So, this last week I was home to be a bridesmaid in my friend’s wedding, and it was, of course, beautiful. But I’ll get to that in a minute. First let’s talk about some things I learned while home that you can do to further save.
One thing that I am fairly adamant on is using real linens for the reception tables instead of plastic or paper. It’s not that plastic or paper is bad; in fact, I was at one wedding where they put crayons on the table and you could draw on the (paper) tablecloths! Fun, but not my preference. Although, it’s a great idea for the children’s tables–good way to keep them occupied. And, of course, plastic and paper have their advantages at the end of the night. When everyone is pooped from all that dancing, clean up just means throwing the table covers in the trash. As bride and groom, you’d better not be helping, but those who are in charge will appreciate it.
The most expensive route you can take is getting custom linens designed specifically for you. Unless you are well-endowed I would not recommend this–I know in New York it can add up to $20,000 or more. Another option is to buy NOT custom linens. This, too, though, can get very expensive. Then, there’s renting. In Iowa, it costs about $6 per tablecloth, per day. That includes cleaning. Now, if the place you’re renting comes with NO linens, it’s a pretty good deal. But since most places that are regularly rented out for receptions DO include tablecloths, here are some other options to add color without adding to your budget:
1) Rent colored napkins instead of tablecloths. You can center them, design them, order different colors, AND they only cost 25 cents a piece. They can be used from everywhere to the guest tables, the gift and cake tables, the walls, or even over lights. You can put them under mirrors and flower, and they do a great job of adding a pop to a colored tablecloth.
2) Use quilt squares. For my wedding, my mother is going to make a quilt square for each table center, each with a different theme that has meaning to us. For example, I was born in Ohio, and there is a quilt square design called the Ohio Star. My fiance has his bachelor’s in chemistry, so she’ll do one with a test tube and beaker. You can have fun and get creative with pieces of fabric, and if you’re looking to sew, it could be fun to learn with friends. Each table will include a card with an explanation of the squares. When we’re done, she’ll assemble it into a quilt for us. As an added bonus, you can have guests sign the squares instead of a guestbook.
3) Make table runners. Scouring fabric stores can be fun, and to save money you can look for fabric on sale. You can cut and design them any way you like, and they really add a fun pop of color to ANY table.
4) Use colored plates and bowls. If you’re having a sit-down dinner, look for charger plates and utensils that are colorful and fun to brighten up the table without using extra fabric.
5) Check the state fair. Or, just shop in vintage stores! Craft shows, state fairs, used-goods places, many of these will have old, colorful eclectic tablecloths for a bargain. If you’re looking for a shabby-chic, backyard barbecue style, this is a good solution. Often you can get old tablecloths for 50 cents or less!!
6) Choose white. If you don’t care and are really looking to save, just make your wedding colors include a lot of white. Then nothing will look out of place and you’ll have a uniform feel throughout the room.
Ok, so now that that’s out of the way. THE WEDDING! We traveled all day and all night, and ended up getting into Council Bluffs, Iowa at 1:00 am Monday after leaving NY at 11:00 pm Saturday. That was a loooooong car ride.
While home, I got my wedding dress fitted twice, I asked my bridesmaids to be in my wedding (except one, who’s currently Europing), my wedding shoes arrived and FIT, I talked to the florist, maybe found bridesmaid dresses, and booked my photographer.
I also attended a bachelorette party, a rehearsal dinner, did two girls’ hair (including the bride), everyone’s makeup, AND got to the ceremony on time. Whew. IT WAS SO FUN. I don’t have time now to tell you all about it, so I will instead leave you with these pictures from the reception. Something to look forward to.
That one in the middle is me, and the one below is my fiance. And yes, I realize that I look like a creep with that smile. Get over it. She was exhausting to dance with!!
Posted by ktweedt 
