Are Budget Wedding Backdrops Cost Effective?

Are budget wedding backdrops cost effective? Or do they lead you down a rabbit hole of disappointment and frustrations? In this blog, we first ask the questions and then find the answers for you.

We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To

Being the fabulous wedding venue dressing service that we are, we spend quite some time doing our research for our clients and sometimes browse the Internet to see what’s new in the wedding and party dressing world.

It’s important to us – and in the end to you – that we’re up to date with the new trends in venue décor.

On a recent web crawl we came across an article about cheap, DIY wedding backdrops. We looked at this article and asked ourselves some questions:

1. Are budget wedding backdrops cost effective?
2. Are these suggestions at all realistic?
3. And what are the costs to you?

Long Years of Practice

Bearing in mind that we’ve had years of practice at this, our quick answer to the question ‘Are Budget Wedding Backdrops Cost Effective? is: No. They aren’t. Not really!

Though there is of course ONE exception. IF you’re an arty/crafty type that makes handmade gifts on a regular basis this doesn’t apply to you.

Except for one cost area: time. Time, as they say, is money. So, even if you are capable of threading paper birds or butterflies on to lengths of wire and making it look amazing, will you, in the middle of all the other things to think about, have the time and energy for it?

One of the things we’ve seen touted as a budget alternative to a flower wall is a floral curtain similar to the one in the image below.

We made this curtain from flowers threaded on wire. In this photo it’s on the door at home when we were making it. 

From personal experience we can tell you that an alternative flower wall or curtain such as this, might be relatively cheap. But  don't be taken in by the idea that its an easy alternative DIY project for your wedding  to make. 

It took ages – and it was tricky to transport to the venue without it getting as tangled as the Christmas fairy lights always seem to.

A Rapid Rethink

A friend of mine tells how, when planning her daughter’s wedding, the pair of them harboured vague money-saving notions and making their own invitations etc. But after spending an hour between them constructing a flat-pack cardboard favour box they had a rapid rethink. And off to the printer’s they went.
What dawned on them was that, even if they had particular skills in this area – which, by their own admission, they didn’t – they had neither the time nor the energy for it.

And that’s a big thing to consider.

Budget Wedding Backdrops Don’t Come Cheap in Practice

Well – most of the time anyway. Okay yes, you can get friends to save coffee jars etc for you. You can tie sting around the top and put a giant tea-light inside and hang them around your venue. A pretty feature for a rustic style décor. Something like this – if you keep them plain – will be cheap in terms of everything except time. Time in getting them made and then time in getting them hung at the venue.

But if you want to decorate or frost them, well the cost soon rises. Have a quick root round somewhere like Hobbycraft. Look at masking tape and spray paint etc – that will give you an idea of how cheap soon turns into not-so-cheap.

Too Much To Think About

Our feeling is this. Unless you’re Kirsty Allsop (and she has a big support team!) making your own venue décor backdrops, or other décor for that matter, is giving yourself too much to think about. And you’ve got enough – with dresses and suit hire and table plans and planning the honeymoon. To name but a few things you’ll need to tackle. Trust us. You don’t need this.

How To Do Wedding Backdrops Without Busting the Budget

But there is a way to do it without busting the budget. And that’s to hire not to buy. Have a look at the accessory hire and treasure trove sections of our website. There you’ll find flower walls and other wedding backdrops along with globes, table plan ideas and much, much more. All available to hire.

You don’t see what you have in mind? That’s no problem. Send us a message via our webform or call us on: 00447511842451 and let’s get problem solving.

There really is no better way for wedding suppliers to show off their wares. Wedding fairs are an excellent way of giving prospective brides and grooms a sense of what you can offer them. Be it cakes, photography, video or venue dressing. Yet, as we’ve learned from experience, nothing is more effective or more heart-warming than a clutch of complementary wedding suppliers collaborating to recreate a wedding scenario that demonstrates what we can do.

In this post about Fabulous Functions UK in the media, we described our collaboration on a vintage themed photoshoot at Heythrop Park Resort on the edge of the Cotswolds. This time around the photoshoot action took place at The Bear Hotel in Hungerford, Berkshire. 

