50 Little Details That'll Take Your Wedding to the Next Level
There’s no denying that planning your wedding is overwhelming. Between focusing on the main elements such as your venue and event logistics and being inundated with Pinterest ideas, it’s easy to forget about the little details that make your big day special. From décor details to making your guests happy and all the creative elements in between, we’ve got you covered with these budget-friendly ideas that will amp up your wedding’s wow factor.
By: Hillary Hoffower
-
Bare Walls -162071
Dress up a bare wall with a sign of your affection. Whether you prefer your new initials, a cute saying or quote, or just one word, it’s sure to make a statement — both physically and emotionally.
Photo Credit: Lauren Fair Photography
Bar Sign
Make the line at the bar go more quickly with a rustic sign that provides all the drink options before guests even get to the bartender. Guests will appreciate not having to look for the bar, too!
Photo Credit: Anna Page Photography
Alternate Bar
Are a full-on bar and bartender out of a budget? Fill up a trough with the drinks of your choice. Fun and quirky, it lends rustic charm to any backyard or barn wedding.
Photo Credit: Shell de Mar Photography
Altar
The candid photos of you and your groom exchanging vows are ones you’ll treasure forever. With this in mind, don’t skimp on altar décor — you’ll want to make sure it’s unforgettable. Even something as simple as draping gauzy fabric over a tree in an already stunning setting can create a breathtaking effect.
Photo Credit: Amy Carlston Photography
Aisle Runner
Create your own version of the red carpet — whatever that may be. This straw runner is the perfect complement to a beach or coastline wedding.
Related: 70+ Ideas for Beach Weddings
Photo Credit: Garrett Richardson
Aisle Markers
Tie satin ribbon on the posts of aisle chairs for an elegant look.
Photo Credit: Caught the Light
Door Trim
Amp up your church door with a swath of florals for a special touch.
Photo Credit: Documentary Wedding Photographer Paul Underhill
Dessert Display
Getting creative with your dessert display is an easy way to elicit a wow factor. Serving cupcakes? Instead of placing them in traditional tier, arrange them in the initial of your new last name.
Photo Credit: Reese Moore Photography
Décor Accents
Don’t forget about the extras that make your wedding so unique. Throw some unexpected décor into the mix, like these geometric shapes filled with succulents.
Related: Beyond Flowers: 50 Unique Ideas for Your Centerpieces
Photo Credit: Amy & Jordan Photography
Date Tips
Get creative with your guest book so guests will actually want to sign it! Ask for a marriage tip or date idea so you and your groom can enjoy more than the standard well wishes. These popsicle sticks are way more fun than your simple blank-page book.
Related: 50 Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas
Photo Credit: Lora Mae Photography
Cocktails
Don’t leave your cocktails as is — they’re always more fun when dressed up. Add burlap umbrellas and heart-stamped stirrers for a punch of whimsy.
Photo Credit: Margaux Photography
Cocktail Tables
Don’t just drape your cocktail tables in linen and call it a day; cinch it with a tie of lush greenery — or twine or fabric if you wish — to give a little pizazz to its silhouette.
Photo Credit: Kim Box Photography
Cocktail Napkins
Personalize your cocktail napkins with a cute saying or the date to add a dash of pizazz. A metallic finish always looks more luxe.
Photo Credit: This Love of Yours Photography
Chandeliers
Whether you choose one as a single statement chandelier or a handful, chandeliers add sparkle and class to any reception. On a budget? Drape a vintage wrought-iron chandelier in string lights for a unique and whimsical look.
Related: 75 Ideas for a Rustic Wedding
Photo Credit: Heather Hawkins Photography
Chair Décor
Tie a bow of fabric around chair backs to take your chairs from ordinary to glam. Get creative with a diagonal look and off-center bow, like this olive green piece.
Photo Credit: Archetype Studios
Chair Backs
Not into bows? Run gauzy linens through the chair backs for a dreamy look.
