How to Make Inexpensive Wedding Decorations

Decorating for a wedding, or any other event, requires creativity beyond choosing colors and flowers. If you are resourceful and flexible, however, one can create a look that is affordable and easy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• craft supplies of your choice
• tools required
• instruction manuals (optional)
• storage and workspace
• extra hands
• vehicle to transport the decorations to the wedding site

1. Keep in mind the time of day, year, and formality of the event when selecting decor. Books, websites, and magazines can help, but to help you sort through the mind-boggling number of options, start with colors you like (even dark or somewhat drab colors can be used, but with pastels or brights), and elements that you favor. Do you love the look of candlelight? Masses of flowers? Filmy fabrics draped here and there? Start with your favorites, and you're more likely to be pleased with the result. Even water can be used as a decorating element- it reflects light, can be colored and scented, and is quite cheap. Keep costs of flowers down by looking to seasonal, locally available flowers- even wildflowers may be appropriate for a less formal, daytime event.
2. Now that you've assembled appropriate elements that you like, it may be time to cut some things out- it will reduce cost and simplify the look. You can start with a color, then add a contrast or an accent color, then select two materials- e.g. flowers, candles, ribbons, etc. Add a third if the look is too bare, but get a second opinion if you're thinking of a fourth material.
3. Back to the books- or the websites. If you're unfamiliar with techniques to create centerpieces, swags, bouquets, etc. pick up a book, sign up for a crafting class (many craft stores and community education centers hold them), or try the web.
4. Calculate how much material you will need, always making sure there is a bit extra for mistakes. Now for the bargain hunting. Look for places where you can buy in bulk at wholesale prices. Shop the clearance racks of craft stores for things you can use small amounts of. If you're using fresh flowers, shop at the flower markets florists use. Ebay and the internet can help you price options, even if you buy elsewhere.

Tips & Warnings

• Colors that are highly nuanced can be hard to find and more expensive- vermilion is rarer than orange or red, periwinkle harder to find than blue or purple. If you're devoted to a subtle color, you can use it sparingly to help offset the cost, and use more common colors to contrast or harmonize.
• It pays to buy in bulk, especially with more common colors. You may be able to negotiate wholesale prices with merchants, if you're doing a large event.
• Consider using potted flowers- sometimes they are cheaper, and can be taken home by guests and enjoyed for much longer than cut flowers.
• Consider a judicious pairing of candlelight and water- the water will reflect the light, and be handy in case a candle tips.
• Artificial flowers have a few advantages: they are cheap, need no watering, and will not trigger allergies.
• Don't purchase large amounts of material that you're not familiar with- if you can't get the hang of working with it, you'll have wasted your money.
• If you buy online, make sure that you have the option of returning items- colors are often slightly off on computer monitors.
• The same problem can arise if you buy items of the same color from different sources or dyelots- a color that is slightly different from another can create a clash. Buy one color from one source, and ask about matching dyelots.
• Make sure you're aware of safety regulations- they may not allow for candles or other elements.