We all know weddings can be expensive – and there are many different things to consider when it comes to budgeting for wedding decor. What’s important to remember is that every couple is different, and each is going to have their own set of expectations and priorities for their big day, along with a budget they’re comfortable with.
Rentals, Florals, Candles, Stationery, Signage… It can be hard to know where to start and how to organize your wedding budget in a way that works for you. So if you’re wondering how you can make the most of your wedding decor budget in a way that prioritizes what you want, stays in budget, and brings the most value from your spending… keep reading! Today we’re sharing 7 ways to make the most out of your wedding decor budget, and how you can set yourself up for success from the beginning!
one.
DECIDE WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU
Consider what you and your partner value, and allow that to influence your budget – not only for when you’re creating it at the start, but also with how you allocate it between the different decor elements needed. What’s important to you? What do you want the focus to be? Answering that will help you better understand where more of your budget should be weighted.
Vendor Credits: Photographer: Brontë Taylor Photography // Coordinator: Taylor Lowe // Decor: Bespoke Decor // Bridal Gown: Om Couture // Bridal Veil: Jane Rhyan The Collection // Engagement Ring: Cavalier Gastown // Bridal Accessories: Atelier Simone Martin // Bouquet Design: Full Moon Floral // Arch Rental: Artisan Archways
two.
FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO COMPROMISE ON
Start with budgeting out your priorities first, and then you can work your way down the list and divide the remaining funds towards the elements that are not as important to you. If you don’t care about upgrading your venue chairs or table linens for instance, then this should be one of the last things you consider incorporating into your budget.
Vendor Credits: Photographer: Bretton Grassie // Design & Styling: Rebekah Brontë Designs // Florals: Fall for Florals // Rentals: Modern Rentals // Stationery: Debbie Wong Design // Venue: Venue308 // Workshop: True to Hue Workshop Peach
three.
CHOOSE A DESIGN AESTHETIC THAT SUITS YOUR BUDGET
If your budget is smaller, we would recommend selecting a wedding design/overall aesthetic that works best for a smaller budget. For example, if you opt for a more “minimalist” design for your reception, with bud vases and limited candle accents on the table, this design aesthetic would suit a smaller budget much better than that of a luxury floral-filled ballroom wedding. Bonus tip: Make sure to do your research on local industry pricing so your expectations can match your budget too!
Vendor Credits: Photography & Videography: Bryttanni Photography // Styling: Ashley Nicole Styling // Floral Design: Creative Edge Flowers // Stationery & Day of Details: Love Sky Design
four.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
These 3 simple words can actually help you stretch your wedding budget farther than you would think! Follow these steps: (1) Reduce the amount of decor needed (ie: choosing a minimalist aesthetic), (2) Reuse your ceremony florals & decor for the reception to extend their value, and (3) Recycle items from your home or from friends and family to use as decor!
Vendor Credits: Styling & Design: Rebekah Brontë Designs // Photography: Kristyn Harder Photography // Videography: Lewis & Co // Florals: Faint Floral // Cake & Catering: Whippt Catering // Bar: Prosecco Cart // Rentals & Decor: Rare Vintage Rentals, Rustic Rentals by JL, West Elm
five.
FOCUS YOUR DESIGN
Rather than spreading your budget “evenly” throughout your decor, try to make a statement by focusing on 1 or 2 main elements. For instance, you could have your guest tables be more simple and then prioritize the decor, florals, and rentals for your sweetheart table.
Vendor Credits: Photographer: Nicole Sarah Photography // Planning & Design: Beyond the Proposal // Venue: Bow Valley Ranche // Floral Design: Flowers by Janie
six.
HIRE A PLANNER OR DESIGNER
You might think that adding a wedding planner or designer to your vendor team would do nothing but add to your overall cost, but actually, hiring an experienced planner can help save you money when it comes to your decor! With their experience and strong vendor relationships, they can help you get the most value out of your budget! For example, when it comes to the set up and take down of your wedding decor, not only will they coordinate with the rental company and venue (and get the best delivery rates available for you) but they will also set up and style your venue so that all your florals and decor look cohesive and work together beautifully.
Vendor Credits: Planning & Design: Moments By Madeleine // Photography: Katelyn Anne Photography // Videography: Twisted Film Works // Florals: Flowers By Janie // Ceremony Venue: Deane House
seven.
ASK YOUR VENDORS FOR ADVICE AND TRUST THEIR EXPERTISE
Don’t be afraid to ask your vendors for ways you can save money, they may be able to provide you with alternative options or suggest things you hadn’t thought of before! But more importantly, trust their expertise and experience! If they advise you not to take a shortcut or budget cut in a certain area, it’s probably for good reason. Experienced vendors know when it’s okay to cut corners in the budget, and when it’s not going to work. At the end of the day, the phrase “you get what you pay for” usually rings true, so make sure your expectations are aligned with your budget as well.
Vendor Credits: Photography: Sue Moodie // Florals: Pine for Cedar // Catering: Food Works Craft Catering // Venue: Venue 308
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