A tight budget doesn’t mean your wedding décor has to look plain. Simple materials, small touches, and easy crafts can create a warm setting without draining your wallet. These ideas help you build a celebration that feels personal, stylish, and homemade. Each project keeps costs low and effort light, so you can focus on enjoying the day rather than stressing over pricey décor.
1. Mason Jar Aisle Lanterns
Fill basic glass jars with tea lights or battery candles. Tie simple twine around the rim for a softer look. Place them along the aisle or across reception tables. They create a warm glow without expensive rentals. You can mix clear and tinted jars from thrift shops to add subtle color. Use sand or small stones at the bottom for stability. This setup works indoors or outdoors and takes only a few minutes to assemble. For a simple upgrade, add a few clipped flowers or a sprig of greenery. Your guests will notice the quiet charm, and you’ll appreciate the small price tag. Keep extras on hand for corners that feel a bit empty. These jars work well after the wedding too, making them a smart buy.
2. DIY Greenery Table Runners
Skip fabric runners and use greenery instead. Gather branches like eucalyptus or ferns from markets or backyard clippings. Lay them loosely down the center of each table. Keep gaps small so the line looks full but relaxed. Add a few candles for soft light. This gives a natural look without spending much. If some branches droop, trim them or tuck them under stronger pieces. You can prep them the day before and mist with water to keep them fresh through the event. This approach works well with rustic, outdoor, or minimal themes. It’s quick, cheap, and surprisingly pretty.
3. Handwritten Chalkboard Signs
Use chalkboards to guide guests or list menu items. Buy one large board or several small ones. Write simple messages using chalk markers for cleaner lines. You don’t need special drawing skills—keep the design simple. Add small doodles like arrows or leaves to fill corners. Position signs near the entrance, bar, or dessert table. This saves money on printed signage. Wipe and rewrite if you need updates on the day. After the wedding, reuse the boards at home or gift them to friends.
4. Simple Ribbon Chair Décor
Tie long ribbons to ceremony chairs for a soft, airy look. Choose colors that match your palette. You don’t need many—two to three strands per chair works well. Mix satin, lace, or sheer styles for texture. This is cheaper than renting elaborate chair décor. Cut ribbons at varying lengths so they move naturally. If you want a fuller look, tie a small flower sprig at the knot. It’s quick, pretty, and very affordable.
5. Wine Bottle Flower Stems
Collect empty wine bottles and clean them thoroughly. Use them as tall, slim vases for single stems. One flower per bottle keeps it cheap and stylish. Mix clear, green, and amber bottles for variety. Group three to five bottles together for centerpieces. They create height without bulky arrangements. Add water for weight so they stay steady. You can source bottles from friends or restaurants, making this nearly cost-free.
6. Paper Cone Petal Toss
Make simple cones from kraft paper. Fill them with petals or biodegradable confetti. Place them in a basket for guests to grab before the ceremony exit. This replaces pricey confetti packets. Use petals from your garden or ask a florist for discounted leftovers. Keep cones small to stretch your supply. They look tidy, easy to hold, and photograph well.
7. String Light Backdrop
Hang string lights behind your sweetheart table or photo area. Use warm white for a cozy glow. You can attach them to a simple curtain rod or tension wire. Add sheer fabric if you want softer diffused light. This creates an inviting backdrop for photos without high décor costs. Borrow lights from friends or buy them off-season to cut costs. Keep cords hidden by draping fabric or greenery.
8. DIY Flower Bar
Set up buckets of affordable stems like baby’s breath, carnations, or wildflowers. Let guests create mini bouquets. It doubles as décor and a favor. Use simple buckets from hardware stores and line them with plastic. Add handwritten labels for fun. Buy flowers in bulk to keep costs low. This setup gives guests something fun to do and adds color to the reception.
9. Burlap Table Runners
Cut burlap into long strips for rustic-style runners. It’s cheaper than cloth and easy to trim. Add lace along the edges if you want a softer look. Pair with simple candles or jars. This works well outdoors or in barn venues. Burlap hides small spills and wrinkles, making it a stress-free choice. Roll them up after the event to reuse for parties or home décor.
