Lighting

Lighting can really alter the atmosphere of a room and create the ambience you want for your ceremony and reception. How you incorporate lights into your décor makes a big difference in the mood you are setting: strings of big patio lights hanging over the tables and dance floor= romantic garden party, small white lights strung with tulle over the ballroom dance floor = classic romance, while lights placed in trees and topiaries gives a whimsical effect! So basically add lights and you have instant romance! Ways to save on this very simple approach to décor:

Get patio lights in the after summer clearance and sales. Most stores that have a home and garden patio section carry patio lights. Wait until the end of summer sales and stock up for 50 to 75% off the original prices! Check out Target or Walmart or use coupons on marked down prices at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Lowe’s, or Home Depot for an even sweeter deal.

For small white lights...dive into those after Christmas sales! There are always strings of white lights left at stores like Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, etc. and they are usually at least 50% off the day after Christmas, meaning you should be able to score an awesome deal! If they are out of them at your local megastores, try drug stores like CVS and Rite-aid or home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, which also carry them and offer the same sales on holiday merchandise.

Create the lantern glow by placing lanterns on the ground, on tables, in centerpieces, or even hanging from trees. Lanterns produce that coveted oh-so-romantic glow while acting as a distinctive element of your overall décor. There are so many options for affordable lanterns, that you can definitely find one that matches your style and budget! Browse ikea, Bed Bath and Beyond, Amazon, Hobby Lobby for starters to see what we mean.

Use candles. Candles are so fabulous for so many touches- acting as an alternative to flowers in centerpieces, floating in water, counteracting the harsh lights of a venue, or just creating that romantic ambience, so it is no surprise that candles are a favorite in wedding décor. And they don’t have to be white! White is the traditional wedding romance candle, but think about switching it up to match your style- grab that blue candle for you beachy wedding or that hot pink one just ‘cause you like it and then go for it! There are many roles candles can play in establishing that overall look, but they can be incredibly pricey! Some of us were ASTOUNDED at how much pillar candles can cost. To save you that initial sticker shock, here are some ways to save and a short list of places where we have found good deals on candles. There are many other options, but these are a great place to start:

First, think about how you plan to use your candles and then go for the smallest candle for that purpose. This way you can cut your costs while still achieving that desired effect. If you just want a soft glow around the flowers, go with tea lights in a votive holder, or if you want several pillars, try various heights to give the look dimension and make them more budget friendly.
Make sure to ask your venue if they have candles available free of charge. Some venues have votive holders or hurricane glasses that they offer to brides and grooms at no cost!
Hit up after-holiday sales for these too. Like linens, many stores carry candles in solid white, red, green, blue, and cream for the holidays. The day after Christmas, these are marked down along with the other holiday merchandise. This is a great time to score pillar, taper and votive candles (and even some candleholders) for 50-75% off the original price. Score!
Look for tealights at the Dollar Tree- they have bags full of plain white unscented tea lights for only $1- absolutely awesome deal!! Also, the Dollar Tree now stocks battery operated LED tealights for 2 for $1! That is fantastic, since these flameless candles can be crazy expensive. These are a great, affordable alternative to regular candles if your venue doesn’t allow flames.
Score cheap(er) pillar candles at IKEA! They have a fabulous selection of sizes and colors at excellent prices! Craft stores Jo-Ann like and A.C. Moore also have value packs of pillar candles. Keep an eye on the sales—although they do happen frequently, you may end up saving more by buying them at regular price and using a 40% off any regularly priced item coupon. This will give you the pillar candle at between $1 and $2 each.
Buy on Amazon. Amazon has pillar candles for decent prices AND you can redeem your Swagbucks for Amazon gift cards, which could seriously help to defray the cost.