Elegant Reception Decorations on a Recession Budget

Your wedding should be the way you have always dreamed it would be; right down to the reception decorations. The fact that we are in a recession may scare you, but it is possible to have the look you want on the budget you have.

First, you should find your inspiration from elements of the wedding that you have already decided on. It may be a color, favorite song or a theme. Find your personal passion and make it part of your special day.

Should you decide that a color will be the focal point of your decorating theme, you might choose paper napkins in several shade of your choice color and simply tuck them inside a stemmed water glass (much like tissue paper in a gift bag) and set them at each place setting. You can vary the hues at each table or use a different one for an entire table. This adds a sea of color to the room. Finish the center of the table with a tall pillar candle wrapped with a wide band of ribbon, surrounded with greenery such as plumosus or boxwood which is available at most bulk shopping stores. You can also request an order of greens from your local grocery with a floral department. The order should be placed two to three weeks prior to the wedding so they will be able to have this item available for you.

If you choose a season for your inspiration , use items that represent it, in Fall; hollowed out pumpkins with fresh fall flowers such as mums will provide a splash of color and the lovely scent of flowers. Spring could offer silver pails banded with bright ribbon and filled with lilacs or blue bonnets. Surround these centerpieces with tea lights and you have the perfect table setting. For further table pop add printed napkins that you have made yourself simply by cutting squares from beautiful fabric with scrapbooking scissors or pinking shears to finish the edges. Easy and Lovely!

For timeless elegance; go with candlelight, a variety of sizes works well. Place the assorted candles on a 12 x 12 mirrored tile (available at your home improvement store). Sprinkle confetti, flower petals, colored candy kisses or greenery around the candles and you have a very simple and elegant table decoration.

If the room you will be having your reception in needs help; consider purchasing inexpensive black flat sheets and covering the walls or any particular eyesore in the room. For walls you might also place strands of white lights behind the sheets for an elegant ambiance. However; you must check with the venue before using your staple gun, they may have strict rules on what you can and can't do.

Provide elements that you and your fiance love and incorporate them into your special day. If you love sailing, use glass vases with blue tinted water and sea shells surrounded by candlelight for the table centerpieces. If he is a big football fan incorporate the team colors in your decorations. It's all up to you! Your wedding is exactly that, YOURS!