Photo Credit: Paula McManus Photography
Ceremony Chairs
Mixing and matching ceremony chairs is an original way hone your wedding style without splurging on décor. These diverse chairs make for eccentric seating and complete this industrial 19th century factory.
Photo Credit: Isabelle Selby Photography
Ceiling Décor
The space up above needs décor just as much as the space below! Adorn your ceiling fabric, lights, greenery, or these whimsical papier-mache yarn globes. It’s a great trick to covering up any unsightly beams or tent poles.
Related: Gorgeous Ideas for a Barn Wedding
Photo Credit: Andria Lo
Candles
Candles are a beautiful and cost-efficient way to light up any tablescape. With such a romantic glow, you won’t need to spend a fortune on flowers for your centerpieces.
Photo Credit: Margaux Photography
Cake Topper
Bride and groom figurines are so yesterday. Opt for a cake topper that makes a statement and reflects your and your groom’s personalities, like this gold sparkle showstopper reigning in the awws with a depiction of the couple’s two dogs.
Related: 50 Creative Wedding Cake Toppers
Photo Credit: Aga Jones Photography
Cake Table
Let your cake table shine with some original décor. Swap it out for an antique desk and juxtapose it with a marquee sign to spotlight the display.
Photo Credit: Jen Rodriguez
Bathroom
It’s easy to overlook the bathroom when you’re honed in on making the reception as gorgeous as can be. Put his and hers amenity baskets in the bathrooms in case guests need anything throughout the night. Mouthwash, stain removal pen, hairspray, Tylenol, and band-aids are just a few ideas to throw in there.
Photo Credit: Something Turquoise / Created by Jessica Bishop of The Budget Savvy Bride
Pinspotting
After painstakingly obsessing over your centerpieces, you don’t want to keep them in the dark. Use pinspotting to illuminate those pretty floral arrangements.
Photo Credit: JoVon Photography
Photobooth
Photobooths are always a good source of entertainment for guests. Is renting one out of the budget? Create an oversized polaroid for a fun and quirky cost-efficient twist. The photos will be just as fun!
Related: 50 Cost-Cutting Wedding Swaps
Photo Credit: Nadia Meli
Photobooth Props
Make sure to include props so those who feel awkward posing can feel more comfortable with something to hold. Plus, you’ll get more candid photos! We love these punny balloons — they’re fun and affordable.
Related: 50 Sweet Props You'll Want to Use in Your Wedding Photos
Photo Credit: Mike Arick Photography
Outdoor Relief
When throwing an outdoor wedding, it’s easy to only focus on a contingency plan in the event of bad weather and forget about Mother Nature’s other downside — bugs and the like. Create a relief station armed with bug spray, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer so your guests can enjoy your big day.
Related: 100 Ideas for Summer Weddings
Photo Credit: Ann-Kathrin Koch Photography
Menus
Forgo the price of paper and list the night’s fare on a sign for a bit of charm.
Photo Credit: Leigh Fabozi
Linens
Sequin tablecloths are a quick and affordable upgrade from your average linens to give your reception a luxe look on a budget. Their shimmer and glimmer is both glam and chic.
Related: 50 Dazzling Ways to Add Sparkle to Your Wedding Reception
Photo Credit: Mango Studios
Kids' Table
Don’t forget about the little ones! Leave crayons and a coloring book at their table so they can stay entertained.
Photo Credit: Natalie Watson
Hashtag
You spent months brainstorming a clever hashtag — make sure people use it! Create a clever sign to encourage your guests to snap and post the night away.
Related: How to Choose Your Wedding Hashtag
Photo Credit: Olive Photography
Hanky Box
You won’t be the only one crying at your wedding; don’t forget about your guests’ tears of joy, too. A box of delicately embroidered colorful hankies adds a quirky and charming element to your wedding — one that your guests will certainly appreciate.
Photo Credit: Paper Antler
Guest Programs
Dual-purpose guest programs are the way to go — that piece of paper gets more of your money’s worth if it serves another function! These programs feature popsicle stick handles, perfect for guests to use as a fan when it gets too hot at an outdoor ceremony.
