Tag Archives: cheap wedding decorations

Do you feel like your wedding invitations or wedding favors are a little boring? Can’t find that perfect finishing touch to help them coordinate with your wedding style? Worried about spending too much?

We totally understand! That’s why I put together this spread featuring one of my favorite Ann’s wedding invitations. I chose some wedding favors and decorations to coordinate as well as a variety of affordable embellishments in the hopes that you’ll find some inspiration for your own wedding.

Simply Modern Wedding Look

1. These personalized wedding napkins are printed in silver foil with names and wedding date. Wedding napkins are practical additions to any reception, but they also double as wedding reception decorations because they add such amazing color for an affordable price.

2. Ribbon, ribbon, ribbon. I can’t say how important it is to have a spool (or two, or three!) of curling ribbon in your wedding colors. You’ll find so many uses for it, such as accenting wedding favors, adding to bouquets or hanging paper lanterns.

3. Paper lanterns are inexpensive and they look amazing as wedding reception decorations for a variety of wedding styles. Use them indoors, outdoors, hanging from rafters or hanging from trees.

4. Solid colored, two-piece favor boxes with 3/8” satin ribbon in a complementary color are sure to impress your wedding guests. Especially when they open them to find a delicious treat like chocolate truffles or saltwater taffy.

5. Favor labels printed with your names add that perfect personalized touch to your wedding favors. We chose white with a colorful imprint for a splash of color on these small white treat boxes.

6. Clear favor boxes allow you to choose a treat that matches your wedding colors — leaving an impression on wedding guests is all in the details! Add a favor label for an easy, personalized accent.

7. Personalized white favor bags are unbelievably easy! All you have to do is choose your foil color and personalization (designs are available), fill with treats like cookies or dessert bars, add a satin ribbon accent and you’re done.

8. Clear favor bags are your best option when creating favors that fit your wedding theme and/or colors. Why? Because they become more than a wedding favor, they become a part of your wedding reception decorations. Add a favor label and 5/8” satin ribbon to complete the look.

9. Patterns are super hot right now! This bright and bold, Simply Mod Wedding Invitation features a one-of-a-kind pattern and you get to pick your own color combination. We chose Palm and Marigold. We also chose a modern typestyle for a clean look and a sparkling aqua rhinestone sticker to accent the couple’s names.

These are all great ideas, but the best ideas come from your own creativity. Play around, be bold, embellish!

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We’ve been doing research online, reading wedding magazines, attending weddings and talking with colleagues to come up with our 2013 Trend Watch for Brides. We’ve also included our recommendations for affordable items to help you achieve the look!

 

1920′s

1920's Trend

In 2013, brides will be most inspired by old world glamour with cinematic and literary influences like The Great Gatsby, Downton Abbey, Anna Karenina and A Royal Affair. 20s fashion included dropped waist dresses, beaded gowns, ornate lace details, long strands of pearls, costume jewelry, gold-tone jewelry, cloche style headpieces or beaded headbands. Receptions were more formal with specialty musicians like jazz trios, chandeliers, crystal touches, lush centerpieces, luxurious textures, beautiful coloring, Art Deco invitations and a black-tie dress code (think top hats for the groomsmen!).

Get the look of crystal without the price and go acrylic! Our acrylic cake stand and serving set are elegant and affordable.

 

 

Patterns and Prints

Patterns and Prints Trend

Incorporating patterns into wedding day décor is HOT in 2013! Couples will be using a signature pattern or print in their wedding design. Bridesmaids might wear striped skirts or carry bouquets with handles wrapped in fabric. Don’t forget the coordinating hand clutch (have you seen Jenna Lou Designs?) and groomsmen with print ties and boutonnieres made from fabric. Patterns to look for include chevron, stripes, gingham, paisley, houndstooth and polka dots. Prints can help you create a cohesive look from the invitation and favors to the table linens.

Create easy and inexpensive wedding favors with damask favor boxes and sweet ribbon favor boxes, both of which feature distinctly beautiful patterns.

 

 

Birds

Love Birds Trend

The bird theme continues to be popular into 2013. Lovebirds are associated with love and romance so they fit perfectly with weddings. Some cute bird-themed ideas include using different styles of birdcages as decorations, centerpieces or card holders. Add touches of feathers to your centerpieces, bouquets or boutonnieres. Toss birdseed (instead of rice) and use porcelain birds for your cake topper. Look for bird/feather accessories such as jewelry, shoe adornments and hairpins.

The Love Birds save the date and wedding invitation is one of several bird-inspired designs available on Ann’s Bridal Bargains. It’s a beautiful introduction of your bird-themed wedding celebration.

 

 

Cocktail Hour

Cocktail Hour Trend

We’ve seen reception lounges in a variety of styles that guests may sit and relax as they sip cocktails. Think soft couches, coffee tables, mood lighting and big overstuffed pillows! Themed bars are very popular. Ladies love a champagne, vodka or wine bar and the men will appreciate the scotch or bourbon bar. Another option is to have signature drinks fitting the theme of the wedding or favorites of the bride and groom.

Give your signature drink a fun name and have the name and recipe printed on menu cards. Place the cards on reception tables and at the bar.

 

 

Colors

Color Trends

Mint has a fresh and chic retro feel. Emerald Green (Pantone Color of the year for 2013) Shades of blue including pale blue, sea foam blue and navy. Gold will be everywhere in 2013 from gowns to décor. Consider gold ink for your wedding invitations for a unique touch of glamour.

