Creative Ideas for Wedding Reception Décor on a Budget in Utah

Wedding décor can get expensive fast. From floral arrangements to lighting, small details add up quickly, making it easy to go over budget. But a beautiful wedding doesn’t have to cost a fortune—you just need the right strategy.



The best way to decorate a wedding reception on a budget is by using DIY décor, affordable rentals, and Utah’s natural landscapes to cut costs while still creating a stunning setup.

This guide will walk you through budget-friendly décor ideas, where to find affordable rentals in Utah, and how to save money without sacrificing style. 

Step 1 – Plan Your Wedding Décor Budget Wisely

Decorating a wedding reception can get expensive fast, but with a little planning, you can keep costs low without losing style. Before you start buying decorations, set a budget and make smart choices on where to spend and where to save.

How Much Should You Spend on Wedding Décor?

Most couples spend 8-10% of their total wedding budget on decorations. That includes centerpieces, table settings, lighting, and backdrops. But you don’t have to follow this rule—if décor isn’t a top priority, you can spend even less.

Smart Budgeting Tips

✔ Prioritize high-impact areas. Focus on the backdrop, centerpieces, and entrance décor instead of decorating every corner.
✔ Use multipurpose décor. Choose items that work for both the ceremony and reception.
✔ Skip unnecessary extras. Wedding favors, custom napkins, and too many flowers aren’t must-haves—cut them if needed.

Cost-Saving Strategies Before You Buy Anything

Before spending money on wedding decorations, use what you already have and consider secondhand options to save even more.

• Repurpose Ceremony Décor – Use the same flowers, arches, and aisle decorations for the reception. Move them from the ceremony area to the reception space to double their value.
• Borrow or Rent Décor – Ask recently married friends or check local rental shops for affordable options. Renting can cost half as much as buying new.
• Check Facebook Marketplace & Thrift Stores – Many brides sell their gently used wedding décor for cheap. You can find vases, candles, and even table linens at a fraction of the cost.
• DIY Where You Can – Handmade decorations save money and add a personal touch. If you or a friend enjoy crafting, consider making table centerpieces, signage, or wedding favors instead of buying.

Step 2 – Find Budget-Friendly Wedding Décor in Utah

Once you know your budget, the next step is finding affordable wedding decorations without sacrificing style. Whether you want to rent, buy secondhand, or DIY, Utah has plenty of options to help you stay on budget.

Where to Rent Affordable Wedding Décor in Utah

Renting décor is one of the best ways to save money. Instead of buying expensive items you'll never use again, you can rent everything from table settings to arches at a fraction of the cost.

Best Wedding Décor Rental Shops in Utah

✔ Refined Vintage Events – Specializes in rustic, boho, and vintage rentals.
✔ Diamond Rental – Offers affordable chairs, tables, lighting, and linens.
✔ Moonlight Utah – Great for modern and minimalist wedding rentals.
✔ Evermore Event Company – Provides elegant and timeless décor at budget prices.

💡 Pro Tip: Book early! Many rental companies have limited inventory, especially during peak wedding season (May–September).

Best Places to Buy Discounted or Secondhand Wedding Décor

If renting isn't your style, you can find affordable decorations through secondhand sales, thrift stores, and online marketplaces.

Where to Shop for Cheap Wedding Décor in Utah

✔ Facebook Marketplace & KSL Classifieds – Many brides sell barely used decorations for half the retail price.
✔ Local Thrift Stores – DI (Deseret Industries) and Goodwill often have vases, candles, and linens at super low prices.
✔ Hobby Lobby & Michaels (With Coupons) – Sign up for their emails and grab 50% off sales on wedding decorations.

💡 Pro Tip: Buy neutral-colored decorations like white tablecloths, gold candle holders, and clear vases. They’re easier to resell after your wedding if you want to make some of your money back.

Step 3 – Creative & Affordable Wedding Reception Décor Ideas

Now that you know where to find budget-friendly decorations, let’s talk about how to decorate your wedding reception without overspending. These ideas will help you get the look you want without breaking the bank.

DIY Wedding Centerpieces and Table Settings

You don’t need expensive floral arrangements to make your tables look elegant. A few budget-friendly tricks can give your centerpieces a high-end look for a fraction of the price.

