Achieve One Stunning Reception Look at Any Budget
By Larissa Hamblin
Weddings are like snowflakes: Each one is so different yet beautiful all the same. They’re the perfect reflection of the couple and everything they love about their love. They pick their colors, flowers, textures, music—everything you can imagine to honor the next step of their blooming relationship.
When it comes to designing your reception, money obviously plays one of the most important roles in how everything is designed. While you may love silk, China, and roses, if you can’t pay for the cost of it all, there’s plenty of ways to make your white wedding dreams come true. The good news: with a bit of creativity and flexibility, you won’t have to compromise on beauty.
BUDGETERS
CENTERPIECES With the ever increasing price of flowers, baby’s breath is making a come back. Lean into this trend and save on one of the most expensive design elements.
CHAIRS Seek venues with decor packages or rent.
LINEN Rent your table cloths, napkins and table runners or purchase from Amazon, Target, or your local thrift store.
PLACE SETTINGS Rent your place setting elements. Another cost saving option is to opt for mismatched plates, glasses, flatware from a local thrift store.
STATIONERY Opt for table numbers and allow guests to choose their own seats. Skip the menus and place a well-folded napkin on the plates, instead.
FLAIR Skip, rent, or seek out things that can be purchased in bulk, like candles.
MODEST SPENDERS
CENTERPIECES Save by focusing more on a color palette than specific flowers. Repurpose bouquets as centerpieces for a sentimental, elegant touch. Consider elevating the head table or sweetheart table instead of every guest table.
CHAIRS Seek venues with decor packages or rent.
LINEN Rent your linen or choose rustic tables that don’t require table covers.
PLACE SETTINGS Rent your place setting elements or seek out a venue with in-house catering.
STATIONERY Use low-cost print methods and include menus or programs at each place setting.
FLAIR Choose flair at a modest price-point and place them strategically to strike balance or incorporate more color.
DREAM MAKERS
CENTERPIECES Consider dimension, textures, and flowers with special meaning.
CHAIRS Seek venues with decor packages or rent.
LINEN Rent your linen or choose rustic tables that don’t require table covers.
PLACE SETTINGS Rent your place setting elements or seek out a venue with in-house catering.
STATIONERY Opt for a full suite and consider quality, high-end print processes.
FLAIR Use flair to add color and dimension
CREDITS
Photography | Ashlee Crowden Photo
Model | Dominique | @dominique_giroux
Venue | Bonnie Blue’s Event Center
Planning + Design | A Bride’s Best Mate
Flowers | Palmer Flowers Loveland
Hair + Makeup | Candelaria Beauty Co.
Attire | Morilee by Madeline Gardner + Amanda’s Bridal & Tux
Cake | Sweet Ride Bakeshop
Videographer | Epic Edit Productions
Stationery | Minted Weddings
Artisan Candles | Chandlerie
Rentals | Allwell Rents
