Outdoor wedding decorations...

Okay, I have just run into a fairly large problem. For my wedding a friend was going to be my florist (she's actually a real florist, but she was going to do this for me as a favor). She didn't, however, realize that my wedding is on Mother's Day and last week she backed out on me explaining that she has to work her "real" job. Now, I have no florist - a VERY small budget ($350 for this, including centerpieces) - and no decorations for my wedding/reception. The ceremony and reception are being held at the same place, so that makes things a little easier, but what in the world can I do???

I need ideas for end of isle decorations (NOT pew bows preferrably), centerpieces as well as general decorations. Please help!!!
Posted by Leah; updated 10/18/00

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Hi Leah,

Have you checked Ebay? If you type in "wedding flowers" there are about 100 different items listed
in that section. Some of the things listed are very pretty. Give that a try, you never know what you
will find. Good Luck!!!!!


Diane
Posted by Diane; updated 10/18/00

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Flowers are a great way to be able to save costs on an outdoor wedding. I, also, am having an outdoor ceremony and reception. Stick with flowers that are in season and don't have to be imported. Daisies are an adorable flower and very affordable. Spice them up by tying the stems with an organza ribbon. It goes along great with the outdoor theme. If you don't want to use pew bows, consider using stainless steel buckets and fill those with daisies. Use a ribbon and wrap it around the pail's handle and tie it on the end of every other chair. Or, consider using pretty paper and making a cone. Poke two holes opposite each other at the top of the cone and string a ribbon through each. Fill with flowers and tie on the end of the chairs. I'm opting for candles as centerpieces instead of flowers. Use a group of small votives--it creates ambiance and looks great. You can do great things with white lights and tulle too...both cheap but they look great! If you are dead set on floral centerpieces then purchase your own vases. Places like Wal-Mart or a craft supply store usually sell clear, glass vases for only a dollar or two. Or, consider using one dramatic flower. Have one sunflower versus an expensive bouquet in the middle of each table.
Posted by Lisa; updated 02/02/01

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There are thousand of people who can help you on this site!!!!
It helped me alot for my wedding, back in November!

This sight Rocks!

Check it out!

Kim
Posted by KIm; updated 02/03/01

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Hi ladies!

I`m also having an outdoor wedding and found a website that had some very cheap but elegant decorating ideas! I`m sorry but I can`t remember what site I seen it on! They`re called "Twig Arbors". Very easy to make. Take a pot of some sort, like an old flower pot and fill the bottom with something heavy like rocks or sand. You then put a foam block in it (the foam blocks are sometimes used in artificial flower arrangements to hold the flower in place). You then find some twigs that are fairly long, maybe four feet, and stick them in the foam. You then coil tulle around the pot and up the length of the twigs. I`m adding white lights for a little extra. It doesn`t sound like much but they look so beautiful. One cost me about $2.00 to make. I`m putting mine in the gazebo where we will be exchanging vows but you could use them for the aisle too. Hope this helps.
Posted by Tammy; updated 10/20/02

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Leah -

There`s lots of things you can do. Mother`s Day weekend, though, is a very hectic and expensive time to get flowers. I think the previous poster`s idea of using daisies is perfect! They are readily available at that time of year and reasonable priced.

If you`d like help with pew bows or centerpieces, I`ve helped many brides in your situation. You can e-mail me directly at mansurfamily@hotmail.com.

~Karen
Posted by Karen; updated 10/21/02

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I am presently creating arrangements for my sons wedding and am using "natural treasures". Twigs, rocks,moss(scraped from local rocks) and dried foliage from the sides of the road are my main ingredients. You can "jazz" them up using fishline,wire and beads/crystals from the craft store. Simple, yet beautiful are the words to keep in mind. Happy Crafting!!!!
Posted by Kim; updated 07/26/04

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So sorry you are left hanging! But, there are a few things you can do. All of the suggestions you`ve gotten so far are good. This is what I`m goning to do for my daughter. I`m going around to places like GoodWill and buying all different size and shape glass pitchers for the center of the tables at the recp. Then I`m going to place ribbon at the top of the handle /just hanging down like streamers. Wedding colors. I will place dollar tree candles in some and cut flowers in others. The added light will be nice as the sun goes down. Good Luck with all you do. The pews can have floral arrangements hanging downward by just tying some flowers together with ribbon in the same streamer fashion as the pitchers. Different widths.
Posted by Suzie; updated 02/06/09

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Um...her original post was 9 years ago! I think she is married by now.
Posted by MISS B; updated 02/11/09

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Um.......do you mean divorced by now LOL
Posted by does it matter; updated 02/11/09