How it Happened

Earlier this year, Fabulous Functions UK collaborated with a group of wonderful suppliers to stage an open day at Hungerford’s Bear Hotel. Lots of couples came along and enjoyed meeting the suppliers there and booked us for their weddings.

So successful had the day been that the suppliers suggested to the hotel’s event’s manager, that we might use the hotel for a photoshoot. Vee and her term embraced the idea. They offered us the Riverside Suite for the purpose, and were excited about the transformation their gorgeous venue would undergo.

The Fabulous Functions UK team wanted to capture the joy of two people in love and who aren’t afraid to show it.

Our aim was to inspire couples to be more daring in their luxury wedding planning choices, by creating a luxurious and opulent décor that can be adapted to suit most venues. 

A Cascade of Colour

With rich, passionate burgundies and reds, through to coppers and golds to tones of blush pink and cream we created a vibrant colour range from the vibrant and bold to soft and delicate. All of it beautifully captured on camera by Barefoot Photography.

The First Step

The first thing we did was to get together with Louise of Wendy House Flowers. Together we devised a décor to stimulate the senses from the outset. We wanted the senses to dance a jig as they encountered the florals and the banquet style arrangement of guest tables. Louise, based in Lyneham, is a fantastic florist who encourages her clients to be brave in their choices.

For this photoshoot she created a gloriously wild bridal bouquet, full of colours and textures featuring grasses, clematis, wildflowers, roses and more.

The Décor

We decided on an ombre colour scheme, with shades ranging from rich burgundies full of passion, through to coppers and golds, all coming to rest on the sweetheart table with a cascading floral garland in tones of blush pink and cream.
Louise and I used a fabulous marriage of fresh and silk florals to create the centrepieces

A flower cloud is such a statement piece! Bringing not a drop of rain but lashing of joy. Creating a golden halo above our couple. The cloud was created with a selection of mellow golden branches and romantic cream roses, pampas grass, ferns, gypsophila, roses, hydrangeas and much much more.

An Ombre Themed Wedding Décor Inspiration Table Setting

A picture paints a thousand words. The images from our photoshoot at the Bear Hotel in Hungerford did just that. It shows an opulent venue setting created with gold-accented glassware and cutlery from Simon of Event Hire UK.
Even the agate slice details on the little golden glass boxes mirrored the ombre theme of the decor.

The Pièce de Résistance

I always advise my brides not to hide their wedding cake, and by extension, the cake cutting ceremony, in a dark corner. Rather make a feature of it. And how better to make a statement to remember than with a Fabulous Functions UK flower wall?

Our fabulous peach and cream-toned flower wall made a wonderful backdrop for this glorious seven-tier crystal cake tower from Fay’s Fairy Cakes.

To see more images from the gorgeous photo shoot of this awesome ombre themed wedding decor visit the Mrs P and P blog here.

And to find out how Fabulous Functions UK can make your wedding venue decor dreams come true, fill out our online form here and we’ll get right back to you. Or, if you prefer, call us on 00 44 7511 842 451.

Venue Styling Packages

Here at Fabulous Functions we have four venue styling packages to choose from. These include a D-I-Y package for couples wanting to be very hands on with their venue decor and transformation.

Our middle package is our most popular package as it has all you need for a fully styled venue. Of course you can add a selection of statement accessories to complement and enhance your venue decor.

The third venue styling package is even more complete. Adding many statement accessories as standard.

Then there is the option to choose the Bespoke Venue Styling Package, this allow you complete control of the decor you choose for your venue transformation.

All our venue styling packages allow you the flexibility to input your own ideas which will show your personality and style ensuring your wedding venue is your very own dream space to create memories, and renew lifelong bonds with family and friends . And we’ll work with you to realise your dreams for your celebrations.

1. The Classic Venue Styling Package
   
   You gave us feedback. And we listened to you. You told us that you didn’t necessarily want the whole kit and caboodle of having us create table centrepieces and more besides. But yet some assistance is welcomed. Assistance that doesn’t mean you have to own 100 chair covers, sashes and table runners to complete your venue styling.
   
   We thought that was a great suggestion! So, with those needs in mind we created the Classic Package.
   
