More photos by photographer extraordinaire Alex Wasilewski! We were our own wedding planners, so all the decorations were thrifted, built, or bargained for in an attempt to make the Addison (our venue) as personal as we could possibly make it. I think the price we paid for our decorations was the same price we would have paid if we rented it, but now we own it. And I could handpick everything! Here's a few things I thought might be worth sharing that were special to me, but will also save you a ton of money if you're looking for ideas . . .
The Tables
I'm not into huge flower arrangements. I wanted everything to be romantic and dainty, but old fashioned too. I knew I wanted small bottles with one of two roses in each (saved money there), so I collected antique medicine bottles during the course of our engagement to get about five-six on each table in addition to our candelabras (found at Home Goods), books, and tables numbers. Sometimes less is more . . . I think.
Same with the books. I collect old books in life anyway, so I was able to use what I had on my bookshelves to create different heights for the bottles set on the tables. And I had a great excuse to find more to add to my collection.
The Seating Chart
My parents had this gianormous antique frame that they covered in satin and then lace. My grandfather perfectly spaced out these nails, so we could hang skeleton keys and old tags. I thrifted a handful of the keys, but the rest we bought online at Kennedy Hardware in bulk. I've heard from some friends that their key is laying on their vanity. I love hearing that.
The Card Holder
I absolutely cannot take credit for this beauty. My sweet grandfather (papa, to me) built this birdhouse to hold our cards, and you can't tell by this picture but that's actual stain glass in the windows! I was speechless when I saw this. I still am. It was the most special present anyone could ever give us. And it's something we will have forever, perhaps in our garden one day (when we have a garden).
The Arrival Table
My parents found this antique desk at a thrift store in Florida, and it was perfect! I was able to set my dictionary (a.k.a. guest book) on top. I have it in my head that this will be our family dictionary one day and will sit in our home library on a pedestal (do you like how I think I'll have a library one day??), so our kids (and Paul and I) can use on a daily basis. And, how fun will it be to come across our our guests' notes (and the cute words they circled) as life goes on?
My dad attached poles on the side of the desk to hold a clothes line. We placed the wedding photos of our parents and grandparents and attached tags with the number of years they've all been married.
The Candy Table . . .
was insane and was my mom's project. That sink in the middle held jelly beans! and she covered the styrofoam with moss that you see the lollipops sticking out of. And yes, those are candy cigarettes you see in that crate (my favorite). Who am I kidding, every candy on that table was my favorite. Paul had a few he picked out, but his sweet tooth is no match for mine.
The Bouquets . . .
are tied with lace. And I fastened broaches on each one, so my bridesmaids could keep them. I thought it gave it a personal feel, and I loved collecting them from thrift stores around the city.
At my sister-in-law's wedding last year, I gave her a broach for her bouquet (as her something borrowed). I asked her to give it back, so I could wear it on my bouquet. It's just something so little that meant so much to the both of us.
Cafe Lights
More than anything, more than the band, the cake, the food, I wanted cafe lights. I don't know what it is about them but they truly set the mood. It's romantic, cozy . . . just beautiful. I think if you needed to cut costs with on-site decorations, adding cafe lights make a space look stunning.
Thanks again, Alex. Your talent amazes me.
Anyone reading getting married? If you have a theme or vision in mind but aren't sure what to do, let me know. I'd love to help!
