A Bride's Design on a Dime, Tip of the Week!

"How to save money on your linens"

by Amrta Kenner, Wedding and Event Designer

A wonderful way to save some money is to cut some from your linens. Although you will not be able to create a big effect as you could with your linens, you can save a lot by just getting colored napkins and colored sashes.

When meeting with your venue be sure to ask if they offer floor length linens. Most venues do have these as well as have the option to give you a colored napkin choice. I would however go with getting a colored linen for cocktail hour. This will give a nice touch as many dont really put centerpieces on these tables, although I am all for adding something small to these tables!

There is a right way to using in house linens that can still create a wow factor. Lets say our color pallet is, Coral, Sea Green, Tiffany Blue and White and I want to create a romantic beach theme. The way I would do it to use the in house floor length white linens. Use all white chair covers and ad a sea green sash on some tables and a tiffany blue sash on others. For my napkins I would also alternate as I did with the sashes. You can also keep the sashes white and alternate with colored napkins. Add in some texture and creativity in your centerpieces and use drift wood and coral.  I would use long banquet style tables for either of these. Add in alot of votives and all white flowers as well as some coral colored flowers and greens. If your budget allows I would do a colored glass on the tables, blue goblets and blue rimmed plates are a perfect mix with this theme since you will have all white table clothes.

Use different types of shells for your escort cards for a little fun! These can be hand made as well as your centerpieces. Use this money that you save and add an ice blue or amber uplighting to your room for a final touch. This is a must for any wedding on a budget or not. Lighting creates a big difference in all events. If you dont have alot going on table wise, create a factor in your room and ad lighting!

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