Franklin Dean
Planning a DIY wedding reception can be a great way to save money and add personal touches to your special day. From decorations and table settings to food and drinks, there are many aspects of a wedding reception that can be DIY-ed. However, it's important to consider the amount of work involved and the potential stress of setting up and coordinating everything on your own. Some couples choose to seek help from friends and family or hire an event coordinating company to ensure their wedding day is relaxed and enjoyable. Whether you're planning an intimate backyard wedding or a grand celebration, a DIY wedding reception can be a unique and memorable experience.
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What You'll Learn
Table decor, centrepieces and flowers
Flowers are a classic choice for wedding table centrepieces, and you can create your own floral arrangements to save money. Start collecting small jars and vases in advance, and fill them with flowers from a florist or flower market. You can also add eucalyptus, candles, and gold accents to your floral centrepieces for a soft, elegant look. If you want a garden-fresh look, you can hand-pick wildflowers and arrange them in vases yourself. For a unique composition, try painting plain taper candles in colours of your choice and pairing them with single-stem flowers in vintage vases.
If you're looking for non-floral centrepiece ideas, there are plenty of options to choose from. For a desert-themed wedding, cacti and succulents housed in terrariums will create an attention-grabbing display. You can also add height and volume to your tablescape with olive branches in tall acrylic vases. Lamps are another chic idea for DIY centrepieces, especially if you decorate the lampshades with spray paint or pressed flowers.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your table decor. You can repurpose items from your home, such as ceramics or family heirlooms, to create unique centrepieces. Wooden pallets can be turned into wedding signs, and old jars can be filled with flowers or tea lights. If you're having a barn wedding, consider using recycled items like old ladders or suitcases as decorative features. You can also add personal touches to your table settings, such as handmade cake toppers with your initials or edible wedding favours like cookies or jars of honey.
Remember to have fun with the process and make it a craft session with your friends and family. With a bit of creativity and some DIY magic, you can create beautiful and affordable wedding table decor, centrepieces, and flowers.
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Catering, including DIY wedding appetisers
Catering for a DIY wedding reception can be a great way to save money and personalise the food you offer. It is, however, a lot of work and not something to be undertaken lightly.
One option for DIY wedding appetisers is a charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, dried meat, honey, jam, and spicy mustard. Costco offers a DIY wedding appetizer spread of cheese and crackers for 100 people for $76, or $0.76 per person. If you want to increase the amount of cheese to 3 oz per person and add dried meat, crackers, and spreads, the cost will be higher but still less than $15 per person, which is the baseline cost for cheese and crackers from a traditional caterer.
Another option for DIY wedding appetisers is to offer a variety of bite-sized treats that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Some ideas include stuffed mini peppers, skewers with Italian antipasto ingredients, mini tacos, crispy bread with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, spicy cauliflower bites, mac and cheese bites, and tea sandwiches with thinly sliced cucumber.
If you're looking for a more elegant option, you could try gourmet canapes and delicate appetisers, such as chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce.
For a DIY wedding reception, it's important to consider the number of guests you'll be serving and the duration of the reception. A general rule of thumb is to provide 6-8 pieces per guest for a one-hour cocktail reception, and 12-15 pieces per guest for a three-hour reception.
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DIY photo booths and wedding hashtags
DIY Photo Booths
Creating a DIY photo booth for your wedding can be a fun and interactive experience for your guests, without the hefty price tag of renting one. All you need is a well-lit backdrop with a decorative display that matches your wedding aesthetic. You can then let your guests use their phone cameras, or supply disposable or Polaroid cameras.
For a visually appealing backdrop, you could build your own flower wall with faux floral panels, or engulf a plywood board in faux florals for a fresh-from-the-garden feel. Alternatively, you could use draped linens or fairy lights for a dreamy setup. If you or someone you know is skilled at woodwork, you could frame the photo booth with wooden doors, or even carve your names into the wood.
For a vintage feel, set up a traditional photo booth that captures the essence of vintage photography, with instant prints for your guests to take home. You could also leave a stash of props for guests to use, or set up a DIY Polaroid station, where guests can take selfies and write messages in a guest book.
For a modern twist, add a neon sign with a special message or your shared surname. You could also point the camera into the party and turn on animated GIFs to capture people dancing or photo-bombing.
Wedding Hashtags
Creating a custom wedding hashtag is a fun and useful part of wedding planning. It makes it easy to collect all the photos and memories your guests share on social media, giving you a digital keepsake of your celebration.
You can use your names, initials, wedding year, romantic adjectives, puns, meaningful phrases, alliteration, or rhymes. For example, #ForeverInFlorence or #HappilyEverAnderson. You could also use inside jokes or blend names, like #MeetTheMartins or #TennyBecomeOne.
Once you've created your hashtag, include it on your save-the-dates, wedding website, and invitations. At the reception, place your hashtag on wedding signs, table cards, or your photo booth backdrop. You can also use it in your own social media posts, like engagement photos or bridal shower moments.
To ensure your hashtag is unique, check Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to see if it's already in use. You can then share your wedding photos in a safe and organized way, by creating a free Instagram album on a wedding website.