Introduce your color scheme with the right invitation and use wedding napkins as a cheap way to add color to your wedding reception decorations. You will find discount wedding invitations and napkins in a variety of greens and blues here at Ann’s.

 

 

Farm or Lodge

Farm or Lodge Trend

Rustic farm, barn or lodge settings are big. Vintage décor with eclectic touches add a more formal feel. You could also achieve that more formal feel with the type of flowers chosen for centerpieces, surround the reception with candlelight, harp or a quartet of musicians playing during cocktail hour.

Use glass cylinders or canning jars to create rustic reception table centerpieces. Fill with pine cones, branches, autumn leaves or other natural elements for cheap decoration.

 

 

Bite-Sized Menus

Bite-Sized Trend

Consider having appetizers and desserts of bite-sized proportion, which look trendy and stylish. Guests will enjoy the idea of taste-testing foods and avoiding that “stuffed and tired” feeling. Serve small “mini” cakes instead of a large wedding cake surrounded by a variety of sweet candies, truffles and cookies for dessert.

Be sure to have plenty of wedding napkins on hand for guests to grab as they’re taking appetizers and desserts. Personalize your napkins with a cute phrase to fit the theme like “We’re taking a bite out of love.”

 

Pinterest

Pinterest Boards

 

Brides are using Pinterest to show off their personal style and collect a “Wedding Board” of inspiration.  You can create boards and share them with your friends, or you can keep them private so you are the only one who sees them.  Either way, Pinterest is a great way to collect ideas and inspiration for your big day!  Get started by browsing Ann’s Pinterest boards with budget savvy ideas, etiquette and much more!

 

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Eleven Lanterns Hanging

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Save a HEAP of money!

Buy new? A bargainista knows better.

So many brides purchase decorations for a one-time use, then what? They’re either sold for much less or even given away. That’s when your thrifty skills come in very handy! Put your skills to work on these websites busting with bargains and save yourself a load of cash.

RuffledBlog.com

You may have already stumbled upon this inspirational wedding blog, but did you notice the “Recycle Your Wedding” section? Browse pages of used wedding decorations, gowns, jewelry, accessories and more.

WeddingBee.com

Packed with photos, personal stories, do-it-yourself ideas and, wait for it…classifieds! Yep, you can browse hundreds of listings organized into popular wedding categories.

Craig’s List

One of the best places to score used items for your wedding. And, since you can shop by nearest city, you can also avoid shipping costs by picking the items up yourself. Be safe though. Always bring someone with you when picking up purchases. 

ebay®

How could we put this list together without ebay®? So many brides we talk to have purchased everything from wedding gowns to reception decorations on ebay.

Amazon.com

Not only can you find practically anything on Amazon, you can shop by best price! Most items are offered by several different sellers, which allows you to choose the best price within the new or used price points.

Want to learn about websites where your purchase helps an organization in need?  Read our post, “Shop, Save and Support! Favorite charities recommended by Ann’s brides.”

And don’t forget, Ann’s Semi-Annual Sale starts today.  So you can save even more money!

Ann's Bridal Bargains Semi Annual Sale

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We love helping you stay within your budget especially during these economic times. Here are some helpful tips to help save money and stay within your wedding budget.


10. Look to
cosmetology schools or students
for discounted hair and makeup
appointments.
Jenni_Maroney_Photography Photograph: Jenni Maroney Photography via GetMarried.com

9. Consider an
alternative to the full evening meal.
Cocktail parties, brunches, tea
parties and lunch receptions are all less expensive than a full evening meal —
not to mention the liquor bill will be considerably lower. Don’t forget
personalized wedding napkins — they’re a cheap wedding reception decoration
that adds a lot of style!

 

8. Try a
potluck
as a fun way to involve guests in the wedding as well as provide an
inexpensive and tasty meal.

7. Use a small
cake for display
and buy a sheet cake to serve your guests. Remember to
find the perfect wedding cake topper and wedding cake server set to complement your beautiful cake.   Photograph: Not A Crumb via GetMarried.com
Not_A_Crumb



6. Choose a
white bridesmaid dress instead of a
bridal gown — and don’t feel like you’re compromising style to save a few
dollars. If you find that simply perfect, white, silky smooth, A-line dress on
the bridesmaid rack, who’s judging? No one will ever know.

 

 

5. Choose in
season flowers and make your own arrangements.
Find clear glass vases for
super cheap to create fantastic reception table centerpieces. Photograph: F Scott Kennedy Photography via GetMarried.com

F_Scott_Kennedy_Photography

4. Go online
and look at local boards for sale items or free items.
Chances are your
local area has the resources you need to find a variety of things for super
cheap if not free. Examples: Craig’s List and or state-run campaigns like
Eureka Recycling in Minnesota (http://www.eurekarecycling.org/reuse.cfm).


3. Choose a
date near holidays
like Christmas or Easter since many places will already
be decorated.


2. Have your
wedding in the off-season.

Off-season is between November and April. January through March are good
months, but try to avoid a date near Valentine’s Day because flower prices
increase.


1. Choose any
day but Saturday
. Weekdays, Friday evenings and Sundays are less expensive
than Saturdays. If you do celebrate on a Saturday, try a morning or early
afternoon ceremony.   And always design your wedding to fit your style!  Photograph:  Julia Davis Photography via GetMarried.com.

Julie Davis Photography

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