DIY Wedding Tablescape

Would you believe me if I told you that not a single item on these tables was rented? Well, believe it! Last May I helped my sister-in-law with her wedding and man was it a blast! Though they had to move their wedding to my in-laws backyard, we had actually already bought everything for the tables beforehand! It turned out so dreamy.

WHY BUY?

To be completely honest, because it was cheaper. When we started comparing the prices to rent everything that she wanted... It started racking up fast! So, we decided we could do it ourselves for cheaper! If you don't already know, tablecloths have the HIGHEST markup value of any wedding item you can get. Venues and rental companies typically charge around $20 a tablecloth-- which is way more than you would pay to buy. And when the wedding is over, you can resell to other brides and make some of your money back. That's not an option with renting.

How did we decide on the design?

Start simple.

1. Round or rectangular tables?

2. What color table cloths?

Once you've decided these two things, you build from there. Nat, my sister-in-law, knew that she wanted long tables and she loved the dusty blue color (since her husband's favorite color is blue). From there, she knew she wanted lights. She just imagined everything lit up, warm and inviting. So, we then decided on the candlesticks and lanterns. From there, it was filler-- little tealights here and there, small vases with flowers, etc.

We went with the chargers and the plates because we thought it filled out the tables best. And the greenery was snaked into the design to separate the blue and gold and give it a more elegant feel.

How much did it actually cost? And where did you get everything?

Here is the full breakdown by item. Links to everything can be found here.

• Tablecloths: $6 each

• Candlesticks: $2 each (originally from Hobby Lobby, purchased on FB marketplace)

• Taper Candles: $0.25 each from Michaels (we used a 40% off coupon)

• Lanterns: $9 each from Hobby Lobby

• Pillar Candles: $1.5 each from Michaels (we used a 40% off coupon)

• Chargers: less than $1 a piece from Michaels (we bought these while they were 40% off + used on additional 20% off coupon)

• White Plates: $1 each from Walmart

• Tea lights: $0.50 each from Michaels (we used a 40% off coupon)

• Small flower vases: $0.75 each from Michaels (we bought these while they were 50% off + used on additional 20% off coupon)

• Gold Mirror: $3 from Facebook Marketplace

• Flowers: purchased in bulk from Sam's for Bridal bouquet, arch, and tablescape

Total cost: $40 per table

When you consider that renting a table cloth, plates and chargers alone will run you close to that.... This was an amazing deal! Plus, don't forget the bride can then sell a lot of the items to other DIY brides and get her money back!

More posts to come on DIY wedding florals and more!