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Wedding dress, accessories and makeup
Wedding dress, accessories, and makeup are some of the most important components of a wedding. If you're opting for a do-it-yourself wedding reception, here are some ideas and tips to consider:
Wedding Dress:
The wedding dress is often the centerpiece of the bridal look. When choosing your dress, consider the style and theme of your wedding, as well as your personal preferences. If you've already found your dream dress, congratulations! If not, explore various options, including simple, elegant styles or those with sparkly sequins and lace. The dress sets the tone for your accessories and overall bridal style.
Accessories:
Accessories play a crucial role in enhancing your wedding dress and overall look. Here are some essential accessories to consider:
- Engagement and wedding rings: These are the ultimate symbols of your commitment and should be chosen carefully.
- Veil: A veil can add a touch of tradition and romance to your ensemble. Consider the length and style of the veil to complement your dress. For a simple dress, a cathedral veil with lace details can be a stunning choice.
- Hair accessories: Hair clips, combs, or headbands can accentuate your hairstyle and add a touch of sparkle or elegance.
- Jewelry: Choose pieces that complement your dress without overwhelming it. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings can be selected based on your personal style and the dress's neckline and design. Pearls and diamonds (or cubic zirconia) are timeless choices.
- Garters: If you plan to partake in the garter toss tradition, don't forget to add a garter or a set of garters to your list.
- Bridal clutch or purse: This accessory can hold your essentials, such as makeup, tissues, and blotting pads, ensuring you stay fresh throughout the day.
Makeup:
Doing your own wedding makeup can be a rewarding and budget-friendly option, especially if you're confident and comfortable with your skills. Here are some tips for achieving a professional-looking DIY bridal makeup look:
- Practice and preparation: Allocate time before your wedding day to practice your desired look. Research and experiment with different techniques and products to ensure longevity and a flawless finish.
- Longevity: Bridal makeup needs to stay in place for the entire day, including the ceremony, reception, and after-party. Use products designed for long-wear and consider a setting spray to extend the wear of your makeup.
- Complexion, eyes, and lips: Focus on accentuating these areas, using products suitable for your skin type and tone.
- Body makeup: If your dress reveals certain areas, such as a plunging neckline or a backless design, consider using body makeup to ensure a consistent and polished appearance. Blend your face foundation with a moisturizer and apply it with a fluffy brush for a natural finish.
- Lip products: Stick to your tried-and-true lip method. Using a lip liner underneath your lipstick will help it last longer, and don't forget to add a lip gloss for a touch of shine.
Remember, your wedding dress, accessories, and makeup should reflect your unique style and vision for your special day. Enjoy the process of crafting your bridal look, and don't be afraid to seek inspiration and guidance from professionals and other brides.
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Setup and decorations
Setting up and decorating your wedding venue yourself can be a stressful experience, but it can also be rewarding. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and memorable space for your big day.
Planning and Preparation:
Before you begin setting up, it's essential to have a clear plan and a pack list. Consider what needs to be set up and where everything will go. If you're transforming the space from a ceremony to a reception, you may need to change the layout and bring in additional decor. A sample table can help you visualize the setup and ensure you have all the necessary items. It's also a good idea to do a dry run to identify any potential issues and ensure your vision can be executed smoothly.
Timing and Help:
Setting up a wedding venue often takes longer than expected, so give yourself plenty of time. Double or even triple the time you think you'll need, especially if you're doing intricate tasks like hanging lights or creating centrepieces. Enlist help from your wedding party, family, or friends, but be mindful that they will also need time to get ready and enjoy the day. If possible, get access to the venue a day early to start setting up, and consider hiring professionals for specific tasks, such as florists or stylists.
Decorations and Centrepieces:
Centrepieces and table decorations are essential elements of your wedding reception setup. You can personalise your centrepieces with items like paper lanterns, candles, flowers, or even suspended decorations. If you're crafty, consider DIY centrepieces, but be mindful of the time and effort required. You can also add unique touches to your tables, such as personalised name cards, low-cost toys with escort cards, or hand-sewn table numbers. Don't forget to consider the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding and incorporate these elements into your table settings and decorations.
Final Touches:
Think beyond the tables and add hanging decorations or lighting to create a magical atmosphere. Rustic-themed weddings are popular, and you can achieve this look with elegant pastel colours, farm tables, and greenery runners. Simple decorations can also be effective, such as sticking to a neutral palette with a pop of shimmer or using minimalist black and white themes. Don't forget to plan for the breakdown of the decor after the wedding and assign someone you trust to oversee this process.
Remember, while DIY wedding setups can be challenging, with proper planning, preparation, and help from your loved ones, you can create a personalised and memorable space for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to save money by doing things yourself at your wedding reception. For example, you can save money on food and drink by catering your own wedding, buying wholesale alcohol, or asking friends and family to help with the setup. You can also save money on decor by making your own or renting, borrowing, or thrifting items.
Adding personal touches to your wedding reception can make it feel more intimate and unique. You can do this by creating a wedding mood board to guide your planning and inspire your DIY projects. You can also make your own decor, such as table decorations and backdrops, or create a DIY photo booth with props for your guests to enjoy.
Planning a DIY wedding reception can be a lot of work, so it's important to be organised and ask for help when needed. Consider creating a timeline and delegating tasks to your wedding party, friends, and family. It's also important to be mindful of your budget and the amount of setup time you'll have at your venue.
