Wedding Forum - Are Table Decorations necessary??...

So we found out this week that we are expecting a baby. An accident/surprise, but we're happy about it. I'm 7 weeks and due 5 months before the wedding (thank God, as I just picked up my wedding dress too, so time to fit back into it hopefully!)

Because of this, I'm re-visiting the wedding budget for anything that we can cut costs on or that isn't essential and I've come to centrepieces. I had a very specific centrepiece that I wanted for the tables, which is essentially a vintage looking hot air balloon with flowers in the basket but the quotes I'm getting are around £400 - £450 for these and I was trying to think of the weddings that I've been to and what they had for table decorations and honestly, I have no idea. I thought my uncle had nothing so I asked my mum and she said no, he had little bowls of sweets on the table. When I looked, they actually just had bunches of balloons.

So, as something that isn't particularly memorable (or hasn't been, for me) at other weddings, is it necessary? Do you think you would notice if you went to a wedding where there weren't centrepieces? Our venue is basically windows on 3 sides out onto the Norfolk broads so it's beautiful to look at and I'm just not convinced it's worth spending close to £500 on flowers and balloons? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated xx

Huge congratulations to you,

As for table decorations, if it's something you are happy to forgo then do it.

COngratulations, I think table decorations set of the tables and stop them looking dull! You could have small centre pieces and use scatter crystals to make the tables look colourful, You don't need to spend a lot of money on them, Save up Jam Jars and decorate them yourselfs. x

We've just bought lots of the tall cocktail glasses and things and we intend to just sparkle them up with crystals or pearls and feathers g. .. Maybe plant an orchid in one and maybe floating candles in another.. You don't have to have them but most people have something ... Have a look at what you can maybe design yourself they don't need to be expensive even if you only spend &100 you could probably get fish bowls and floating candles :)

That's a lovely idea Michelle and is on fashion .. We have shops selling them but like you say should be fairly easy and cheap to make yourself especially with marshmallows and things!!

I don't think centre pieces are really essential. But you don't have to spend the Earth on them this is what ours looked like andy the only cost us about £5 each! X

Thanks ladies :) That hot air balloon there is the one I've had on my pinterest, getting quotes for too! :) I hadn't even thought of making it myself, I suppose it wouldn't actually be that hard.

I think I might have a go with my mum making one of those balloons and see what the cost ends up being for one. I've found a tutorial but it's with ribbon which doesn't look as nice but it wouldn't be hard to swap it I guess.

I like the idea of the sweet trees too, but we weren't planning to do favours. If the balloons don't work out though, I think that would be a relatively cheap option. Good shout, Michelle :)

Does anyone know much about flowers and how far in advance it would be okay to pop them in the bottom? I'm thinking probably baby's breath and some gerberas. xx