From elaborate archways, drapery and floral arrangements to balloons, greenery and candles, there are endless ways to decorate for your wedding ceremony. Although there are countless options for decor, you might have a limited budget, luckily there are many ways to reduce the cost of decorations without sacrificing the beauty of your event. You can get crafty, shop vintage, and reuse decorations from other events. No matter the theme or budget for your wedding, there’s affordable decor for everyone.
How Much Does it Cost to Decorate a Wedding?
Determining a budget for wedding decorations is challenging, as it largely depends on your preferences, venue and the overall size, theme and grandeur of the event. However, as a general rule of thumb, wedding decorations usually cost about 10-15% of your total wedding budget. To put that into perspective, if you set aside $20,000 for your wedding, expect to spend roughly $2,000-$3,000 on decorations, which can cover everything from table centerpieces, floral arrangements, lighting, linens, chair covers and unique pieces like photo backdrops, arches and signage.
Here are some of the individual decor costs you can expect and consider:
- Flowers: $700-$2,500
- Aisle Markers: $50-$150
- Arch: $100-$550
- Signage and Stationery: $50-$500
- Centerpieces: $20-$200
- Aisle Runner: $16-$180
- Table Linens: $10-$50 per table
- Chair Covers and Sashes: $2-$5 per chair
- Drapery: $100-$1,000 depending on size and intricacy
- Lighting: $200-$5,000
- Other Decor: backdrops, dance floor rentals, props, etc., vary widely
Taking all of these things into account, you could spend anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more on wedding decorations alone, which doesn’t include major elements like the wedding tent, dance floor (unless rented separately), and other large-scale items. It’s essential to set a budget and stick to it, get multiple quotes, check reviews, and perhaps hire a wedding planner who can help you manage your budget and priorities, and find potential discounts.
Taking a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to wedding decor is common because it sounds like it’ll save you a lot of money, and it might…but make sure to do that math first, it’ll likely cost you less than hiring professionals, but it’s certainly not free. For example, a bridal bouquet made by a florist can cost around $300, but if you decide to do it yourself, you’ll still need to buy the flowers and supplies and then actually make it. Do your research, decide what’s best done by professionals and what you can realistically accomplish yourself.
Wedding Decorations That Won’t Break Your Budget
Wedding decorations can be a significant percentage of your wedding expenses, but with a little creativity and effort, you can create a stunning ambiance for your big day without breaking the bank. Keep in mind the overall theme and feel you want for your wedding, and don’t be afraid to enlist the help of friends and family to bring your vision to life. If you’re crafty, DIY projects can save you money when it comes to things like centerpieces, signage and even large displays. Give yourself plenty of time to research and put together your projects, it’s a great opportunity to enlist family and friends to help.
Go on a hunt for vintage and used decorations to save money and reduce waste at your wedding. Check thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces. Especially with a vintage vibe, it’s perfectly acceptable to have mismatched and eclectic items. If the decor around your house matches your wedding theme, consider pulling pieces to decorate like your favorite plants, picture frames, centerpieces, and even furniture. You might also have decorations from your engagement party, bridal shower, or even a family member or friend’s wedding that you might be able to modify and re-use.
Certain venues are beautiful enough that you won’t have to provide much extra decor. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding for example, the gorgeous landscape view could provide the perfect backdrop for pictures. Some indoor venues have on-site decorations otherwise, look for features that you can accentuate with minor touches. If you’re on a tight budget, determine your non-negotiables and see what you can offset by buying used, DIY or skipping completely. Ultimately it’s your special day and you get to decorate it in a way that feels right for you and your partner.
Are you looking for a wedding venue in Hershey, PA? Historic Acres sits along hills surrounded by lush foliage. The property includes beautifully manicured landscaping and natural greenery that will stand out in photos and serve as a perfect backdrop for your special day no matter the season. Give us a call or fill out a form online to learn more about our offerings and availability.