Inexpensive details don’t have to cost a bundle. A little inspiration is all you need to get reception chic on the cheap!
A is for Apples
For thrifty table decorations, get fruity! Towering glass vases look amazing brimming with shiny red and green apples or zingy lemons and limes – and they cost a fraction of the price of flowers.
B is for Bargain buys
Quash your inner shop snob and hit the pound shops for pretty extras like ribbons, candles and place cards. Nobody will clock you’ve been scrimping if you do it with style. Besides, inexpensive details and the homemade look is bang on trend!
C is for Cocktails
For a cheap-but-chic drinks reception, ditch traditional (and expensive!) bubbly and serve pitchers of your own bespoke cocktail in frosted Martini glasses. Give them a romantic name, too, like ‘Marital Bliss’ or ‘Love Struck’. Adding fruit juice makes pricier alcohol go a long way.
D is for Doyleys
A crafty bride’s best friend is a traditional doyley! Stick them over brown paper for gorgeous lace-effect stationery or tie them to jam jars holding single stems of your favourite garden flowers.
E is for Edible delights
Whether you bake cute cookies and cupcakes, or fill cellophane bags with homemade sweets, you’ll save yourself a bundle if you channel your inner Delia! Save yourself a panic attack and ask friends and family to help. If you simply don’t have the time, consider asking your guests to bake cakes at home and bring them along to the wedding to create a scrummy cake table. Fun, delicious and completely free… For you!
F is for Flip flops
Leave baskets of flip flops labelled ‘Dancing Shoes’ by your dance floor. They can be picked up for next to nothing at budget stores like Primark – and happy feet make for happy guests.
G is for Games
For great wedding entertainment on a small budget, hire lawn games such as giant Jenga, croquet or even a bouncy castle! These inexpensive details will go down well with all your guests… Especially after a few cocktails!
H is for Haberdashery
Treasure troves of finishing touches, scour haberdasheries for beautiful trim off-cuts and fabrics to jazz up plain decorations. Handy with a sewing machine? Make bespoke favour bags and bunting!
I is for Imagination
Stretch wedding funds by thinking up canny alternatives. No cash for table centres? Display your favours on retro cake stands. Ghastly entrance? Drape white sheets to cover any eyesores.
J is for Jokes
Nothing breaks the ice like a giggle, so print your favourite jokes on the back of your place cards. Laughter will get your guests bonding quicker than superglue.
K is for Kids
Stop mini-me meltdowns before they happen with cheap stickers, colouring books and pencils for the children. Frazzled parents will thank you for a bit of peace!
L is for Luggage tags
Basic tags can be used in countless ways. Fab for travel-themed receptions, DIY wish trees, place cards, table plans and escort cards. Tie with ribbons to suit your colour scheme.
