How to Create Low Cost Wedding Table Decorations That Impress

When it comes to planning a wedding, the smallest details often leave the biggest impression. One of those details is your table decorations. They set the tone for the reception, add personality to your celebration, and create a memorable ambiance for your guests. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to make your tables look stunning. In fact, low cost wedding table decorations can look just as elegant and meaningful as the high-end options.

Here’s how you can design beautiful table setups without breaking your budget.

Use Seasonal and Local Flowers

Fresh flowers don’t have to be expensive. Choose blooms that are in season and grown locally, as they’re typically more affordable and easier to source. Create simple arrangements in small jars, tin cans, or mismatched vases. Grouping several mini-bouquets along the table can look charming and rustic, especially for outdoor or barn weddings.

DIY Candle Arrangements

Candlelight adds instant romance to any setting. Use tealights, votive candles, or pillar candles to create soft, glowing centrepieces. Mix and match candle holders from thrift stores, or wrap jars with lace, twine, or ribbon to give them a personal touch. You can even alternate candles and flowers on the tables for an elegant balance.

Go Green with Foliage

Foliage is often cheaper than flowers but equally impactful. Eucalyptus, ivy, or fern leaves can be used to create natural table runners. Scatter pinecones, herbs, or olive branches across the tables for a minimalist yet stylish look. Greenery adds texture and a fresh aesthetic that works with any theme—from rustic to boho chic.

Incorporate Personal Items

Make your wedding feel intimate by including personal items in your table decor. Old books, framed photographs, vintage postcards, or handwritten notes can act as conversation starters and decorative elements. These touches not only add charm but also reflect your story as a couple.

Use Fabric Creatively

Forget costly linens. Purchase inexpensive fabric by the yard and cut it into table runners or napkins. Burlap, lace, or cotton can suit a range of wedding styles. Even layering fabrics of different textures and lengths can add a stylish effect without a high price tag.

Glass Bottles and Jars

Collect empty wine bottles, jam jars, or glass soda bottles and transform them into budget-friendly centrepieces. Paint them in your wedding colours, wrap them in twine or lace, or leave them clear with a single flower stem. These vessels look elegant grouped together and can even double as take-home favours for guests.

Edible Centrepieces

Why not decorate your tables with treats your guests can eat? Fruit baskets, mini doughnut towers, or jars filled with sweets can act as both decor and a midnight snack. These edible options save money and waste while adding a fun twist to your reception setup.

Paper Decorations

Paper is one of the most budget-friendly and versatile materials for DIY wedding décor. Try origami swans, paper flowers, or hanging garlands made from recycled book pages. With the right colour palette, paper crafts can look surprisingly high-end and artistic.

Use Fairy Lights and String Lights

Battery-operated fairy lights are affordable and instantly magical. Run them along the centre of your tables, weave them through greenery, or place them in jars for a glowing effect. They create an enchanting atmosphere that works beautifully for evening receptions or indoor venues.

Incorporate Nature’s Finds

Use what nature offers—think pinecones, seashells, stones, or dried leaves. These items are free and can fit perfectly with themed weddings like woodland, beach, or autumn. Clean and spray-paint them in gold, silver, or your wedding colours to match your scheme.

Bonus Tips for Budget-Friendly Table Styling:

• Keep it simple: Over-decorating can make tables look cluttered. A minimalist approach often appears more polished.

• Think multi-use: Choose items that can serve dual purposes, like centrepieces that double as guest favours.

• Buy in bulk: Suppliers often offer discounts for large quantities, especially for candles, jars, or artificial flowers.

• Borrow or rent: Don’t shy away from borrowing items from friends or renting decor—this can drastically reduce costs while giving you more variety.

Final Thoughts

Designing low cost wedding table decorations doesn’t mean compromising on beauty or style. With a little creativity, thoughtfulness, and a DIY spirit, you can create centrepieces and settings that feel personal and luxurious—without draining your budget.

For more wedding inspiration and ideas tailored to every budget, visit For Better For Worse. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a large celebration, you'll find guidance to help turn your vision into reality—while keeping things affordable and beautiful.