DIY Decorating your Venue

In the last issue we talked about how to have beautiful flowers on your
wedding day without busting your budget. In this issue we are going to
talk about decorating the sanctuary or venue while sticking to your budget.

You have the flowers for your wedding covered. Now it is time to think
about decorating the sanctuary or venue. Because you’re on a
budget, remember that less is more. Keep in mind that the wedding
ceremonies is often short and sweet but you can often repurpose your
decor and bring it to the reception.

While you want it to look beautiful you don't want to spend the majority
of your decorating budget on it. Instead save the bulk of your budget for
the reception decorations, because your guests will be their longer to
enjoy it.

Bows are always an elegant touch. They look beautiful at the end of the
pew and can be made fairly inexpensively. A good tip is not to decorate
each pew. Decorate every other one for the first 10 rows or so. Ribbon
for bows can get quite expensive, so doing every other pew is the frugal
thing to do.

When it comes to making your own bows it can be a little frustrating.
But once you get the hang of it you will have no problem creating as
many as you need. Just give yourself plenty of time to practice.

As with creating your invitations and flower arrangement there is a
wealth of information available to help you master this craft. Be sure to
check with your local hobby or craft store. Most of them will be glad to
offer advice and often hold classes that you can take for little or no cost
except for supplies.

You may want to consider using simple floral swags at the end of each
pew as well.  These can be found inexpensively and made even more
inexpensively!

Many churches have single candle holders that you can use or rent for a
nominal fee. If you are a member of the church, ask!  The clergy has no
doubt been involved in many weddings. They might have some terrific,
low-cost ideas that you haven't thought of!

Here is another nice trick you can use. Visit a local discount store or
search online for battery operated candles. The kind that people put in
their windows around Christmas time. Attach them to the center of your
bows and put them at end of the pews. This way you will have an
elegantly lit sanctuary!

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, the scenery will be your most
dramatic decoration. Many couples opt for the traditional gazebo or
arch when getting married outdoors. You can often find these on sale at
a local wholesaler or you can rent them from a party rental place.
Decorate it with flowers, Christmas lights, or greenery to make it
beautiful.



Seating at an outdoor wedding usually consists of folding chairs.
These can usually be found at a benevolent association like The
American Legion. As I have mentioned before these are an excellent
place to find seating especially if you’re having your reception there –
churches, or community centers. You may have to pay a few dollars to
rent them, but it will be worth it!

Decorate the ends of the chairs with greenery and flowers to match
your wedding bouquets along with strategically placed ribbon. To set
off the “important guest” area (parents, grandparents, etc.) cover the
backs of the chairs with simple white pillowcases. They are a low cost
alternative to expensive chair covers and they look just as lovely when
tied on with a pretty bow!



Make sure you look for your next issue soon. We will be talking about
photos and videos to remember your special day!


Until then happy wedding planning!

Cindy Lieber
Accredited Event Designer
OC Brides Event Coordination
www.weddingplanneroc.com
Cindy@ocbrides.com
(714) 970-6380

P.S.  If you would like more ideas on what our DIY brides have done to
make their wedding unique on a budget, hit reply to this email.  I'm happy to help.