How do I decorate a wedding for a reasonable cost?

I love how all the paper garlands look. They are easy to make and you can use tissue paper, and plastic tablecloths from the dollar store.

My dad made this for my niece. Pretty basic but I liked it and great for yard when done. I thought the draping could have been better. I thought parts were too messy looking but you get the idea. Lanterns are great and end of summer sales will be happening. We got some for $10 each at Pier 1 online which usually is more expensive. Burlap and lace table runners makes a shabby chic look. Personally I’m a visual girl. Pinterest would be my ‘go to’ for rustic wedding ideas.

If you can’t see the picture let me know. When I was posting it was huge then it showed up like a tiny little stamp.

So many ideas. My wife and I make our table decorations and let people take them home. We taped a paper under one chair saying they got the table arrangement.

For a mill I'm thinking a clear globe filled with mixed grains like oats or wheat as a medium to make the arrangement. Then you can get fall color leaves like oak and maple from the craft store to stick in the globes to make the arrangements. Talk to the people at the craft store about the basic idea and they will help you build the perfect arrangement. Use the wedding colors for ribbons in the arrangement. Make a bigger version for the head table.

Photo op, I would think the Mill Wheel in the background would be a great photo op, assuming the weather cooperates. Maybe photos in the wheelhouse where the mill stones are? You have an interesting setting, might as well use it. If it has stairs, decorate the handrail with a string of white silk flowers. They sell these to drape on on tables and pews. Just wrap or drape from the handrail.

Another thing we have seen and had fun with is goofy costume props. Make a booth with bunch of silly costume props for people to put on and get group photos. It is really fun to do and gives guests something to do while the wedding party is getting photos done. There are professional companies that do this, but if you have someone willing to take the pictures and $100 at any party store for props, you can do it yourself. Just create a Facebook page for the wedding and upload all the digital photos there for people to see and download.

Some of the best weddings I have been to, IMHO throw convention out the window and aim to have fun. My wedding themed on teddy bears. I have been to a Doctor Who Wedding with a full sized Tardis. A Superhero costume wedding where guests were invited to dress up as their favorite fictional character. I've been to $1000 weddings and $25000 wedding. The important thing is find out what matters to the Bride and Groom and have fun with that.

Congratulations to the happy couple! Google and Pinterest have thousands of ideas! Get the entire wedding party involved.

https://www.pinterest.com/stylemepretty/wedding-decor/

https://moncheribridals.com/category/wedding-decoration-ideas/

https://apracticalwedding.com/cheap-party-decoration-ideas-wedding-reception/

If you want an arch, purchase a simple wood or metal kit and embellish yourself, or get crafty friends to help. I used to be in the flower and party planning industry and have decorated hundreds of arches over the years. Sourcing your supplies is key to staying within a budget. Start at dollar stores or on line where you can get items in bulk inexpensively. Make your table centerpieces and favors. Make it look pretty, simple and elegant. Spend the bulk of your money on quality food and beverages.

The most affordable decor would be to use things from outside and lots of texture for fall. I love to cut tree branches and use also fruit like pumpkins, pears, and apples. Here are some examples: https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=fall%20table&rs=typed&term_meta[]=fall%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=table%7Ctyped