Thanks Dolly..our colors are hot pink n bright orange...I can't decide-lol. The event is really going to be low key and I have a small budget that I think flowers might be out of the question. I am going to see what those ladies did. Keep any ideas coming... I do love the picture idea as that would be a great way to incorporate the wedding photos!!!
Check with your local rental company on pricing table linens. Even if you don't have a big budget, consider having nice tablecloths and possibly napkins. Adding color with linens can really make a BIG impact! If the napkins are too expensive then purchase nice big paper napkins at your local party store in one of your colors. I would say 100% rent nice tablecloths.
Depending on where you live, look around for leaves that you can use to add around pictures or votive candles. Check in your friends yards to see what they might have growing. I love magnolia leaves as they are beautiful and you can even spray paint them gold and silver (you might try other colors as well). There are lots of leaves that grow on vines that can be pretty on tables. Just make sure you don't get any poisonous ones! Since you are getting married in November and you are using orange, you can do small pumpkins and even fall leaves. Or you can do something similar to the picture above with oranges and lemons but use pumpkins and other miniature gourds.
Also, when Hobby Lobby has their ribbon on sale for 50% off, go buy lots of ribbon and use it around napkins, on chairs, etc. If you can sew a straight line and have or can borrow a sewing machine, look for inexpensive fabric and then you can cut and sew long strips to decorate the chairs and tables. (look at the third picture in post #67 above).
Use your favors to help decorate the tables. You can make the "candy tent" that I posted on page two post #24 as it stands up and would be a great addition to the tables at each place. Buy a heavy scrapbook paper when it is on sell and look for a pattern oline. Then all you have to do is trace the pattern, cut, use a bone folder to get a good crease and add your favorite candy inside. This would be an inexpensive but nice favor that would help liven up your table!
I have sort of mentioned it but depending on what time your reception is...use candles. You can buy one big glass holder for the center and then put small votive candles around it. For the big glass holder you can put one candle in it with something fun like flowers, coffee beans, water and even fish (although...what does one do with fish after the party), strands of pearls or another fun strand of beads that you can buy around christmas, candy, etc.
If you can't afford flowers, be on the lookout for inexpensive feathers. Here are a few pictures from a bridal shower on a budget...and guess what it uses...your colors! The best advice that I got from this post is a GREAT way to incorporate BLING inexpensively is to pull apart a beaded curtain rod. This is one of my favorite tips for getting LOTS of bling on a budget. I also love how she added orange slices onto the glasses to give them a little shot of color. Finally, notice how she uses lots of ribbon!
For a few more pictures look here:
http://www.hostessblog.com/2010/09/behind-the-scenes-hollywood-bridal-shower-segment-for-fx/
Also as mentioned before...look online for inspiration. I love "hostess with the mostess"...here is her website and blog:
http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com
http://www.hostessblog.com/
look through all types of parties to get ideas for table decorations...not just weddings. You might be surprised what kind of decorations you find for bridal showers, baby showers and birthdays.
