17 Budget-Friendly Wedding Decoration Ideas That Look Expensive

Let’s be real—weddings are expensive. Like, “why-did-I-agree-to-this” expensive. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to sell a kidney to make your big day look like a million bucks. With a little creativity (and some sneaky budget hacks), you can pull off a wedding that looks straight out of a Pinterest dream without the nightmare price tag. I’ve been there, stressing over floral budgets and table runners, so trust me when I say: it’s totally doable.

Whether you’re DIY-ing your way to glory or hunting for affordable decor steals, I’ve got you covered. We’re talking about decorations that’ll have your guests whispering, “How much did this cost?!”—and not in the “yikes” way. From thrifted treasures to clever lighting tricks, these 17 ideas will make your wedding look luxe without the luxury price tag. Ready to dive in? Let’s get crafty.

1. Fairy Lights Everywhere (Because Magic Shouldn’t Cost a Fortune)

Fairy lights are the ultimate budget-friendly hack for instant glam. Drape them over tables, wrap them around centerpieces, or hang them from the ceiling—they add warmth and sparkle without demanding a second mortgage. Pro tip: Buy them in bulk online for way cheaper than wedding-specific vendors. And hey, if anyone asks, you’re just “curating a celestial vibe.”

For outdoor weddings, string them between trees or along fences. Indoors? Layer them with sheer fabric for a dreamy canopy effect. The best part? You can reuse them after the wedding to make your Netflix binge nights feel fancier.

A cozy outdoor wedding reception with hundreds of twinkling fairy lights strung overhead, casting a soft glow over long wooden tables adorned with simple greenery and candles. The lights reflect in glassware, creating a romantic, ethereal atmosphere.

2. Thrifted Vases with a Fresh Coat of Paint

Those fancy geometric vases at boutique stores? Yeah, they’re ridiculously overpriced. Instead, hit up thrift stores or garage sales for unique glassware. A can of spray paint (metallic gold, matte black, or even pastel shades) can transform a $2 vase into something that looks straight out of a high-end catalog.

Mix and match shapes and sizes for an eclectic yet polished look. Fill them with single-stem flowers or wild greenery for a minimalist vibe that screams “I hired a designer” (when really, you just raided Goodwill).

A collection of thrifted vases in varying heights and shapes, all painted in a unified matte white finish, arranged on a rustic wooden table. Each holds a single peony or eucalyptus stem, creating an elegant, cohesive centerpiece.

3. Paper Lanterns for Whimsical Overhead Decor

Paper lanterns are criminally underrated. They’re cheap, lightweight, and come in a zillion colors and sizes. Cluster them at different heights above your dance floor or dining area for a playful, festival-like feel. Bonus: They’re super easy to install—no engineering degree required.

Go for neutral tones if you want something timeless, or pick bold hues for a fun pop. Either way, they’ll make your venue look like you spent hours (and dollars) on a professional lighting designer.

A reception hall with dozens of white and blush-pink paper lanterns suspended at varying heights, creating a soft, cloud-like effect. The lanterns glow warmly against a dark ceiling, with tables below decorated sparingly to keep focus on the overhead display.

4. Greenery Garlands Instead of Pricey Florals

Flowers are gorgeous, but they’re also budget killers. Enter: greenery. Eucalyptus, ivy, or fern garlands are way cheaper than floral arrangements and just as stunning. Drape them down tables, wrap them around stair railings, or use them as chair decor.

For extra oomph, add a few scattered blooms or candles. No one will miss the expensive floral centerpieces when your tables look like a lush, enchanted forest.

A long banquet table covered in a sprawling eucalyptus garland, with tapered candles in brass holders peeking through the leaves. A few white roses are tucked sporadically into the greenery for subtle contrast.

5. DIY Fabric Backdrops for Photo-Worthy Moments

Backdrops can cost a small fortune if you buy them pre-made. But guess what? You can make your own with fabric, a curtain rod, and some fairy lights or flowers. Velvet, chiffon, or even bedsheets (yes, really) can look luxe when styled right.

