Tuesday, May 18, 2010

DIY vs. Rentals

After receiving your rental quote for vases, votives, candles, and linens, you go into a panic attack because you think it's outrageous and you vow to launch a massive DIY project on your wedding decor because you think you can save money.  Think again: the cost difference between DIY vs. renting may not be all that much of a difference by the time you total your purchases, Aunt Fran and your Mother-in-law's purchases, plus the 10 trips you made to the Dollar Store the week of your wedding.  Give your rental vendor your inspiration, but also a budget to work within, vendors are crafty too and can come up with a tablescape that is perhaps more affordable than you thought.  At the end of the wedding, the rental vendor removes the items and you aren't stuck selling them on craig's list or ebay.

The most cost efficient way of adding color and texture to your table is through a runner, like the picture below from bvweddings.com.  Runners average $5.00.

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The second inexpensive way to add color to your table is using single stemmed flowers or buds like in the picture below from divineparty.com.  Vases $1, Filler $1, Mums, Daisies, or Carnations $2 per stem.  Plus, there isn't a lot of labor involved.

Lastly, rent a colored napkin, purchase a favor with color, or utilize your stationer and add additional items to your invitation order such as menu cards or escort cards.  These types of details really add to your tablescape to make the look polished, as in the picture below from good ole' Martha.

And there you have it, a simple, colorful look for your wedding at an affordable price.