10 Affordable Event Decoration Ideas (with DIY guides)
Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort
Previously, we interviewed some of our event planners about working with a limited budget. Today we’ll show you a few ways to bring your ideal event to life with these affordable event decoration ideas. You can even make some of these decorations at home.
1. Tissue Paper Pom-Pom Flowers
Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
Floral balls and greenery are great as centerpieces and hanging decorations. They are ideal additions to event backdrops.
Mimic fresh floral ball arrangements with tissue paper pom-pom flowers. Its light weight is perfect for adhering to backdrops, creating garlands, and suspending from the ceiling. Follow the below tutorial to make your own tissue paper pom-pom flowers for your next event.
2. Paper Rosettes
White Christmas-themed rosettes at Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong
Colorful Holi-inspired paper rosettes at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore
Paper rosettes have remained a popular event decoration for those who are on the lookout for no-fuss, failproof yet versatile and colorful decor. Ready-to-use options come in a variety of textures and shapes and can be found anywhere, from stationery shops, party supply stores to online suppliers.
DIY Paper Rosette
- Prepare four pieces of regular paper (cardstock can be hard to fold), some double-sided tape and a pair of scissors
- Take a piece of paper and follow step 2 and step 3 of the above tissue paper pom-pom tutorial
- Fold the paper in half and tape the inside of the fold together with double-sided tape to form a fan
- Repeat steps with the other three pieces of paper
- Tape all four fans together to create a rosette
3. Paper Vase Sleeve
The St. Regis Bali Resort
If you find plain glass vases a little dull for your event or want matching vases for your flower arrangements, try dressing them up with a few pieces of paper.
- Draw vertical lines at a distance of 1cm between them on a piece of paper. Leave 1 inch on the upper and bottom edge of the paper and 1 cm on the lateral edges.
- Cut the paper with a cutting blade or scissors following the horizontal lines.
- Glue one of the lateral edges on top of the other to create a cylinder shape.
- Stand the cylinder up straight and press down from the top to get a vase shape.
- Insert plastic bottles or glass vases into the paper vase sleeve.
4. Dried Floral Arrangements
Dried pampas grass centerpiece at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
When we think of floral arrangement and table centerpieces, our thought immediately turns to a mix of colorful blooms and green foliage, which are usually fresh and can take a chunk out of the event budget. Dried flowers, grass or herb bouquet arrangements are an inexpensive alternative to fresh flowers. Events in fall that are going for a more rustic theme can take advantage of these longer-lasting options. If you are worried about the color palette, consider using a mix of fresh and dried plants.
5. Succulents Table Decor
Residence Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Succulents are well known for their interesting looks, texture, and varieties. They are low-maintenance and can last much longer compared to fresh stemmed flowers. This makes them great for simple, green table decorations that are charming in their own ways. You can plant these miniature plants in recycled tea cups, or arrange them into mini vertical gardens or terrariums. These table decorations also make wonderful eco gifts for your guests that offer versatile accents for any homes and offices.
6. Single-Flower Arrangements
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Hotel Pune
Even though filling your entire event space with gorgeous flower arrangements can easily give the event that “wow” factor, sometimes, less is more. Instead of putting a bold statement arrangement in the center of the table, you can switch it up (and save a lot more) with simple single-flower arrangements placed at each attendee’s seat. This type of minimalistic decoration is also ideal for those looking for a touch of natural beauty at a meeting table or a formal business luncheon. Short drinking glasses like stemless wine glasses or simple glass jars and bowls are perfect for this arrangement. Remove any thorns or leaves and trim the stem of the flower so the bloom can sit beautifully near the rim.
7. Origami Decorations
Paper cranes table decorations at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Paper crane garland at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Paper decorations are undoubtedly on the more affordable side of event decorations, especially when you can craft it yourself. Impress your event guests with DIY origami ornaments that are quick to create. With endless designs you can experiment with and numerous ways to display these little works of art, be it a delicate flower backdrop or paper cranes artfully placed on a table centerpiece, you can transform your event space in two shakes.
8. LED Light Up Letters
Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview
Personalization is at the core of the event industry and these light-up LED alphabets make it super easy to do so. Choose to put it on a table to display the initials of your company, use it as signage to guide guests to the bar area or build a giant statement backdrop with the hashtag of your event. There are so many ways to use these letters lights to add a little sparkle to the occasion. Giant letters can now be rented while smaller options can be easily purchased at affordable prices at local variety stores and online.
9. Wire Name Place Cards
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Name cards are essential in many occasions for all the right reasons, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t alternatives to take it up a notch. Transparent acrylic place cards and engraved metal plates are becoming more popular in banquets. For a more budget-friendly version, you can replace standard paper cards with handcrafted wires showcasing names of your guests. To go one step further, try decorating it with ribbons or a snip of fresh flowers.
10. Get Creative with Napkin Decorations
Napkin arrangement at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Don’t underestimate the decoration power of the napkins that are found at every corner of your event. These table decorations can add a special finishing touch while costing you close to nothing. Check out some inspiring napkin folding designs and learn to craft a few yourself with our Napkins Folding Ideas You Can Try at Home.
Preparing for your next event and looking for a beautiful space that matches?
Explore our wide range of venues near you and take advantage of these uniquely decorated spaces that will give you an ideal canvas to work with.
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