Photo: @theresaelizabethphoto

Budget-friendly wedding ceremony backdrops for the alter or any ceremony location

If you’ve selected your ceremony location, it’s time to start thinking of how you will decorate the space. The ceremony location is the focal point of the wedding, and it’s also one of the most photographed locations of your day. Whether you're planning an intimate backyard wedding or an elaborate formal affair, you’ll want to ensure you have a picture-perfect ceremony backdrop as you say your ‘I do’s'.

But by now, you’re probably far enough into the wedding planning process to feel your budget caving in on you, and there are still a few final touches needed to bring your full vision to life. Good news -- We’re here to tell you that beautiful ceremony backdrops can be affordable and simple too... Let us share a few ideas with you!

OUTDOOR CEREMONY BACKDROP IDEAS

If you're having an outdoor ceremony, it’s easy to get by with a simple understated backdrop and rely on nature to bring the rest of the beauty. But, you’ll still want a focal point to mark the ceremony location.

To create a simple, low budget arch that fits perfectly in the great outdoors, you’ll need just a few pieces of 2x4 wood, a hammer, and nails from your local hardware store. Create a triangle formed arch to the height of your liking and attach additional 2X4  legs on each end to support the structure from toppling over. Supplies will run you no more than $50. Then dress up the wooden structure with a few florals to coordinate with your wedding party flowers and your all set! 

Take a look at this inspiration from past Something Borrowed Blooms Bride. She used our Taylor Collection Aisle markers and pampas grass from her local craft store to bring her vision to life. To get this look, you can rent two Taylor Aisle Markers for just $15 each and attach to your wooden arch structure using clear zip ties. 

INDOOR CEREMONY DECOR

Many Brides that choose an indoor ceremony have an existing structure in place that simply needs a little dressing up. Using flowers and decor can add to the beauty that’s already in place. You can choose to work with a local florist for a full fresh flower install that’s sure to be stunning! But if you’re looking for something equally as beautiful but more practical in the budget, consider renting silk floral garland!

Photo: @theresaelizabethphoto

Our line of custom silk floral garlands start at just $45 and are effortless to install. They arrive to you in one piece and are ready to be hung wherever you wish with the help of zip-ties. They look PERFECT on church alters like this one above, fireplace mantles, spiral staircases, and so much more! Let your imagination wander with these simple yet stunning garlands that coordinate with each of our 14 collections.

UNCONVENTIONAL CEREMONY SPACES

You can essentially turn any space into a ceremony backdrop with piping and drapes! Using a pipe and drape background will provide the framework and focal point needed for a ceremony, even if the space is non-traditional or undefined. 

If a pipe and drape ceremony background fits your needs, we recommend renting from our friends at Rent My Wedding. Arch rentals start at just $119 for a 5-day rental and include everything you need - frame and drapes! These arches are adjustable up to 12ft wide and 10ft tall and include drapes that are wrinkle-free. Set-up is simple and easy and can be completed in 10 minutes or less. Simply pop up 2 tripods, attach a crossbar, and add the drapes. Slide the tripod up to your desired height and you’re all set!

You can also enhance the look by adding floral garlands around the perimeter of your frame or draped within the curtain. Pictured you’ll see two Charlotte Garland strands draped with the curtains to create a beautiful ceremony space. 

For more inspiration, browse our floral collections, and follow us on Instagram for real wedding inspiration. 

XOXO,

The SBBlooms Team

But you can still have your dream wedding if you remember what you want most of all. Write down everything you want at your wedding, noting which items are on the top of the list. If you long to splurge on a massive cake, then be prepared to streamline somewhere else. If you can't get your dream dress out of your mind, then look for ways to cut corners in other places. However, there are lots of inexpensive options if you look for them, and you won’t feel deprived.

There’s a surprising number of ways to cut costs and still have that dazzling day you deserve! We think you know where we’ll start…

THE FLOWERS

With Something Borrowed Blooms, own your memories but rent the flowers for your wedding day. Our beautiful bouquets look real and have a delightful, delicate scent... Instead of settling for expensive fresh flowers that aren't even close to what you envisioned, borrow on-trend silk arrangements that create stunning photographs and will satisfy your wedding daydreams. Then return the flowers in the pre-paid box we provide for you. It's that easy!

Centerpieces, garlands, bouquets, boutonnieres - we have EVERYTHING you need. Review our collections and order your own preview pack to see for yourself!

THE FOOD

A traditional sit-down dinner can be lovely, but there are other, less pricey options equally as charming. A buffet is generally less expensive and requires little staff on hand. You can provide a full dinner, an array of fancy salads, or an elegant line of hor d'oeuvres. 

Another super-popular option right now is food stations. They can fit with any theme or decor, depending on what you choose, and they also can make adorable backdrops for pictures. We've seen pretzel bars with various dipping sauces, donuts, savory pies, candy stations, and charcuterie grazing tables. 

Another bonus is you won't need quite so many tables and you'll have more time for mingling, dancing, or other activities that are important to you. 