Drape the fabric in soft waves, or go for a sleek, taut look. Add string lights, dried flowers, or even hanging crystals for extra drama. Your photo booth just got a major upgrade—for under $50.

A DIY backdrop made of blush-pink chiffon fabric, gently gathered and suspended from a wooden dowel. Twinkling fairy lights are woven through the folds, and a few dried pampas grasses add texture. A couple stands in front, laughing, as the soft fabric billows slightly behind them.

6. Candles, Candles, Candles (The More, the Better)

Candles are the oldest trick in the book for a reason—they work. Group them in clusters of varying heights (think pillars, tea lights, and tapers) for instant ambiance. Buy in bulk from IKEA or dollar stores, and no one will know the difference.

Mix them with mirrors or glass trays to reflect the light and double the glow. Just make sure your venue allows open flames—or opt for LED candles that look surprisingly real.

A round table covered in a mix of ivory pillar candles, slender tapers in brass holders, and scattered tea lights, all flickering warmly. A small round mirror beneath them reflects the light, amplifying the cozy, intimate feel.

7. Repurposed Wine Bottles as Elegant Centerpieces

Save those empty wine bottles (or recruit friends to help—cheers to teamwork!). Clean them, strip the labels, and spray paint them in wedding-appropriate colors. Arrange them in groups with a single stem in each, or use them as candle holders.

For a rustic-chic vibe, leave some bottles unpainted but wrap them with twine or ribbon. Suddenly, your Friday night habit is now “thoughtful wedding decor.”

A cluster of wine bottles in varying shades of matte green and gold, some painted and others left clear, arranged on a wooden slice. Each holds a single white hydrangea bloom, with a few tea lights scattered between them.

8. Borrowed Books as Vintage Table Decor

Hit up your local library’s discard pile or raid your own shelves for old hardcover books. Stack them under centerpieces, use them as risers for candles, or even hollow them out to hold small floral arrangements. Bonus points if they’re romantic classics—Jane Austen, anyone?

This works especially well for literary-themed weddings, but even if you’re not a bookworm, the layered look adds depth and charm to your tables.

A tablescape featuring stacks of vintage hardcover books with worn, gilded spines, topped with small bud vases holding wildflowers. A few open books display handwritten table numbers or quotes, adding a personal touch.

9. Fresh Fruit for Colorful (and Edible!) Centerpieces

Lemons, apples, or even pomegranates make surprisingly chic decor. Fill clear bowls or compotes with them for a pop of color that doubles as a snack. Citrus works especially well for summer weddings, while deep-red fruits add warmth to fall celebrations.

Pair them with greenery or candles, and voilà—your centerpieces are fresh, fragrant, and functional. Plus, you can literally eat the evidence after the wedding.

A clear glass bowl overflowing with bright yellow lemons, nestled among sprigs of rosemary and a few white candles. The vibrant citrus contrasts beautifully against a crisp white tablecloth.

10. Handwritten Calligraphy Signs (That You Can Fake)

Calligraphy signs scream “fancy,” but hiring a calligrapher doesn’t have to be in the cards. Download a free calligraphy font, print your signs on nice cardstock, and frame them in thrifted frames. Instant elegance for pennies.

Use them for seating charts, menus, or even quirky directional signs (“This way to forever”). No one needs to know you’re not a penmanship prodigy.

A rustic wooden easel holding a framed sign with elegant black calligraphy reading, “Choose a seat, not a side.” The frame is slightly distressed, and the sign sits atop a burlap runner with a few loose petals scattered around it.

11. Dried Flowers for Timeless (and Cheap) Bouquets

Fresh flowers wilt; dried flowers are forever (or at least until you accidentally knock them over). They’re also way cheaper and often more unique. Think pampas grass, lavender, or dried hydrangeas for bouquets, centerpieces, or even hanging installations.

Plus, they make great keepsakes after the wedding. Your future self will thank you when you’re not crying over wilted peonies in your photos.

