Whether you’re considering DIY’ing some little details for your wedding or doing as much as possible yourself, go for it! DIY Wedding projects are a great way to both save money and personalize you big day.
The current cost of weddings today is mind-blowing, and very stress-inducing if you’re a bride trying to plan your dream wedding day on a budget. DIY wedding projects are a great way to save, and can also add a unique, personal element to your celebration. They allow you to add your own style and details in ways that many vendors simply cannot.
Considerations: To DIY or not to DIY
Ok, I’ve talked a lot about the benefits of taking on some wedding deetails on your own, and I stand by that! You may remember I made my own wedding signs. However, DIY wedding projects can be a lot of pressure. Here are some things I would consider before taking on any of the wedding decor as a DIY project.
- Time: how much time will you have to complete the project. More importantly, how much time will you have to source a back up if things go wrong?
- Consequence: how important is this item to your wedding day? If your project does not work, how much does it affect things?
- Your skills: how experienced are you in this kind of project? Will you need help? If it’s something new to you, this may add to the stress of completing the project on time.
All in all, be more conservative in taking on DIY wedding projects than you would other projects- the stakes are a bit higher, and you’ll be under a good bit of stress.
DIY wedding tips and tricks
- Make sure your vendors- especially your planner are all ok with your DIY projects. You’d be surprised by some vendor’s restrictions.
- Many DIY signs and decor need a stand of some sort- don’t forget to buy or make one!
- Will your decor or signs will need to be moved? It can be a good idea to use a light material like foam board to make transport easy. Make sure someone (not you) has also been assigned this job so it doesn’t get forgotten!
- Own a Cricut? Projects involving lettering just got even more budget friendly! But don’t worry, there’s many places to order budget friendly vinyl lettering online.
- Give yourself a deadline that’ll allow time to get your backup option. If your project is not done by that date, it’s time to go to plan B.
If there’s one thing any bride learns by the end of wedding planning, it’s that nobody cares about your wedding as much as you do. So, harness that passion and pour your heart into some fun DIY details your guests will love. Now, let’s get into these fun ideas!
DIY wedding centerpiece ideas
Let your craftiness be the center of attention, next to you of course! Creating your own centerpieces is a great way to ensure your handiwork is appreciated by each and every one of your guests. Try incorporating pictures of the two of you or pictures of you with the guests that will be seated at that table for a personal touch.
1. Make colorful candle clusters
A trend I’m 100% here for? Colorful weddings! Add a vibrant touch to your tables with these colorful candle clusters. Make it budget friendly and source mismatched candle holders from thrift stores and simply spray paint them to match your color scheme. Check out this idea here.
2. Lantern centerpieces
Lanterns create a romantic and cozy atmosphere. They’re versatile and can be styled to suit any wedding decor. This one is super simple, and you’ll have lanterns for cozy home decor down the line!
3. Recycle some bottles
Turn condiment bottles into chic gilded vases for an eco-friendly and stylish centerpiece.This idea by Simple Stylings is a must-see.
4. Simple bud vases
To create your own floral centerpieces, keep it simple with some little bud vases like these. This will be much less stressful than trying to create large floral arrangements the week of your wedding! Wildflower bud vases like these are great for a more rustic wedding, too.
DIY invitations
Before diving into DIY invitations, consider the pros and cons. It’s important to know what you’re getting into! Brides.com breaks it down here.
5. Cricut wedding invitations
Ok, I’m actually obsessed with these! If you have a cricut, you’re well on your way to creating some absolutely professional level invites. The examples shown in this post have me convinced I may need one myself.
6. Print your own wedding invitations
This budget-friendly option allows for plenty of customization. The Penny Hoarder has some great tips.
7. Use a design template
There are lots of places to purchase templates that will give you a good head start to creating your own gorgeous DIY invitations. Canva, Etsy, and Creative Market are all great sources.
Just remember, the design is not the hard part- printing is. Check the paper weight your printer can handle and go see how that weight feels in a store- it may be thinner than you would think. You can still make your own invitations, but you may want to have them professionally printed on cardstock to get the quality you want.
DIY wedding arch ideas
Arches are a popular statement piece of wedding decor- they’re great for ceremony set ups, and can double as a photo backdrop at your reception!
8. Balloon arches
If you love to do things a bit differently and want a fun and whimsical arch for your wedding, consider making a balloon arch! This creative idea by Leanne Choi simply utilizes PVC to create an arch you can then deck out with balloons of your choice.