Whatever food you love and want to share with friends and family will be a good choice. You can also gear the food bar to your story as a couple. Did you meet in a class learning to speak Italian? Then, by all means, go with an Italian theme. Are you having a beach wedding? Then seafood salads and hors d'oeuvres might be ideal, though a few non-seafood options would be a nice gesture for those who are allergic. 

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Now, be careful skimping too much here. If you have a friend who is a fantastic photographer and has all the equipment, absolutely accept that amazing deal they have to offer you! But don't go with anyone you're not sure can deliver the stellar photos you need to complement your treasured memories. If someone does offer, you can ask if they would please be the second photographer so you can get more coverage, but you can still have your pro. 

Something you can also do to bring down the price is to hire a photographer for a few hours rather than the whole day. This can save you a considerable amount of money, and you still get professional pictures. Here are some guidelines to go by when hiring a photographer. 

Make sure you know exactly what package you purchase will include. You don't want to be surprised on the wedding day or, worse, have to cough up extra money afterward to actually get all the photos you thought were yours. 

THE DRESS

Don't be afraid to try on a few different styles. Have an idea of what you want, but be willing to try on a few just for fun. You never know if a style you didn't consider will end up making you look even more fabulous than you imagined. 

To fit in your budget, check out some sample sales and some off the rack options. If a princess wedding gown is not your style, look into wearing a white or ivory bridesmaid dress! Check out our friends at Brideside for some gorgeous inspiration and budget-friendly dresses that are sure to turn heads while you walk down the aisle. 

But! Do not buy a wedding dress from an online source that ends up rarely looking like the pictures. Do some research. Sizing issues are also a problem from foreign countries that don't use similar measurements to where you're from. 

You'll also be happier if you go somewhere where you can actually try on a dress and see if it suits you. Be wary of buying online at all, but if you do--triple check the source and make sure they're someone you trust. 

THE TUXEDO

Instead of renting a tuxedo or suit, you could buy the groom's ensemble for a decent price. If you go for a suit with or without a vest, rather than with the satin accents you find on a traditional tux, the groom can wear the outfit more often. Accessorizing with cufflinks and a satin bow tie will definitely give him that tux look, but he can also dress down for a less formal occasion. 

But if you want to fo full tux, here's a guide to choosing one. 

For a source of quality, well-priced tuxedos and suits, check out The Groomsman's Suit. You will find a great selection and they can help your groom find the suit that fits him, his groomsmen, and their personality. 

Best wishes for your special day and more for your new life together. However you end up spending the day, may it be a memorable one!

XOXO

The SBBlooms Team 

A new season is upon us and with that comes fresh new wedding inspiration.

Fall is one of our favorite seasons for weddings and this year, that’s especially true! So many spring couples were pushed to wed this fall, making for the longest anticipated wedding season ever. But wait no longer, it will soon be time to embrace the wedding season once again with chilly nights and warm ambiance. And so, we couldn’t resist sharing some of our favorite color palettes for the coming fall and winter season.

@dukerweddings

A perfect transition palette from Summer to Fall, these colors are soft and dreamy, just right for the modern bride. An authentic vintage feel, combined with soft greens and greys with vanilla roses and delicate hues of lavender and mauve. Our Taylor Collection embodies all of these perfectly paired hues and works best with light and neutral bridesmaid dresses, such as Brideside’s Toasted Sugar and Crepe Taupe.

View more Mauve Meadows inspiration here!

MOODY MARSALA

@anatreuilphotography

A full-toned romantic palette of all our Fall favorites including deep burgundy, coupled with emerald green, muted mauve, and delicate light pink. This color scheme screams passion and warmth with a hint of delicacy. Emerald dresses are high on our trend radar this season, and pair flawlessly with our Stella Collection. To recreate this dramatic look, check out Brideside's budget-friendly dresses in Evergreen and our Premium Gold Candlesticks for a breathtaking ambiance. 

View more Moody Marsala inspiration here!

JAUNTY JEWEL TONES

@anatreuilphotography

Vibrance and glimmer are the only two words to describe this stunning color arrangement. The sophisticated mix of radiant magenta and zesty citrine is perfect for a glamorous fall ceremony. Be on the lookout for citrine this season, because it's a trend that's sure to make a statement. All good of course!

The bougainvillea in our Gemma Collection is the perfect pair for this bold and vibrant look. For the perfect shade of gold, look no further than Aura's Citrine. Have your man and his groomsman wear navy suits like these from The Groomsman Suit, and the two colors together are a match made in heaven!

View the full jewel-tone inspiration here!

WINTER BLISS

@anatreuilphotography

A breath of fresh air and a cold winter chill, this cool color palette is complete with shades of white and ivory, accented with the most stunning shades of soft blue and caramel. Our Audrey Collection is a classic white collection with peonies, hydrangeas, and roses. We love Brideside's blue haze and soft blue dress colors paired with this collection for a beautiful winter look. Add some warmth with your favorite winter fur and cue the first snowfall...you'll feel the pure bliss of a winter wonderland.

View our full Fall/Winter lookbook HERE!

Tell us, what color combinations are at the top of your list? Comment below. For more inspiration, browse our floral collections, and follow us on Instagram for real wedding inspiration.

XOXO,

The SBBlooms Team