   What the Classic Package Includes:

• 75 Fitted chair covers
• 75 Sashes – Choose from our range of fabrics including organza, taffeta, satin and lace.
• 8 matching table runners
• Top table runner in matching colours
• Cake table overlay or runner
• Post box for your guests to post their cards.
• Tealight holders and tealights
• Easel for your table plan

How much is the Classic Package?

The Classic Venue styling package is a value-for-money £799. This hire cost includes delivery to your venue within a 10-mile radius of Swindon.  Contact us for a quote for setup and for delivery outside of the 10-mile radius.

You can of course add additional accessories to this package or you can opt for another of our more comprehensive packages – see below.

2. The A Touch of Glamour Package
This package does what says, as it includes the wonderful silk flower wall backdrop. Comprising silk rosebuds, open roses and peonies, and hydrangeas in luscious shades of white, off-white and blush-pink.

What the Touch of Glamour package includes

• Flower wall-3m width
• 75 x Fitted chair covers
• 75 x sashes – choose from our range of fabrics – organza, taffeta, satin and lace.
• 8 x matching table runners
• Top table decoration
• Top table runner in matching colours
• Cake table overlay in matching colours
• 8 x Table decorations – e.g. martini glasses, bird cages, crystal globes
• 75 x Place cards
• 8 x Mirrored base plates
• 8 x Table numbers
• Tea-light holders and candles
• Welcome sign saying ‘Welcome to our Wedding’
• Easel for your table plan welcome sign
• Post box for your guests to post their cards.
• Giant garden games Chose from our range of Giant Garden Games
• A final planning meeting with you at your venue.

How much does the Touch of Glamour package cost?

This venue styling package packs a value punch at £2450.

As with any of our pre-defined packages you can personalise it by adding other statement accessories  

The hire cost of this package includes delivery to your venue within a 10-mile radius of Swindon. Contact us for a quote for setup and delivery outside of the 10mile radius.

3. The Reach for the Stars Package

The Reach for the Stars venue styling package takes care of every detail leaving you free to relax and enjoy your celebrations.

Our Reach for the Stars package has dressing your venue all wrapped up, including as it does our luxury silk flower wall backdrop. It’s sure to add a sophisticated and elegant note to your top-table, your cake-cutting ceremony or your photographs.
We have also added the florals for your main wedding party too.

What the Reach for the Stars package includes:

• Bridal bouquet
• Grooms buttonhole
• 2 x bridesmaids bouquet
• 2 x grooms buttonhole
• A 3metre wide white voile drape backdrop
• 1 x Foliage top border ( option to add florals to the foliage
• Top table silk floral garland or low floral arrangement
• Silk flower wall
• a pair of floral columns created with silk flowers and foliage
• 1 colour canopy of your choice
• A pair of bay trees and coordinated pots of flowers
• A top table silk flower garland or low arrangement
• 75 x vertical chiffon drops for your chairs
• 8 x table runners
• 3 x 3 Sets of tea-lights and candles per table
• 1 sequinned runner in gold, rose gold, silver or champagne (can be used for the top table, ceremony table or elsewhere if required)
• 1 sequin tablecloth suitable for the cake table or display table
• 8 x table centre piece
• 8 x mirrored base plates
• 10 posies for your aisle chairs
• 1 x post box or wishing well treasure chest for cards
• Gold, silver or wooden easel for the table plan
• 75 x guest place cards
• 8 x table numbers or table names
• Personalised mirrored welcome sign
• Easel for your welcome sign
• Mirrored table plan
• Giant garden games
• A final planning meeting at your venue

How Much?

The Reach for the Stars venue package is available to you for an inclusive hire cost of £3540.

The hire cost of this package includes delivery to your venue within a 10-mile radius of Swindon.
Please contact us for a quote for setup and for delivery outside of this area.

Choosing one of our venue styling packages is a great way to start your wedding planning. It they provide an easy and efficient way to compare what is possible, what is available and is a great source of inspiration.

NB: The lovely floral backdrops included in this package need not be restricted to weddings. They can equally grace the venue for any celebration or anniversary party. Indeed, it’s a perfect and novel background for events and presentations.

