Simple Yet Elegant Ideas for a Low-Budget Wedding, part I

Many people hear ‘low-budget’ and have low expectations.  Not every bride and groom can afford the My Fair Wedding extravaganza that the awesome David Tutera produces.  However, every bride and groom can have the wedding of their dreams, no matter the budget.

Couples are opting more and more for small church weddings.  These mean more intimate gatherings for the exchanging of the vows – usually family and close friends.  Some couples choose to spend their money on a party for the reception where more people come out to celebrate the union, or a more extravagant honeymoon.  Smaller marriage space means less to decorate, but doesn’t mean that you have to skimp on the beautiful things that help to make a wedding memorable.

Without giving away all of my trade secrets, here is a decorating idea that will make a lasting impression without breaking the bridal bank:

Let’s stick with a fall wedding – those are my favorites!  The entrance to a small church doesn't leave a lot to cover; however, a simple cream curtain that frames the entryway, and gathers at each side like a window curtain makes for a simple and inexpensive, yet dramatic visual for guests as they enter the church.  Add a pop of autumn color with terracotta ties for each side and fall leaves placed randomly throughout.  Hobby Lobby has beautiful leaves that can be used again as home decorations.  Sprinkle some more leaves at the foot of the fabric, like leaves that have been blown to the corners of a fence.  A potted plant on each side can be borrowed from a home, or purchased and used as a housewarming gift for the lovely couple.  As guests enter, their eyes will be drawn to the floor, where terracotta fabric will follow the aisle on each side from the back to the front of the church; a cream aisle runner will only bring out the terracotta, while pinecones and acorns will be sprinkled on either side, as well as just a few more leaves.  A small bundle of wheat will be tied at the center with a few small golden calla lilies, cranberry-colored berries, and two deep brown feathers; these small arrangements will be attached to every second or third pew from the back to the front of the church.  And then the front… Arches are an inexpensive way to add a great backdrop to any ceremony, and some drama, as well.  They enhance photographs, and can be used to fit any theme or color.  For this wedding, I would mirror the entrance of the church to the actual ceremony site.  More creamy fabric would frame the arch in the same way that the door was framed – also using terracotta ties on each side.  Some fall leaves intertwined throughout and sprinkled at the foot of the fabric will finish the look in a simple way.  Two pillars, one on each side, will hold candles – an assortment of fall colors – and one plant will stand in front of each pillar.  As bridesmaids and groomsmen march down the center aisle, bouquets of fall leaves, golden calla lilies, and cranberry colored berries with accents of brown feathers to match will march along with them.  Stick a miniature copy of this to the groomsmen’s lapels, and we have a full-on fall wedding.  Sounds dramatically expensive, but I can promise that these ideas are big on elegance, and great on the pocketbook!  Oh, and instead of throwing rice, or confetti, or whatever at the end of the ceremony… how about smaller leaves, thrown to look like falling leaves.  Now that’s ‘leaf-ing’ in style!

This quick sketch doesn't do my mind's visual justice, but I would use something like this as my guide.

Leaves like this are sold in bags and are a very inexpensive way to add a bit of fall to any room or event!

Just as above, a bunch of these sold as is can be separated, or gathered into centerpieces and bouquets.

So enough with my horrible fall play on words… Doesn't this wedding décor sound comfy?  Too bad we can’t stick a fireplace in there somewhere…or is there room for that at the reception?

Some keywords to remember for small and inexpensive church weddings are fabric, accent colors, and consistency.  Oh, and two very important words that you should always keep in mind when planning your event, whether an anniversary celebration, or a wedding reception: Stiletto Events.

I will plan so you can party.  www.stilettoeventsplanner.com