Budget Décor Essentials

Feeling overwhelmed with planning your event? Do you want that luxurious, professional feel? A-listers may have party planners and a huge budget but did you know you can achieve that expensive look with easy décor at a low price?

Personally, I think the key to creating a DIY party, with a professional feel, lies within the details. Anyone can throw together some balloons and a buffet but a party is really elevated when small elements are introduced to fit the theme. This starts with your décor choices and there are endless options that go beyond a few clusters of balloons.

My go to places for budget décor essentials are; IKEA, Home Depot / B&Q and Hobby Craft / Hobby Lobby. 

Here are some of the key budget items I would go for and how I would use them for my DIY party décor:

Hobby Craft / Hobby Lobby Essentials

Hobby Craft is one of the best shops in the UK for party décor but for those of you in the US Hobby Lobby is very similar. This is where you'll want to go for the majority of your décor basics like:

• Balloons
• Themed foil balloons
• Ribbon
• Garlands
• Faux flowers
• Party cups & plates

While balloons can be a basic form of décor, when they are used for a garland or other elements are incorporated, they can really make a statement. I try to incorporate faux flowers, feathers or other small pieces into my balloon garlands.

All party décor should have a statement piece that can be added to. Hobby Craft / Hobby Lobby is the perfect place to find décor pieces that fit the theme of your party such as a baby shower, birthday or anniversary etc. But don't stay limited to typical décor, there are some items you might find that can be worked into a display. For example if you are hosting an Autumnal Bohemian themed party you could grab some Whicker baskets and pumpkin home décor to make a table display. You can pick this up for £10 - £15.

Somewhere like Hobby Lobby sells a variety of home décor pieces that can be used as the focal point for your party décor. The great thing about this approach is that it can be reused around your home or for any future parties! Whereas a balloon garland is really just single use. Looking at these items can help you choose what direction to head in for your theme, if you're not sure what to do. You may find a nice piece of wall art, Barbie mirror or car poster that you will plan your decor around. 

@darocha_events Hobby Lobby is my new favourite place for décor! @Hobby Lobby please open a store in the UK!!! #decorideas #partydecor #budgetdecor #diy #fyp ♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim

IKEA Essentials

IKEA is known for being affordable and they do have several items that can be used as décor. It is also a great place to pick up some basics like glasses, plates and placemats.

Here are some of my favourite budget décor items:

Some of these items might seem like strange choices for décor but there are a number of ways they can be used! A throw or a blanket could be used as a table runner for a buffet or if you are hosting a dinner party or a wine night, IKEA is the perfect place to collect some cheap décor! The woven boxes can be used to add some dimension to a buffet or décor display. Candles are always a cheap and easy décor option, on their own or in a vase. Decorative pebbles can be used in a vase as part of a display and there are lots of small wall decorations that can be incorporated.

My go to décor for a dinner party on a budget would be candles (unscented so it doesn’t interfere with the food!) You can pick up some low-cost multipacks of candles, a few vases for floating candles and a mirror to place under the candle display to enhance the glow and you'll have a beautiful centrepiece for the table!

Tip: Don't forget the faux flowers and plants section, I use these all the time for decor because of the wide variety and affordability.

@darocha_events Budget décor essentials - Part 3 #decor #decoration #inspiration #decorationideas #budgetdecor #ikea #ikeafinds #ikeahack #party #diydecor #fyp ♬ original sound - Da Rocha Events

B&Q / Home Depot Essentials

Believe it or not but shops like B&Q and Home Depot do have some very useful items for décor. They are the leading stores for larger outdoor displays or possibly some DIY wedding décor options.

The first thing I would consider for décor is the flower selection. I really like the idea of using fresh flowers in displays for garden parties because it is one of the few options that offers minimal waste as you can replant the flowers in your backyard after the party or give some away as party favours. 

If you are using either real or faux flowers here are a few items that can help you create a display.

You can use chicken wire to mould a shape for your display, you can either leave it as it is or use flowers to cover the mould. Another option is to use trellis as a backdrop with some florals and/or balloons. Finally, you could pick up a plant support pillar and use this to create statement floral pieces as seen in the photo above!

@darocha_events Home Depot Décor Hacks! #homedepot #homedepotfinds #decorhacks #decor #decormadeeasy #budgetdecor #partyideas #inspo #fyp ♬ original sound - Da Rocha Events

So there, you have some of my budget décor essentials and where to buy them. The main thing to remember is anything can be décor with a bit of creativity!

That's all for now,

Happy planning my lovelies! x