💡 Affordable Centerpiece Ideas:
✔ Mason jars with fairy lights – Adds a warm glow to each table for just a few dollars.
✔ Thrifted vases with fresh greenery – Simple, stylish, and way cheaper than full floral centerpieces.
✔ Floating candles in clear bowls – Creates a romantic look without spending much.
✔ Wooden slices with small floral accents – Perfect for rustic weddings and easy to DIY.

💡 Pro Tip: Use in-season flowers from a local Utah florist or buy in bulk from Costco to save even more on floral arrangements.

Budget-Friendly Lighting to Set the Mood

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a wedding reception feel magical—and it doesn’t have to be expensive.

💡 Affordable Lighting Ideas:
✔ String lights – Hang them above tables or around the dance floor for a cozy, romantic feel.
✔ Candles – Use tea lights, pillar candles, or LED candles for a soft, warm glow.
✔ Paper lanterns – A fun and inexpensive way to light up outdoor spaces.
✔ DIY marquee letters – Spell out "LOVE" or your initials for a bold statement piece.

💡 Pro Tip: Some Utah venues already have built-in lighting, so check what’s included before you rent or buy.

Affordable Backdrops and Photo Booths

A good backdrop can transform your reception space—and you don’t need a designer to make it happen.

💡 Budget-Friendly Backdrop Ideas:
✔ Fabric drapes – Hang sheer curtains or lace fabric for an elegant backdrop.
✔ DIY flower wall – Use faux flowers from craft stores to create a stunning photo wall.
✔ Wooden pallet walls – A rustic, eco-friendly backdrop that you can decorate with greenery or fairy lights.
✔ Balloon arches – A cheap, colorful way to frame your wedding entrance or dessert table.

💡 Pro Tip: Ask your venue if they have any built-in backdrops you can use for free. Some Utah wedding venues include gorgeous floral walls or greenery walls as part of their package.

Step 4 – Choosing a Venue That Requires Minimal Décor

One of the easiest ways to save money on wedding decorations is by choosing a venue that already looks beautiful. If the space is naturally stunning, you won’t need to spend as much on décor.

Utah Wedding Venues with Built-in Scenic Beauty

Utah has plenty of wedding venues that provide breathtaking backdrops without the need for extra decorations. Whether you want mountain views, rustic barns, or elegant ballrooms, these venues already have a gorgeous atmosphere.

💡 Budget-Friendly Utah Wedding Venues:

✔ The Boulevard (Provo) – Offers both indoor and outdoor spaces with modern elegance and scenic views.
✔ Louland Falls (Salt Lake City) – A natural canyon setting with waterfalls and rock formations.
✔ Sleepy Ridge (Orem) – A golf course venue with a classic ballroom and open views.
✔ Walker Farms (Lindon) – A bright, white barn-style venue that looks great with minimal décor.
✔ River Bridge Event Center (Spanish Fork) – A rustic lodge with built-in wood and stone accents.

💡 Pro Tip: Choose a venue with built-in lighting, stylish flooring, and neutral walls—this reduces the need for extra décor.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Venue Décor Costs

Whether you choose indoor or outdoor, venue selection affects how much you’ll need to spend on decorations.

Indoor Venues

✔ Often include tables, chairs, and lighting.
✔ You may need to add floral centerpieces, draping, and personalized touches.
✔ Perfect for elegant, formal weddings.

Outdoor Venues

✔ Natural scenery reduces the need for backdrops and decorations.
✔ You may need extra lighting, shade (tents), or heating/cooling for guest comfort.
✔ Ideal for rustic, garden, or boho weddings.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re worried about decorating costs, outdoor venues with scenic views often require the least amount of décor.



Final Thoughts

A stunning wedding reception doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By using DIY décor, affordable rentals, and Utah’s natural scenery, you can create a beautiful setup without overspending.

Looking for the perfect venue? The Boulevard in Provo, UT offers versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, elegant backdrops, and budget-friendly décor options. Whether you want a modern ballroom or a scenic outdoor setting, The Boulevard helps bring your dream wedding to life—without breaking the bank.

📅 Book a tour today! Let’s make your wedding unforgettable.