Decorating a Wedding in Alaska on a Budget
There are many ways to save on your decorating costs, but first a word of advice: your flower costs should not exceed 10% of the total wedding cost, and your decorating cost should be less than half the cost of your reception. If you stick to these two basic rules, your decorations won't break the bank.To save money on decorations you can:
- Look for Simple Solutions: Many brides find Alaska's natural beauty to be decoration enough. While this is particularly true for outdoor ceremony locations, remember that many indoor reception areas don't need much in the way of decoration, if they have large, clear windows. Don't obscure the view! Other simple ideas include floating dollar store tea candles in glass bowls, with flower petals scattered on the surface. To save money, use locally-picked wildflowers.
- Consider Artificial Flowers, or Picking Your Own: Gathering your own flowers might not be an option with the busy preparation of your wedding day going on, but it could also be a nice time to reflect on the step you're about to take towards life as a couple. If not using fresh wildflowers, artificial flowers of just about any kind will be less expensive and look nicer than the organic flowers you can get for the same cost.
- Hand Make What You Can: Centerpieces, pew decorations, lighting arrangements, and more can all be made at home for a fraction of the cost of renting or buying the items.
- Decide What Is Necessary: Decide what you must have and what you can leave behind, and stick to your guns. The essentials will create more than enough ambiance and the perfect mood for your ceremony and celebration.