Wedding Deco on a Budget!
Mr & I initially thought we could DIY all our banquet décor to save some money (especially since Andaz already cost a bomb 😭). But once we listed everything we wanted—photo gallery, photo table, stage décor, banquet tables—we realised it was impossible for our bridal team to set everything up within 2–3 hours.
So we decided to outsource some items and DIY the simpler ones. I’m so glad everything came together so nicely! 🥹✨
1) Long Tables Along the Aisle ✨
Andaz offers a hybrid setup (long + round tables). We didn’t consider this at first as it wasn’t common, but after our food tasting, round tables started to feel a little dated. We took the risk and switched—and I loved that it instantly elevates the overall look and gave it a modern vibe! Also loved having our closest friends seated along the aisle during our march-in 🥹
2) Photo Gallery & Photo Table 📸
We knew we wanted full-height photo gallery for a more impactful walkthrough. Tried DIY via Taobao but the quality didn’t turn out well 😂
Ended up outsourcing to Gethitched because of their reasonable quotation & good reviews!
💸 Photo table: Babibaoblends ($168)
💸 Photo gallery: Gethitched ($715)
3) Taobao Reception Décor 🧧
This 1.5m 喜 was such a steal— it was under $20 from Taobao vs $200+ if you rent from local vendor!! It is easy to assemble and a great statement piece. We also used it in the morning at home for 敬茶 and passed it to our friends for their weddings after. Very well utilised! 😂
Mirror was also from Taobao!
4) DIY Seating Plan 🪧
Since guests tend to forget table numbers after a few drinks at the cocktail reception, we designed a seating plan on Canva and placed it at the entrance. This was also especially helpful for long tables!
5) Stage Décor
This took the longest to decide 🫠 after months of brainstorming, we decided to outsource to Gethitched with the brief: “more white, less green + candles.” We also wanted our initials placed high so they’d still be visible while we’re on the stage. Very happy with how it turned out!
💸 Stage décor: Gethitched ($1,050)
6) DIY Aisle Runner
An aisle runner really elevates the visuals, but quotes were crazy ($700 😭). We bought a 1.5m carpet from Taobao for $8 and secured it with a super sticky tape. Not easy—but huge thanks to our groomsmen for being willing to on the ground to paste it 🥹
There are other stuff that we did, so stay tuned!!
If you're wondering how to balance personal creativity and budget constraints in wedding decoration, here are some additional tips based on my experience. First, consider mixing DIY projects with selective outsourcing: focus on affordable, high-impact pieces like a photo gallery or a simple stage backdrop from vendors with good reviews, while doing easier items yourself. For example, using Taobao for items like aisle runners and reception decor saved me a ton compared to local rental prices. Also, prioritize the guest experience when planning seating—designing a clear seating plan can reduce confusion and keep the flow smooth, especially when using long tables, which add a modern vibe and a cozy atmosphere. The aisle runner may seem like a small detail, but it visually ties everything together and elevates the space significantly. For couples considering engagement decoration, these tips also apply. Simple, personalized touches like photo tables or symbolic pieces such as a 喜 (Double Happiness) sign can be meaningful and budget-friendly. Don't hesitate to customize decor apps or tools like Canva to create elegant signage or seating plans yourself. When looking for wedding decor design ideas, think about the overall theme and color scheme. We chose more white with hints of greenery and candlelight for a timeless, clean look. Communicating your vision clearly to your suppliers is crucial for a satisfying outcome. Finally, reuse and repurpose decor wherever possible. We used our reception décor for the morning tea ceremony and shared it with friends later, making the most out of our investment and reducing waste. Planning ahead and combining creativity with smart sourcing will help you pull off a memorable celebration without overspending.
See more comments