provide dual or multi-functional features fusing decors into keepsakes and even containers.