10. Wooden Crate Displays
Use wooden crates to create height around the venue. Stack them vertically for a display or lay them flat for shelves. Add candles, photos, or flowers inside. Crates are inexpensive and easy to find at craft stores or markets. Their rustic look pairs well with natural décor. Move them around as needed to fill empty corners. They also transport easily and hold up well outdoors.
11. Polaroid Guest Wall
Hang twine on a wall and clip instant photos as guests arrive. This creates a living display as the night goes on. Use small wooden clothespins for a simple touch. Ask a friend to help guests take photos. It doubles as entertainment and décor. At the end of the night, you’ll have candid memories to take home. It’s cheap, fun, and always popular.
12. Dried Orange Garlands
Slice oranges thinly and bake them at a low temperature until dry. String them with twine for a warm, earthy decoration. Hang them over tables, bars, or doorways. They add color without expensive florals. Make them weeks ahead and store in a dry place. Mix in cinnamon sticks or greenery for extra charm. This project costs only a few dollars and smells great during prep.
13. Painted Terracotta Pots
Buy small terracotta pots and paint them in your wedding colors. Add succulents or small herbs. Use them as centerpieces or favors. These plants are low-cost and long-lasting. You can paint patterns, stripes, or keep it simple. Guests can take them home at the end of the night. It’s an affordable and practical décor piece with very little upkeep.
14. Photo Garland Memories
Print your favorite photos and clip them to twine. Hang the garland along a wall or entrance. Mix childhood photos, travel moments, and engagement shots. This is an inexpensive way to personalize your venue. Use double-sided tape or removable hooks to hang it safely. Add small greenery pieces between photos for texture. Guests love lingering here to reminisce.
15. Simple Fabric Draping
Buy long pieces of soft fabric like chiffon or polyester. Drape them across an arch or doorway. Secure with safety pins or zip ties hidden in folds. Add small bunches of greenery for a light touch. This creates a graceful backdrop for little cost. Fabric is easy to reuse later and stores well. Keep the drapes loose so they move gently with the breeze.
16. Candle Cluster Centerpieces
Group candles of different heights in the center of each table. Use thrifted holders or simple glass cups. Add small greenery around the base. This gives you a warm focal point without buying flowers. Use flameless candles if you’re worried about heat or open flame. Spread clusters throughout the venue to keep lighting soft and inviting.
17. Simple Hoop Wreaths
Buy metal hoops from craft stores and wrap part of the circle with greenery. Add a few flowers for color. Hang them behind the head table or along a wall. They’re lightweight, cheap, and very easy to make. Use floral wire or hot glue to attach pieces. You can reuse the hoops after the wedding by changing the greenery.
18. Paper Lantern Clusters
Hang clusters of paper lanterns in various sizes above the dance floor or dining area. They fill space easily without expensive installations. Choose neutral colors or match your palette. Use fishing line so they appear to float. You can light a few with battery LEDs for added warmth. This adds height and charm for a small price.
19. Simple Herb Bundles
Tie small bundles of herbs like rosemary or lavender with twine. Place them on napkins or plates. They’re inexpensive and smell lovely. Buy herbs in bulk or grow them at home. Keep bundles small so you don’t overspend. These touches add personality to each table and create a soft aroma guests enjoy.
20. DIY Candle Jars with Ribbon
Reuse old jars by wrapping them with lace or ribbon. Add tea lights for gentle lighting. Create groups of three for small centerpieces. Mix ribbon colors for variety. This project is easy and kid-friendly if you want helpers. The jars cost almost nothing and look charming in any setting.
21. Twine-Wrapped Bottles
Wrap bottles with twine starting from the bottom. Secure with a small dab of glue every few rows. Add a stem or two for a simple arrangement. These make great accents for welcome tables or bars. They’re inexpensive, quick to assemble, and easy to customize with different twine shades.
22. Photo-Frame Table Numbers
Buy basic frames from discount stores and print your own table numbers. Slip them in and place them among your centerpieces. Add small décor pieces like leaves or ribbon along the edge. Frames can be mismatched for a relaxed style or uniform for a cleaner look. After the wedding, reuse the frames at home.
Conclusion
Simple décor can still feel warm, personal, and stylish. With budget-friendly materials and easy projects, you can decorate your wedding without stress or high costs. Pick a few ideas that match your style, gather supplies early, and enjoy building a space that feels truly yours. Your celebration will shine with thoughtful touches that don’t drain your budget.
