Wedding Style and Decor Hacks to Help Cut Costs

Though much thought and careful planning goes into determining the wedding budget, sometimes unforeseen circumstances find their way in. Maybe your guest list has grown unexpectedly, or you’ve gone over budget on your wedding dress. If you’re looking to cut costs, see our list of wedding decor hacks to help fill in the gaps.

Check out these wedding decor hacks to help cut costs!

Floral hacks

For many brides, lush florals are a must-have. But as gorgeous as they are, they come at a price. One key to saving on florals is to reuse as much as you can.

If you’re using fresh flowers at your rehearsal dinner, make them last and bring them back for your wedding day! Be sure to cut stems at 45-degree angles to ensure that your buds will stay in bloom as long as possible. If you can, store them at below 60 degrees as well to keep them from wilting. On the day of, ask your florist to bring extra vases with water. After the ceremony, have your bridesmaids set their bouquets in the vases and place them anywhere that could use a decorative touch.

Maybe your budget will not allow for fresh flowers, consider a few alternatives. High quality fake flowers are really hard to distinguish from the real thing. They’re nearly identical and you can get them for half the cost! If you want to take it a step above, think about renting luxurious silk florals. They look expensive, but can also save you a pretty penny. Finally, if you simply insist on live blooms, skip the florist and purchase your florals from a wholesale store and DIY your bouquets and centerpieces, or opt for wildflowers or succulents instead.

Cutting machine DIY/projects

Do you or a close friend own a cutting machine? That investment is about to pay for itself tenfold. There’s probably an infinite number of crafts you can create with a cutting machine, but here are a few for your special day that will give your wallet a break!

If you love the look of handwritten calligraphy, but aren’t willing to pay a professional, use your creativity and a cutting machine to create: save the dates, wedding invitations, a welcome sign, table assignment sign, place cards, table numbers, personalized tags or stickers for favors, a cake topper, confetti, and even florals. You can create vinyl decals to stick on wood, glass, or acrylic, or simply use the cutout as a stencil and hand write your own items.

Other DIY

Pinch a penny wherever you can. The possibilities are endless.

Use tealight candles and dollar store votives to add a romantic air to your reception. You can get more than enough candles to create a scene and it won’t cost you a fortune.

Add touches of sentiment all around your wedding by decorating with pictures of you and your better half. A picture is worth a thousand words, but it could also save you some cash if you use framed photos in place of florals or other more costly décor.

If you like the shimmer and shine of metal accents, but don’t want to pay the price, get yourself some spray paint and DIY some gold, silver, or copper items, like candle holders, vases, frames, napkin rings, flowers, and more!

Ultimately, the best way to save time and money on style and décor is to book a venue that really speaks for itself. If it has incredible views, stylish fixtures and furniture, or unique décor, less can be more.

Want to see more? 57 wedding planning tips, tricks and hacks every couple needs to know.