Cheap Wedding Decor for Garden Weddings
1. Embrace the Natural Beauty
The first step in creating a stunning garden wedding on a budget is to capitalize on the natural landscape. Most gardens boast vibrant flora that can serve as a backdrop for your ceremony and reception. Consider how you can use existing plants, trees, and flowers to create a beautiful setting without additional costs.
2. DIY Floral Arrangements
Instead of hiring a florist, create your own bouquets and centerpieces. Gather wildflowers or purchase them from a local farmer’s market. Involve friends or family in arranging them into mason jars, reclaimed glass bottles, or simple vases. This not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your decor.
3. Recycled Containers
Utilize recyclable materials for your decor. Old jars, tin cans, or wooden crates can be transformed into charming centerpieces or table decorations. Paint or decorate these containers to fit your wedding theme. They can be filled with flowers, candles, or even fairy lights for an enchanting glow at night.
4. Fairy Lights and Lanterns
String lights or fairy lights can dramatically change the atmosphere in a garden setting. They are relatively inexpensive and very easy to install. Drape them around trees, along fences, or overhead to create a dreamy ambiance. For added rustic charm, consider using lanterns filled with candles along pathways or on tables.
5. Picnic-Style Seating
Rather than renting chairs, opt for picnic blankets and cushions for a relaxed vibe. Lay out colorful blankets with decorative pillows across the grass for a comfortable seating area. This not only enhances the garden feel but also creates a fun and youthful atmosphere, encouraging guests to mingle and enjoy the scenery.
6. Creative Signage
Clear signage can add character to your wedding decor while also guiding guests. Use chalkboards, wood slices, or large pieces of paper for signs indicating directions, the bar, or table numbers. Personalize them with your handwriting or a calligraphy style that matches the theme.
7. Paper Lanterns and Pom Poms
Paper lanterns and tissue paper pom poms are stunning yet low-cost decor options. They can be hung from tree branches, along tents, or even within the reception space. Choose colors that complement your wedding palette to create a cohesive look.
8. Botanical Table Runners
Ditch expensive linens in favor of garden-inspired alternatives. Use grass, moss, or even leaves to create natural table runners. This inventive approach highlights the beauty of the outdoors and provides a unique twist to your table setting.
9. Utilize Fabrics
Buy or borrow bolts of fabric to create simple draping over tables or seating areas. Lightweight fabrics can be woven through trees, creating canopies or sashes that add elegance without undue cost. Consider fabrics in pastel colors or floral prints that align with your garden theme.
10. Upcycled Furniture
Check local thrift stores or garage sales for furniture that can be refurbished. Old chairs, tables, or benches can be spray-painted or reupholstered to fit your aesthetic. This not only adds charm and originality to your decor but is often much cheaper than renting furniture.
11. Create a Photo Booth Area
Designate a corner of your garden as a photo booth. Set up a simple backdrop using curtains, decorative frames, or flower walls. Add props like hats, signs, and flower crowns so guests can take fun photos. Utilizing items already available in your garden will keep costs down.
12. Seasonal Decor
Choose seasonal flowers, fruits, or vegetables to use in your decor. Not only do they contribute to the garden aesthetic, but they are often more affordable and available locally. For example, pumpkins in autumn or citrus fruits in summer can be colorful and striking additions to your tablescapes.
13. Natural Elements
Bring in natural elements like stones, twigs, and branches as part of your decor. They can be used as unique place card holders or incorporated into centerpieces. Arrange these elements artistically to blend seamlessly with the garden surroundings, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
14. Candles for Romantic Lighting
Candles are inexpensive and add a romantic glow to your wedding. Use tea lights in glass votive holders or floating candles in water bowls to illuminate tables. Consider making use of pillar candles or even candles in unused glasses for a personal touch.
15. Temporary Tattoos and Decorations
Set up a table with inexpensive temporary tattoos or small craft decorations for guests to customize their party favors or to add a whimsical touch to their outfits. This interactive decor item can be a conversation starter and adds a fun element to your wedding.
16. Save-the-Date Flags
Use fabric or paper to create save-the-date flags scattered throughout the garden. This not only reminds guests of your wedding date but also adds charm to the decor. They can be attached to sticks and placed in planters, which ties everything together.
17. Embrace Minimalism
Sometimes, less is actually more. A minimalist approach focuses on key focal points while allowing the natural beauty of the garden to shine. Select a few standout decor pieces and let them take center stage, rather than cluttering the space with voluminous decor.
18. Vintage Finds
Hit up flea markets, thrift stores, or estate sales for vintage decor pieces. Items such as antique trays, unique glassware, or retro seating can add character and class to your garden wedding at a fraction of the cost of new items.
19. Use Balloon Decorations
Balloons can be a delightful addition if used thoughtfully. Create balloon bouquets, arches, or subtle accents. Choose colors that match your wedding theme to maintain coherence and pattern throughout the decor.
20. Personal Touches
Incorporate personal items that represent your love story, like framed photographs, letters, or mementos scattered around your venue. This adds sentimental value without requiring a significant financial investment.
21. Community Engagement
Utilize local vendors and craftsmen who may offer discounts for community events or support a local project. You could partner with local small businesses for decor, catering, or photography, often resulting in a better deal than larger corporations.
22. Make Use of Garden Structures
If your garden has a gazebo, pergola, or trellis, be sure to decorate these focal structures. String lights, draped fabrics, or floral accents can transform them into beautiful spaces for your ceremony or photo opportunities.
23. Outdoor Dining
Consider serving buffet-style food, which often requires less formal table settings. It allows for a relaxed atmosphere and gives you the opportunity to use fewer dining utensils and plates, reducing costs significantly.
24. Repurpose Decor
Another cost-effective strategy is to repurpose decor from the ceremony to the reception. Floral arrangements, signage, and furniture can be swapped out or moved seamlessly to different areas as needed, allowing the decor to serve multiple purposes throughout your wedding.
25. Test the Waters
Before committing to a decor idea, test it out in your garden. Lay out samples of your chosen decor to see how they complement the surroundings. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a cohesive aesthetic on your special day.
By thoughtfully integrating these budget-friendly decor ideas, your garden wedding can be both beautiful and economical, allowing you to celebrate your love without straining your finances.