4. The Bespoke Venue Styling Package

We might describe this one as the how long is a piece of string approach.

It happens often, that couples at the start of their wedding planning journey don’t have any fixed ideas of how they want their venue to look. If that sounds like you then an off-the-peg venue styling package is ideal.

On the other hand, you might have a well-defined concept in your head, that isn’t covered by any of our pre-defined packages, fear not. Ask us about our made-to-measure styling service.

We can create for you a bespoke styling package. A package that unites your ideas, your personality and your interests and passions into a cohesive whole. You just tell us what you want and what your budget is and we’ll work with you to make your vision a beautiful reality. 

Pick up the phone and call us on 07511 842 451 to arrange a chat. 

Social Media

Do follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get a feel for our work.

Wedding Backdrops Available for your Celebrations

1. Flower Walls

We have three fantastic flower walls available for you to hire.

The ROSELLA flower wall is blush pink and cream and. It comes in a 3 metre section to hire.

The FLORALIE wall is a hydrangea-based, cream-toned confection. Floralie measures 3 metres in width and 2.80 metres in height.

The OLALLA is an ombre flower wall backdrop featuring deep warm red florals at the base and graduating through vibrant fuchsias and pinks to warm whites at the top.

Artificial blooms they may be but their effect is not lessened in anyway. And they’re simply perfect if you – or any of your guests – have allergies. And such things are a serious consideration.

Even better – we do all the work for you. We put them up and we come and take them down again. All you have to do is sit or stand in front of them and glow, make beautiful memories and look back at your gorgeous pics!

2. Bespoke Hoops

Hung at different heights behind your top table, or sweetheart or ceremony area, these decorated hoops are a novel backdrop and make a wonderful photo or video. We can decorate them with foliage and/or blooms of your choice. What you see below is an example.

See the effect they create in this short YouTube clip – they move gently in the air. It’s quite mesmerizing.

3. The Starlight Backdrop

For good old-fashioned Hollywood opulence and glamour our starlight backdrop is unbeatable.

The standard setting is a warm, white twinkle. But with the accompanying colour wheels you can choose from a range of colours and twinkle styles. Or no lights at all if that’s what you want.

4. Drapes

Pleated and Draped Backdrops

We’ve actually got a full variety pack of drape backdrops that we can create for you.

Draped fabric backdrop with a chandelier in the centre to form a classical, symmetrical arrangement.

The image above shows an asymmetric arrangement of classic white fabric with complementary floral embellishments and central chandelier. All ready for you and your loved one to exchange those glorious ‘I Do’s’.

Floral curtains: look at these gorgeous pleated white curtains topped with a pelmet of greenery. Or blossoms would work just as well for a more romantic look.

6. Floral Columns and Broken Arches

Consider framing your ceremony table with a pair of floral columns such as the ones in the image below. Isn’t that effective? The floral columns are a beautiful way to create focus and direct the attention of your guests.

5. Make the Most of a Mantlepiece

If there’s an attractive mantelpiece in your venue don’t ignore it. Instead use it! 

Look what a stunning backdrop the mantlepiece you see below makes when dressed with beautiful foliage. Balanced with matching or complementary arrangements on the table and on the floor in front of the table, the effect is classic, elegant and stunning.

7. Pentagon Arch Backdrop

We call our pentagon arch a dynamic backdrop. Meaning you get the most use out of it for your celebrations.

As it’s a double pentagon arch we set it up for your wedding ceremony, with the florals attached at various points on the arch. Then we move it to your wedding breakfast. You can keep it as a double arch behind your top table. Or separate it and use one part behind your top table and the other part to frame your cake table. Definitely a Win! Win! Win! situation!

What is not to LOVE!

To talk to us about any of these wedding backdrops in the Fabulous Functions Backdrop range and to find out hire costs call us on 07511 842 451.
We’ll advise and help you decide which one is best for you.

Social Media

Of course we’re on social media. There you can see what we’ve been upto and get a further feel for what we do and how we work. Find us on Instagram here and Facebook here. 

And if you prefer a good old fashioned phone call, you’ll find all our contact details here.

And, before you go, do check out the rest of our blog for more inspiration in wedding decor. You’ll find that here.