Stylish Wedding Decorations That Won’t Break the Bank

Planning a wedding in Quebec comes with its own unique charm—from the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal to the rustic barns of the Eastern Townships. But no matter where you’re tying the knot, one thing remains constant: decorations can quickly eat up your budget if you’re not careful.

As someone who’s seen countless weddings across our beautiful province, I can tell you that the most memorable celebrations aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones. It’s the thoughtful, personal touches that guests remember long after the wedding is over.

So, if you’re looking to create a beautiful atmosphere without emptying your bank account, here are some affordable decoration ideas that still pack a stylish punch.

Start With Your Priorities

Before diving into specific decoration ideas, take a moment to consider what aspects of your wedding matter most to you. Is it having amazing food? An unforgettable dance party? Or perhaps creating a stunning visual experience?

Once you’ve identified your priorities, you can allocate your budget accordingly. If decorations aren’t at the top of your list, that’s perfectly fine! You can still create a beautiful ambiance without spending a fortune.

Leverage Your Venue’s Natural Beauty

One of the simplest ways to save on decorations is to choose a venue that’s already visually appealing. Quebec is blessed with stunning natural landscapes and charming historical buildings that require minimal embellishment.

If you’re getting married in a venue with exposed brick walls, tall windows, or architectural details, let these elements shine instead of covering them up. For outdoor weddings, the mountains of the Laurentians or the pastoral settings of Montérégie provide a gorgeous backdrop that needs little enhancement.

Photo courtesy of Elyna Kudish

Affordable Lighting Options

Nothing transforms a space quite like lighting, and fortunately, it’s also one of the most budget-friendly decoration options:

• Twinkle lights: String these across ceilings, around pillars, or through tree branches for an instant magical atmosphere. At about $10-15 for a 10-metre strand, they’re a bargain.
• Candles: Create warmth and intimacy with groupings of candles. Votive candles can cost less than a dollar each when purchased in bulk, and when placed on mirrors, they create a beautiful, amplified glow.
• Paper lanterns: These come in various colours and sizes and can be hung from ceilings or trees to add visual interest. You can find them for as little as $1-2 each when buying in quantity.

Greenery Over Flowers

While fresh flowers are beautiful, they can quickly consume your decoration budget. Consider these alternatives:

• Eucalyptus garlands: These can be draped along tables, wrapped around pillars, or hung from chandeliers. They smell wonderful and last much longer than cut flowers.
• Potted plants: Small potted herbs or succulents make lovely centerpieces and can double as guest favours.
• Local greenery: In Quebec, we’re fortunate to have abundant forests. With permission, you might forage pine branches, ferns, or moss to incorporate into your décor (particularly nice for fall or winter weddings).

DIY With Purpose

The DIY approach can save money, but it’s important to be selective. Focus on projects that are relatively simple and make a significant impact:

• Table runners: Purchase fabric by the metre from local fabric stores in Montreal or Quebec City. Simple cheesecloth or linen runners add texture without breaking the bank.
• Painted wine bottles: Collect wine bottles in the months leading up to your wedding, paint them in your wedding colours, and use them as vases or candle holders.
• Repurposed furniture: Have an old dresser? Use it as a place for cards or to display photos. An antique ladder can become a unique way to showcase seating arrangements.

Entrepôts Dominion Photos – Steve Gerrard Photography & Tim Chin

Smart Shopping Strategies

Where you shop matters almost as much as what you buy:

• Second-hand sources: Check out marketplace websites, estate sales, or the numerous vintage shops along St-Laurent Boulevard or Wellington Street. You’d be surprised at the treasures you can find at a fraction of retail prices.
• Borrow from friends: Has someone in your circle recently gotten married? They might be happy to lend you items they no longer need.
• Rental options: For items you’ll only use once, consider renting. Many Montreal-based companies offer affordable décor rentals from lanterns to vintage furniture.

You could also try checking some of the sites offering discounts for all kinds of items, from artificial bouquets, Mr and Mrs Coffee Mugs, and LED letter lights to wedding favours and bridesmaid gifts.

Dual-Purpose Decorations

To maximize your budget, look for decorations that can serve multiple purposes:

• Ceremony to reception: Your ceremony backdrop can be moved behind the head table for the reception, or aisle decorations can be repurposed as centerpieces.
• Bouquets as centerpieces: After the ceremony, place bridesmaid bouquets in vases around the reception. Instant centerpieces!
• Favours that decorate: Items like personalized candles can decorate your tables during the reception and then go home with guests.

Steve Gerrard Photography

Budget-Friendly Centrepiece Ideas

Centrepieces often consume a significant portion of the decoration budget, but they don’t have to:

• Floating candles: A few simple floating candles in clear bowls create elegant centrepieces for less than $10 per table.
• Book stacks: For literature-loving couples, stacks of vintage books (easily found at used bookstores throughout Quebec) make meaningful centrepieces.
• Fruit displays: In late summer and fall, local apples, pears, or even colourful vegetables can create beautiful, seasonal centrepieces that guests can take home.
• Bud vases: Instead of large arrangements, place single stems in bud vases scattered across the table. The impact is similar, but the cost is much lower.

Seasonal Considerations

Let the Quebec seasons inspire your décor choices:

• Spring: Incorporate pussy willows or flowering branches, which last longer than cut flowers.
• Summer: Take advantage of wildflowers or lavender from the Eastern Townships.
• Fall: Use colourful leaves, pine cones, or small pumpkins as inexpensive décor elements.
• Winter: Embrace the snowy season with pine branches, cranberries, or simple white decorations that echo the landscape outside.

Steve Gerrard Photography

Final Thoughts

Remember that your wedding is about celebrating your relationship, not impressing people with extravagant décor. Some of the most beautiful weddings I’ve attended in Quebec have been those where the couple’s personality shines through simple, thoughtful details.

When planning your decorations, ask yourself: “Will this matter to us in five years?” If the answer is no, consider scaling back. Focus on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where your guests can relax and celebrate with you.

With a bit of creativity and planning, you can create a visually stunning wedding that reflects your style without leaving you in debt. And in a province as naturally beautiful as Quebec, sometimes the simplest decorations are all you need to complement the inherent charm of your surroundings.

What budget-friendly decoration ideas are you considering for your wedding? Have you found any unique sources for affordable décor in your area? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!