Close your eyes and imagine your wedding day. The first look, the walk down the aisle, the first dance. Now look a little closer — what do you see? Maybe it’s the floral arrangements paving your pathway, or the decorative dance floor with friends in festive attire.
Wedding decor often blends into the background but it can take your wedding from ordinary to extraordinary. The only downside? It costs a pretty penny. According to data from Zola, wedding decorations cost an average of $2,000 to $10,000. Many couples opt to DIY wedding decor to save money and add personal touches to their big day.
Here are some of our favorite easy and affordable DIY wedding decor ideas.
DIY Wedding Signage
Signage is one of the less glamorous bits of wedding decor, but it’s an important one. It serves many purposes: welcoming guests, directing them from place to place, and helping to keep things on track.
Custom wedding signage is having a moment with embroidered banners and DIY stained glass. Add some beauty to your welcome sign and table signage with these handcrafted works of art. Plus, you can display them in your home and remember your special day for years to come.
DIY Wedding Flowers
Flowers, on the other hand, are one of the sexier elements of wedding decor. Luckily, they’re also easy to DIY with a little practice and a solid game plan.
From bouquets and boutonnieres to ceremony details and centerpieces, flowers can be used in a variety of ways at your wedding. Keep it simple when DIYing: choose a few focal pieces and repurpose them throughout the event. Your guests won’t know the difference!
Wedding Aisle DIY
Your walk down the aisle will be one of the most photographed moments at your wedding. If you want a picture-perfect background without the price tag, consider these easy DIYs:
- Decorative candles of all shapes and sizes
- Antique doors with fabric and florals
- Vintage rugs lining the pathway
- Single stem flowers adorning the aisle
- Ribbons and bows on aisle chairs
Just make sure to check with your venue before starting any DIY projects, as some may have restrictions on ceremony decorations.
DIY Photobooth
Unsurprisingly, there will also be many pictures taken at the photobooth during your reception. Your photobooth can be as simple, silly, or sophisticated as you like. You don’t need a fancy floral backdrop; grab a tasteful linen from the thrift store and dress it up with twinkle lights, disco balls, balloons, picture frames, and fun props. If you have fun with it, your guests will, too!
You can also repurpose other elements from your wedding day for the photobooth, like your wedding banner or a decorative arch from the end of your aisle.
DIY Cake Toppers
Sometimes the most memorable details are the smallest. Your cake topper, for example, might not be the biggest priority but it’s a simple way to personalize your wedding day.
Instead of the standard cake topper figurines, make your own out of LEGOs or air dry clay. It’s a great way to shake off some of the wedding stress and have a fun date night with your partner. Plus, your DIY cake toppers might actually look like you instead of a generic bride and groom!
Why to DIY
Making your own wedding decorations can help you save money, celebrate sustainably, and add a custom flair to your fiesta. It can also be a welcome creative outlet amidst the stress of wedding planning.
Not sure where to begin? Head to your local craft store to get inspired.
Rachel Kauffman is a Detroit-based content writer, bookworm, and cat mom to two feisty felines.
