Wedding Decor on a Budget: Where to Splurge and Where to Save
When it comes to planning your wedding, it’s no secret that planning costs add up extremely fast. Seeing that number increase can cause stress, and then the worrying begins about the overall cost. From choosing the right wedding venue for you, who is catering your food, what everyone in the wedding party is wearing, along with the bride’s dress and groom’s tux, to all of the floral arrangements and other decor that is going to be perfect in pictures, couples are finding it harder and harder to stay within their original budget to try and create their dream atmosphere. But here’s the good news: with a little strategy and some extra thinking, there are plenty of ways you can achieve your perfect day and a dream atmosphere guests will remember. Here are a few ways for you to better know where to splurge and where to save on wedding décor - and why it’s important:
Why Budgeting for Wedding Décor is Important
How you decorate your wedding sets the tone for your celebration. From when your guests walk into your space to how they feel during the reception, how you choose to decorate for your day plays a huge part in how the day feels for not only you, but also for your guests. That’s why budgeting properly for décor is so important. It helps you:
Make the most with your money without having to compromise what you’ve envisioned
Helps you better focus on the small details that matter most to you and will stick out to your guests, and make an impact on them
Takes off some of the financial stress when you know where you’re putting your money and for what
You can better enjoy your wedding day without worrying about your finances post-wedding
Where should you Splurge on Wedding Décor
While budgeting and saving money are always a bonus, there are some aspects of your décor that even we wouldn’t mind splurging on:
1. Statement Pieces
Imagine a beautiful arch to get married under, covered in flowers or the tables' centerpieces of your dreams, your guests will always think back to those stand-out pieces that will have their jaws dropping the minute they walk into your space. Long-lasting details always make a huge impact.
2. Lighting
If you have the right lighting, it makes any space feel more magical. Statement light fixtures, fairy lights, or candles everywhere, even the simplest lighting addition can completely elevate and transform your space.
3. Guest Tables
Your guests will spend most of their time either on the dance floor or at their tables. By choosing linens that give you a luxury feel, having breathtaking centerpieces, and a creative setup for each guest, how you present your tables can upgrade your guest experience and overall feel of your celebration.
4. Professional and Local Rentals
By choosing professional and local rentals, you will get that extra elegant feel. You’re also helping local businesses and are contributing to the Omaha community.
Where to Save on Wedding Décor
While we love a good extravagant, avant-garde “wow” factor when it comes to décor, not every single detail needs to be over the top. Here are a few ideas that can help you save your money better without having to give up your magical feel:
1. Ceremony Seating
While your ceremony is a big part of your wedding, it’s not the only part. Whether you want a long ceremony or a 10-minute moment, that’s not where your guests will be the entire night. Have basic seating options with minimal decor surrounding them.
2. Aisle Décor
Instead of placing flowers at the end of every aisle or decorating the backs of every single chair, decorate just the first few rows, space out the decorations amongst all of your seating, or opt for candles lining the main aisle. Even having little splashes of florals throughout your setup will completely change the feel of your ceremony seating.
3. DIY
Table placements, ceremony handouts, save-the-dates, signage for your space, and even wedding favors, doing small things yourself will always save you some extra money.
4. Florals
Flowers tend to eat up a good chunk of most brides’ budgets. If you don’t want to sacrifice your dream bouquets, centerpieces, and other decorations to beautify the place, you can save more money by mixing blooming flowers with greenery like baby’s breath and eucalyptus. Another option is to repurpose the arrangements used during the ceremony for the reception. Using local and in-season florals will also save you some extra cash.
Extra Tips and Tricks for Budget-Friendly decorations:
Repurpose your Décor: Take your ceremony arch and use it at your sweetheart table, or take your aisle flowers and use them as centerpieces.
Prioritize What Your Guests Will Have Their Focus On The Most: People notice lighting, flowers, how your tables are set up, and how they feel walking into your space. Make note of the tiny details you would notice and use them to your advantage.
DIY Selectively: While DIYing is a great option, take on simple projects like displaying photos with your partner, making table numbers, and putting together your table decorations like candles and name placements. Don’t take on big projects if you don’t need to.
Rent, Don’t Buy: Rent whatever you can. Why spend your money on décor you most likely won’t use again, other than your wedding day? Go local when it comes to renting and talk to your venue, and discuss what packages they have and what they include when it comes to rentals.
Benefits of Budget-friendly décor:
By being smart with where your money is going, you’ll:
Having more money in your budget will allow you to put your money towards other priorities, like having the best photographer or being able to go on your dream honeymoon.
There are ways to create your picture-perfect day that reflects your personality without spending extra to make it a reality.
It will help reduce your stress when getting your finances today, and you can better enjoy your wedding without overspending while still getting exactly what you want.
Decorating your wedding on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice what you want or what you’ve always envisioned. Splurge on big ticket items and cut down the cost on the smaller details, you’ll create a wedding space that looks stunning, has your personal touch in every little thing, and keeps your mind at ease when it comes to your finances after the big day. With just a little extra planning, your wedding day can be your dream come to life without breaking your bank to do it.
Leo Ballroom
Step into Omaha’s history and host your event in a venue unlike any other. With 12,000 square feet of restored elegance, Leo Ballroom offers a timeless setting for weddings, receptions, corporate gatherings, and special celebrations. From our grand chandeliers to photo-ready balconies, every detail creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
Located in Downtown Omaha | Seating for up to 350 guests | Cocktail-style for up to 500
Contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more about hosting your event at Leo Ballroom.