Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Budget Wedding and Bridal Shower Centerpieces

It's wedding and shower season again and I helped with a bridal shower for a dear friend's daughter just this Sunday.  I was in charge of the table centerpieces and I wanted to do something fun and pretty that wouldn't break the bank.  I thought I would share some of my budget ideas just in case they help someone out there who is trying to throw a shower on a budget too.
I don't know about you, but I prefer to put my money into the gift. I had 10 tables to decorate and even at a bargain basement budget of $5 per table that adds up quickly.  The bride to be is creative and fun and I wanted something that suited her personality and added some color to the tables.
 
 These pinwheel centerpieces got lots of compliments and they cost me a whopping 50 cents each.  The secret is to use what you have on hand.  Now, I did not have 10 matching hobnail milk glass vases in my collection, but the church did! Lucky me. But look around, do you collect vintage tins? Bud vases (very affordable and plentiful at most thrift stores and you can spray paint them!), whatever you can borrow or have on hand can be adapted.  The silk flowers and greenery were left over from Victoria's wedding last year, and the pretty paper and pearly centers cost me $5 total at the craft store.

 Pinwheels are super easy to make, I just hot glued mine, they don't have to turn to be decorative.  Look on Pinterest for instructions. Mine were cut from 4" squares of paper and they turned out to be a good size for what I wanted to do.

The ribbon and vintage earrings were in my craft stash already so the only real cost was the paper and centers.  A tip on the sticks for the pinwheels. The craft store wanted 50 cents each for small dowels, I went to the grocery store and picked up a pack of 100 bamboo skewers for $1.99.  I stuck what I needed into some leftover floral foam and spray painted them white so they would look more finished. The rest of the package will be used this barbecue season :)

While I am on the subject of great prices for centerpieces, I just got two Boston Ferns  at Home Depot (not sponsored) for $5.  Checking Pinterest  showed me a couple beautiful ideas for using them as wedding centerpieces.  I love the baby's breath added to these ferns in a rustic box.  These would look lovely with the burlap and lace trend for a rustic wedding wouldn't they?
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 Or break them up and use them down the center of the table with candles. Gorgeous! And if you think ahead you can get the ferns now and just let them grow until the wedding.  Five bucks people!
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I have seen a $5 deal on plants every month this year.  I don't know if that is something Home Depot is planning to keep going but keeping your eyes open and thinking outside the box could get you some great deals on wedding décor. Flowers and centerpieces are a huge expense but look how gorgeous this could be! I have even seen large Orchids for the $5 deal this January.  You CAN do the flowers and centerpieces yourself and have a beautiful, unique and budget friendly wedding.
I would love to hear any great tips you may have for budget friendly weddings or showers.

17 comments:

  1. The centerpieces turned out great. We hit Home Depot's Spring Sale a few weeks ago and cleaned up on $2.50 shrubs, it was great.

    Hugs from Oklahoma,

    Valerie
    Cottage Making Mommy

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  2. Your centerpieces are beautiful Kathy! I love the vintage earrings on the ribbons.

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  3. It's all beautiful, Kathy, but the pinwheels are so pretty and colourful that I think they are my favourite!
    I like the look of ferns too. We have many here all along the paths we walk. Or I should say that we will have many when the greenery starts to finally bloom here.

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  4. These are such great ideas. I'm hoping to give a baby shower soon so I'm saving these ideas. :)

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  5. The vases are very pretty and so clever. Putting together showers is not cheap...but does not have to cost a fortune. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  6. Beautiful and helpful ideas! Home Depot...$5...hmmm...

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  7. So pretty and lovely centerpieces for spring. Those hobnail vases really set the stage for a lovely arrangement. Great job!

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  8. I see why you were chosen to do the centerpieces. These are absolutely charming, colorful, happy, and delightful. Lucky bride to have you as a close friend.

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  9. I LOVE the bling and the ribbon on each one! I sold my collection of milk glass to a girl whose daughter is getting married. I'm going to share this post with her.

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  10. You have such lovely creative ideas Kathy.

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  11. We're probably at least a few more years from any weddings here yet, but I'm saving all of your beautiful tips!

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  12. Makes me want to get married all over again - not really...but it's so beautiful! You have such a way with design & DIY's! Thank you for sharing...

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  13. What a cute, cute idea. Clever AND beautiful!!! I just love how it turned out! Have a wonderful Wednesday- xo Diana

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  14. What a sweet idea and it is so lovely!

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  15. Very Beautiful and a clever idea and a great price!

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  16. I love those centerpieces. Simple - sweet - and beautiful! The pinwheels added such fun to each one and I'm sure they brought smiles to a few faces. I think using what you have - or can get from the church or family and friends - is the best budget tip ever.
    ~Adrienne~

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  17. Wow!! These bridal shower centerpieces are seriously adorable. Want to have these unique centerpieces for my bridal shower that will take place at one of New York wedding venues. Thanks for sharing amazing idea.

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