Wedding Decor Ideas: Should You Rent Or Should You Buy?

As a wedding calligrapher, I love personal touches on your wedding day. I know when you start to plan out your wedding décor, you are greeted with vague décor items like “centerpieces” and “tablescapes”. It can be easy to forget those personalized pieces or wedding day signage that ends up making a huge impression on your guests. Today, I want to talk about the wedding décor pieces I always recommend my couples consider for their wedding day. If you choose to skip one or two items, I want it to be intentional and not simply because you forgot! I know you have so many things on your mind when planning a wedding, so here’s hoping this blog post makes planning your wedding décor a little easier.

Custom Calligraphy Wedding Day Signage

First, let’s talk about the pieces that will make the biggest impression with your guests. I recommend a few custom calligraphy pieces for every wedding. Don’t worry – although these might be a splurge, I will share with you where you can save later.

Here’s what I recommend getting custom made for your event:

• Welcome Sign (which can work for the ceremony and reception!)

• Seating Charts

• Place cards (which can double as wedding favors)

• Bar signs (with your custom cocktail!)

As a wedding calligrapher, I am also very aware of how many couples are looking to host a low waste wedding or turn to more sustainable options. I completely understand, which is why I saved some of my best tips for a low waste wedding here. Although custom signage can’t be “reused” or “resold” in the same way your custom table numbers might be able to, there are ways to cut down the environmental impact (like renting the mirror you use for your seating chart!).

Wedding Décor That You Can Rent OR Buy

Although these can be made custom (the sky is the limit!), there are a few wedding décor pieces that should be on your list whether you decide to rent or purchase. Here is a list of wedding decor you don’t want to forget to get (but don’t necessarily need to be made custom!)

• Table numbers

• Guest book sign

• Cards and gifts sign

• Card Box

At Write Pretty for Me, I offer the option to rent different pieces to all of my custom wedding signage couples so they don’t need to feel pressure to purchase everything custom but they also ensure all of their décor will flow seamlessly together. If you have never worked with a wedding calligrapher before, make sure to check out this post on creating your budget for wedding calligraphy and this post telling you what to expect when working with me!

New Jersey Wedding Rentals that are available:

• Table numbers (4 different styles)

• Social Distancing / Covid signage

• Frames for paper signs and mirrors are available (for your custom signage to encourage less waste, or if you have splurged on custom signage, you can use these rentals to save a little money and pair them with options in our etsy shop).

Photography Credit: Delaney Dobson, Off Beet Productions

Looking for Affordable DIY Wedding Décor?

If you want to add the touch of calligraphy to your wedding, but don’t have the time or room in your budget to work with a calligrapher, check out the Write Pretty for Me shop! You can shop digital downloads for table numbers, bar signs, COVID-related signage, and more. They might not be custom, but they’re pretty for when you’re in a pinch or on a tighter budget! Add a frame that matches the rest of your décor and you’ve instantly taken everything up a notch with calligraphy signage.

Planning your Wedding Décor and Wedding Day Signage

I hope this has left you inspired to cross a few “can’t forget” pieces off of your décor list. If you are looking to add some custom calligraphy touches, I would love to set up a call. You can learn more about my services here, or browse my portfolio for more calligraphy inspiration. I believe that handwritten details matter. Not only do they warm up your wedding decor and wow your guests, they also make your wedding yours. It’s truly a beautiful thing.