Did you read Budget Wedding: Part 1 and Budget Wedding: Part 2? If not, start there!
Our reception venue was an outdoor covered pavilion. I used simple, inexpensive decor to make it feel full, vintage and colorful. The $6 spider plants were one of my favorite touches. I wanted ferns, but they were already out of season and these 30 second decision replacements ended up to be spot on.
My father-in-law thought I lost my mind when I asked to borrow five large wooden shipping crates behind his barn to use as a focal point on the back wall at our reception. They were free, and a little rough, but I placed wine bottles, antiques and pussy willow branches into crates to tie in the theme. The pussy willow branches ran $8 a bundle and were from a nearby antique store - I'd have cut them myself, had I a tree.
This back wall I referenced was not the prettiest sight. Most parties at this venue covered it - in fact, I had never seen it utilized at a reception. Early on I knew I wanted to decorate it with what was available to me without spending additional money.
Leave it to Pinterest for all the great ideas for center pieces. I recruited my husband to help me make wooden slabs that were sanded and later sealed with a satin sealant. I actually saw this idea pre-Pinterest at my cousin's wedding years ago. The wood was free, but we did spend $30 on sealant and a few dollars here and there for sander paper and paint brushes.
When we chose our reception site I was very intentional about the decorations that I would have. The space worked well for what I chose because I looked for hooks that were already in place, ceiling styles, outlets, etc. I chose these ceiling lanterns and hung them from the perforated metal ceiling by ornament hooks. Oriental Trading had one heck of a deal and I stole the whole lot of lanterns in a variety of sizes and colors for $40. The cream tulle-like fabric that I used as curtains was from the same company and would have run over $300. I caught it all on clearance right after prom.
This back wall I referenced was not the prettiest sight. Most parties at this venue covered it - in fact, I had never seen it utilized at a reception. Early on I knew I wanted to decorate it with what was available to me without spending additional money.
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| I found these free printables on Pinterest. |
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| My in-laws had this awesome box already and I was so glad they brought it to add to the decor! |
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| Isn't that wall stunning in the background? |
Leave it to Pinterest for all the great ideas for center pieces. I recruited my husband to help me make wooden slabs that were sanded and later sealed with a satin sealant. I actually saw this idea pre-Pinterest at my cousin's wedding years ago. The wood was free, but we did spend $30 on sealant and a few dollars here and there for sander paper and paint brushes.
When we chose our reception site I was very intentional about the decorations that I would have. The space worked well for what I chose because I looked for hooks that were already in place, ceiling styles, outlets, etc. I chose these ceiling lanterns and hung them from the perforated metal ceiling by ornament hooks. Oriental Trading had one heck of a deal and I stole the whole lot of lanterns in a variety of sizes and colors for $40. The cream tulle-like fabric that I used as curtains was from the same company and would have run over $300. I caught it all on clearance right after prom.
Card box & frame
Early on I was set on making an old suitcase my card box. After it was full of cards, I could close it, snap it shut, and throw it into the car. My parents and in-laws loved this as they tore down our reception. The best part? It’d been in my closet since I was a kid and just happened to be the right color! Th
A few years ago when I lived at an apartment complex, I would find treasures from time to time stacked up outside of the garbage compactor. On this particular day I found a giant vintage mirror that still had the original wooden frame. At an antique store it may have sold for $50+ and there it was…. Free. So I snatched it up and waited a couple of years before popping the glass out and keeping the frame and backboard. I painted the frame with craft paint that I had lying around and wrapped the backboard in burlap which may have run me $6. Afterwards, I used fishing line to string a wooden monogram ($3) that I’d decoupaged with two sheets of scrapbook paper ($1) in the middle.
Cake & cake table
Our cake table was a hodge-podge of antiques, items that were from my mother's wedding and ingenuity. I built the door backdrop by adding hinges to two thrifted doors and a pantry door from an old house. Hinging was easy but I wish I would have waited to attach them until we arrived at the site. Transferring them as one piece was difficult! I made the wreath and created quick streamers by looping vintage lace over a tension rod. I loved the finished product!
Our cake was a gift from a family friend - Miss Julie. Not only was it delicious, but I gave her dried flowers and the topper and left the display up to her. Didn't she do a fine job?
And now, final references:
Limo
String Trio
Honeymoon
Jessica B. Photography
Negangards' Rentals
Jamz Mobile DJs
Thanks for stopping by the Humble Hammock! Did you enjoy this series on wedding tips and tricks? What details would you like to know more about or tutorials would you like me to expand upon?
Do come back!
Cara
