Aisle be Fine!
Decoration

We have all been seeing the advertisements and photos of weddings with elaborately decorated receptions and ceremonies. Hundreds of yards of fabric billowing, fairy lights twinkling from every surface, flower arrangements taller than the average bride etc etc. What you haven't been seeing is the bills. I have. And the amount that has been spent on decorating some weddings would seriously amaze you. Decor is a big business. But never fear! Being married on a budget doesn't doom you to paper streamers and plastic tablecloths! Just by thinking a little more and handing over the credit card less, you can create an equally elaborate and impressive look for a mere fraction of the cost. I guarantee your guests won't be able to tell the difference.

Top Tips? You Bet!

• With all decorator items from tablecloths to fairly lights – use things you already own first. If you don't own it, borrow it. If you can't borrow it, make it. If you can't make it – only then consider renting it!
  
• Make the most of the natural settings. Time your events to make the most of the natural beauty of your location. If your setting has an amazing view of the sun setting over the water, or a sweeping mountain view – work with it! Only minimal other decorations will be required as your guest will want to watch the scenery unobstructed.
  
• For a themed wedding, follow tip number one to the letter! For example, for an English Garden theme wedding, use your Mom's wrought iron love-seat as a decoration, bring your Grandmother's crystal vases and cut your own ivy and roses from the garden at home. If you rented these items and others like them you would easily be spending another $300 or more!
  
• Get on the Internet and to your local library! There are plenty of fantastic books that show you how to make decor items for weddings for next to nothing. The items they teach you how to make look amazing and most of the authors are ex-wedding decorators themselves.
  
• If you have your heart set on an ice-sculpture, approach your local culinary institute about having a student make one for you for a fraction of their normal cost. Maybe get your partner into making them! The molds are available cheaply on the Internet and all it costs you after that is the water and a bit of time!
  
• Rather than renting a gazebo or trellis, use one from home or ask a garden center or nursery if you could 'borrow' one of theirs for the day.
  
• Decorate ceilings or the gazebo roof with small mobiles or hanging objects on clear line that you can make yourself. Lowering the ceiling slightly with hanging objects make a room feel a bit more intimate. (Tip; Keep them well above head height level otherwise it feels a bit like kindergarten!)
  
• On the same idea – use small clear Christmas lights to decorate the ceilings in a dim room or one with a boring ceiling. Make sure you dim the overhead lights (especially later in the evening) to get the best effect.
  
• Decorate tables with silver framed photos of yourself and your partner. Borrow friends and families frames. Even different size and pattern frames will look great together as long as the frames are all silver.
  
• If you don't particularly need helium balloons, borrow an air compressor to blow up balloons. If you are having helium, call around for the best price on helium tank rental as the price can vary greatly.
  
• White balloons are not only more elegant than colored ones, they are almost always less expensive too!
  

Next Page - Page 13: Save Money on the Wedding Rings.