A bridal bouquet made of dried pampas grass, bunny tails, and bleached ruscus, tied with a silk ribbon. The neutral tones look soft and romantic against a flowing white dress.

12. Mirrors to Amplify Space and Light

Mirrors are a secret weapon for making small venues feel bigger and dark spaces feel brighter. Place them under centerpieces, lean them against walls, or use them as makeshift table runners. They’ll reflect candlelight and decor, doubling the impact.

Thrift stores are goldmines for cheap, ornate mirrors. A little gold leaf or spray paint can make them look custom.

A long dining table with a series of small, round mirrors placed down the center, reflecting the glow of tapered candles and scattered rose petals. The mirrors create the illusion of endless flickering light.

13. Ribbon Everything (Yes, Everything)

Ribbon is dirt cheap but looks luxe when used strategically. Tie it around napkins, chairs, bouquets, or even your cake. Satin, velvet, or sheer ribbons add texture and polish without effort.

Mix and match widths and colors for a curated look. Pro tip: Use double-sided tape to keep bows perfectly in place—no one likes a droopy ribbon.

White chiavari chairs with wide, blush-pink satin ribbons tied neatly around the backs, trailing into soft tails. The ribbons catch the light, adding a subtle shimmer to each seat.

14. Mismatched Plates for Eclectic Charm

Perfectly matched dinnerware is overrated. Scout thrift stores or borrow from friends for an assortment of vintage plates in coordinating colors. The mix-and-match look feels intentional and personal, plus it’s way cheaper than renting uniform sets.

Stick to a loose color palette (like all pastels or neutral tones) to keep it cohesive. Your tables will look straight out of a French countryside brunch—in the best way.

A table setting featuring mismatched vintage plates in soft blues and creams, paired with gold flatware and linen napkins. Each plate has a delicate floral or gilded edge, creating a charming, collected-over-time aesthetic.

15. Hanging Florals for Dramatic (But Affordable) Impact

Instead of spending a fortune on towering centerpieces, opt for hanging installations. Use fishing line to suspend single blooms or greenery from ceilings, arches, or trees. It’s unexpected, eye-catching, and way cheaper than floral chandeliers.

For a DIY-friendly version, string flowers along a branch or hoop. Suddenly, your ceremony backdrop costs less than your morning coffee run.

A wooden arch adorned with delicate white flowers and greenery suspended from nearly invisible fishing line, creating the illusion of blooms floating in midair. The setting sun backlights the arrangement, casting soft shadows.

16. DIY Doughnut Wall for a Sweet (and Cheap) Dessert Display

Doughnut walls are fun, interactive, and way more affordable than a multi-tiered cake. Build one with a pegboard and some paint, then load it up with budget-friendly doughnuts. Add a cute sign like “Love is sweet” for extra charm.

Guests will love grabbing their own treat, and you’ll love not paying $10 per slice for fondant art.

A rustic wooden pegboard painted white, with dozens of colorful doughnuts stacked on pegs. A hand-painted sign above reads, “Sweet beginnings,” and guests gather around, laughing as they pick their favorites.

17. Confetti Balloons for a Festive Finale

Skip the expensive sparklers or fireworks and opt for confetti-filled balloons instead. They’re cheap, easy, and make for epic photos. Have your wedding party pop them during your exit for instant celebration vibes.

Use biodegradable confetti to keep it eco-friendly. Pro tip: Practice your “surprised and delighted” face beforehand—those things are loud.

A bride and groom laughing as they hold hands and run through a shower of gold and white confetti, bursting from giant balloons above them. The confetti catches the light, creating a magical, celebratory moment.

And there you have it—17 ways to trick everyone into thinking you splurged on your wedding decor. The best part? You can mix and match these ideas to fit your style, whether you’re going for boho, modern, or classic glam. At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating love, not stressing over price tags. So grab your glue gun, hit up a thrift store, and get ready to say “I do” to a stunning (and budget-friendly) big day.

Got a brilliant budget hack I missed? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new ways to fake it ‘til I make it. Happy planning!