Money Monday: How to Save Money Buying Decor

When it comes to wedding reception decor, rentals are going to be a big-ticket item. Even if you’re only renting tables and chairs, the costs can add up, especially if your guest list happens to be on the larger side. Instead of pouring hundreds of dollars of your budget into rentals, evaluate what items to buy and which to rent during your planning process. When it comes to certain items like table runners and place card holders, sometimes it can be cheaper to purchase rather than rent. If you’re able to keep some items in good condition, you can even resell them as a way to recoup some costs post-wedding. Keep reading for a few of our suggestions on which items you should be buying instead of renting for your reception!

Table Number or Name Holders

Instead of renting your table number or name holders, buy them in bulk from a local craft or party store. Most of these stores will sell them in packs in various designs and colors, so it shouldn’t be hard to find a set that matches your theme. You can also choose to get rid of holders altogether and DIY your place cards and table numbers that can stand on their own. Acrylic signs that designate table numbers can easily be repurposed for other events or resold online.

Photography by Jess Sinatra & JNR Photography

Table Runners

Table runners are much cheaper to rent than full tablecloths because they require less fabric, but it’s more cost-effective to buy them. This is especially true if you have settled on long tables for your reception, meaning you will require fewer table runners. Typically these types of tables seat more guests. Check your local fabric store for theme-matching fabric that you can use to DIY your table runners or browse sites like Amazon and Etsy that also have plenty of great options for purchase!

Candle Holders

Expensive floral centerpieces? Swap them for candles that can set the ambiance for an intimate wedding reception. Candles and candle holders can be a less expensive way to dress up your tablescape, but if you have a larger number of tables, the costs can also add up. If you go the candle route, consider renting only a few statement pieces for each table and buying additional accent pieces from the Dollar Store to save some money on this decor item.