A few inspirations for the DIY-party throwers and those on a budget: instead of spending your hard-earned dollars on expensive flower centerpieces that will be thrown away after a few hours, try using other materials. The ones below are showstoppers, pocketbook-friendly and easy to create. Just a little sampling to get your brainstorm going…
For most hosts and hostesses, the budget is a huge concern. When it comes to flowers – don’t get discouraged! Try this idea out: first, find a florist that will do the arranging and storage only. Then, order your flowers from an online wholesaler such as Blooms by the Box and have them delivered to your florist. You’ll save a ton of money by purchasing the flowers at a much lower price and you’ll still get the professionals do to the arranging!
Still doesn’t fit in your budget? Choose an inexpensive flower and some vases from garage sales or a dollar store and arrange it yourself! Our favorite is the Peruvian Lily (also called Alstroemeria) because you can purchase it in so many different colors and it’s very budget friendly! Another suggestion is Gladiolus which gives your flower features beautiful height. There’s always a way to give the impression of a huge floral budget for pennies!
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Budget brides – you’re not alone! Check out this video from CNN on the trends of budget weddings and today’s economy.
One idea to help save is to have the lower layers of your cake be cardboard or styrofoam covered in fondant. The cake will look like the towering masterpiece you want, but without the giant pricetag. Your guests will have their pieces sliced from a sheet cake – far less expensive!
If that doesn’t appeal to you, take a suggestion from Jenna Bush and create the illusion of a taller cake by propping it up on a tall cake stand and filling it in with flowers.
Many couples spend over 50% of their wedding budget on the reception and a big slice of this money pays for the décor of the reception area. Whether your celebration takes place in a classic ballroom, a renovated antique barn or your backyard – consider lighting as your top priority. We see so many weddings where thousands of dollars are spent on silk screens and tablescapes, yet the lighting is left up to the janitor who turns on the lights that morning. Just take a look at your nearest club or bar…it’s the lighting that makes the look and feel of the venue, not necessarily how much they spent on monogrammed napkins! Consider lighting a top priority when you’re designing the picture-perfect reception.
