How can I decorate for a wedding on a budget?

Short answer

Decorate on a budget by reusing items across the day, choosing seasonal flowers, and focusing on one or two high-impact areas. Borrow vases, use candles and greenery, and make your own signs. Ask friends for help and shop second-hand for bargains.

A tight budget does not mean a bare room. Start with what your venue already has, then add layers that can do double duty. Flowers from the ceremony can move to the top table later. A welcome board can become a table plan if you design it with that in mind.

Choose flowers that are in season in the UK, as they cost less and look fresher. Foliage, such as eucalyptus or ivy, fills space cheaply. Candles in different heights create warmth and romance for very little money. You can collect glass jars and bottles in the months before and use them as vases or tea light holders.

Make your own signs using a chalkboard, an old mirror or wooden offcuts. Hand lettering or printed labels look personal and cost almost nothing. Ask a friend with a steady hand to help. For fabric, buy remnants or use plain linen from a charity shop and dye it to match your colours.

Borrow items from family and friends, such as cake stands, lanterns or table runners. Return them clean and thank them properly. If you hire, compare a few local suppliers and book early for better rates. Keep your plan simple. A few thoughtful touches beat a cluttered room every time.