9. Wooden arch
This classic and rustic wooden arch is perfect for outdoor weddings. The Sorry Girls’ tutorial is fantastic.
10. Hexagonal arch
For a modern twist, try this unique hexagonal arch. The Sorry Girls have you covered here again!
DIY wedding sign ideas
Wedding signage represents another fantastic opportunity to get creative with a DIY project. Menus, table numbers, reserved seats, and directions to the reception all have to get displayed one way or another, and there are lots of simple ways to do it yourself.
11. Large foam board wedding welcome signs
As I mentioned above, I made my own welcome signs. I chose to DIY these because I knew I could do it for much cheaper than I could buy them and I loved the idea of doing it exactly how I wanted. If that sounds like you, check out my tutorial! They’re way easier than they look, I promise!
12. Glass frame welcome sign
Elegant and easy to make, this glass frame welcome sign adds a touch of sophistication. My French Twist shows you how, and I love that you can then keep the frame to use in your home!
13. DIY seating chart with a paint pen
There are lots of ideas for DIY seating charts using mirrors, so I thought I’d share a couple of the easiest (and prettiest) ways to do so! The Happy Ever Crafter offers a great guide on how to create one using paint pens on a large mirror.
14. Mirror seating chart display with wax seals
This YouTube tutorial will show you how to create a beautiful DIY mirror seating chart display using printed guest lists held to the mirror by wax seals. The best part? Make this and you’ll have a beautiful new mirror and your own wax seal!
DIY menu and bar signs
Your menu and bar are a great place to embrace your creativity with a little DIY project because these sings can be relatively easy to make. This is also not a super “high consequence” DIY – worst case scenario guests will just ask for their options at the bar!
15. Signature drink banner
This DIY signature drink sign is perfect for highlighting your special cocktails. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone else make a banner like this- I love how unique this idea is! The Crafted Life makes it easy, too.
16. Printed sign template
The easiest way to DIY your own menu and bar signs, and the way I did it, is to utilize a template! Just as I mentioned while discussing DIY invitations, there are lots of template options online! Check out Etsy or Canva, pick a design you like.
Then all you have to do is find cute, cheap frames that match the look you’re going for. I used these from target, but here are some more great options! Once again, remember to test out paper thickness. I ended up having to add an extra paper behind the menu because it was too see-through (only a problem if you use floating frames like I did).
17. DIY table numbers
These modern DIY table numbers add a chic touch to any wedding table. Ctrl + Curate’s tutorial is simple and stylish. There are SO many easy DIY table number ideas out there- this is one I would definitely go for!
DIY wedding flowers
One way a lot of brides want to save money tends to be with their florals. This, however, is one DIY I would be cautious taking on. Arranging flowers is a lot harder than some may think, and it has to be done close to the day off. If something goes wrong, you will have very limited options available. Keeping this in mind, there are still very doable ways to create your own wedding flowers.
18. Order bulk
Ready to go full DIY? You’ll need to source flowers ahead of time in bulk- either through a local florist or online (there are many options). Make sure you plan to acquire all the additional tools and supplies you’ll need to0- shears, vases and containers, ribbon for your bouquet, etc. Remember you’ll also need somewhere cool to store your flowers when they arrive.
19. Get a wedding flower kit
Take some of the planning out and order a DIY wedding flower kit. You’ll still get flowers in bulk form (not as arrangements), but you’ll receive flowers that go together and in the correct quantity for your needs.
20. Go for a faux DIY wedding bouquet
This DIY wedding flower option also happens to be one you can keep forever as a memento and decor! There’s a great tutorial over at The Wedding Chicks.
Share your DIY wedding ideas with us!
Don’t forget to share your own DIY wedding ideas and the results with us. We’d love to see what amazing things you come up with!
Looking for more inspiration? Whether you’re planning a wedding, a party, or just love crafting, we’ve got you covered. Check out these posts for more DIY party and wedding crafts and decor ideas. You’ll find everything from Easy DIY Balloon Arch Ideas for a festive touch, to DIY Gift Bag Ideas that add a personal flair to your gifts. And for those who adore rustic charm, don’t miss our Rustic Barn Weddings & DIY Wedding Decor ideas. Plus, get ready for the holidays with our Easy DIY Thanksgiving Place Cards to make your gatherings extra special.