Related: 15+ Creative Wedding Program Ideas
Photo Credit: Mandy Busby Creative
Escort Cards
Escort cards don’t have to be limited with paper. Write them on something else entirely or pair with them with a fun accessory. These gold spray painted animal figurines are fun and playful.
Photo Credit: Carmen Holt
Escort Card Display
Don’t relegate your escort cards to the table — show them off in a creative display! These pretty in pink ribbon streamers are whimsically beautiful.
Photo Credit: Margaux Photography
Entrance
Many brides focus on the altar and often forget about their grand entrance. A vintage door at the foot of the ceremony is a whimsical touch and symbolizes a welcome to all guests.
Photo Credit: John Schnack Photography
Edibles
Hand-painted treats liven up an average plate of hors d'oeuvres or dessert delectables. These “fruity” pastel macarons scream springtime fever.
Photo Credit: Amy & Jordan Photography
Uplighting
Uplighting is a budget-friendly way to immediately transform a room’s ambiance. An orange glow bathes this reception in a romantic light.
Photo Credit: JoVon Photography
Unique Elements
It’s the quirky and the unique that truly lends your day a touch of your own personality. Add surprising elements to give your wedding some flair. We love this rustic bell to call for the newlyweds to kiss.
Photo Credit: Amanda Adams Photography
Table Top
Cover your tables with mirrors for a dazzling effect and to save costs on linens.
Photo Credit: Esther Sun Photography
Table Settings
A table setting can consist of much more than dinnerware and linens. Spruce them up with accents, such as a pale blush ribbon and trim of greenery, for an extra touch.
Photo Credit: Jessica Gold Photography, LLC
Table Numbers
Personalize your table numbers with a photo of you and the groom at each table. Amp up the personalization even more by corresponding the number with a fun fact about the two of you.
Photo Credit: Katch Studios
Table Napkins
Get creative with your napkin settings. A simple folding like this napkin pocket makes all the difference — and can hold your menu, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Photo Credit: Nancy Ray Photography
Sweetheart Chairs
Don your sweetheart chairs with charming Mr. and Mrs. Signs.
Related: 25 Pretty Head Table Ideas: From Big Traditional to Intimate Sweetheart
Photo Credit: Amanda Adams Photography
Backdrop
String lighting doesn’t need to be confined to the ceilings — it twinkles just as brightly cascading down the wall as a backdrop, too.
Photo Credit: D’amor Photography
Signature Drinks
If you’re trying to avoid paying for an open bar, consider having his and her cocktails that embody your tastes and personalities instead. Your guests will still get the liquor while you can save money and add a personal element to the wedding.
Related: Find a Signature Cocktail That Matches Your Color Scheme
Photo Credit: Renee Sprink Photography
Sendoff
Gone are the traditions of throwing confetti or rice as the couple makes their escape. Sparklers have a much bigger wow factor — and make for amazing photos.
Photo Credit: David Strauss
Selfie Station
Forgo the guest signings altogether and opt for a visual guest book. Leave a polaroid camera at the table so your guests can take a selfie as proof of their attendance and have them pin it up for a fun décor display.
Photo Credit: En Route Photography
Seating Chart
Skip the escort cards altogether and opt for a seating chart as a cheaper alternative — vintage window panes will do the trick!
Related: 50 Eye-Catching Seating Charts
Photo Credit: Anne de Lores Photography
Pool Décor
Does your reception venue have a pool? Don’t leave it empty. Floating letters make a splash.
Related: 50 Over-the-Top Wedding Ideas We Can't Help But Love
Photo Credit: Mike Arick Photography
Place Cards
Who said place cards had to be on paper? Cut the costs and write them in beautiful calligraphy on a tropical leaf to carry out your wedding theme. Bonus points if you swap placemats out for monster leaves as plate chargers.
Photo Credit: Krista Mason Photography
