Crafting Wedding Decorations: A Guide To Making Your Own

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but DIY wedding decorations can add a unique and personalised touch to your special day. DIY decorations are also a great way to save money and can even be reused at home. From rustic charm to vintage glamour, there are endless creative crafts to choose from that will suit any wedding theme and budget.

DIY wedding arch decorations

Wedding arches are a great DIY project and can help you save money, bring more of your personality to the event, and better fit your wedding's theme.

DIY Wedding Arch Ideas

There are many different styles of wedding arches, from the traditional rounded arch to the trendier triangle, circle, or hexagon shapes. Here are some ideas for DIY wedding arches:

• Wooden arch—A wooden arch can be decorated with flowers, fabric, or hanging beads. You can also incorporate a vintage door into the design or use a pre-made metal frame.
• Fabric and florals—You can use faux or real flowers and greenery, as well as lightweight drapery material, to create a romantic and elegant look.
• Lace curtain and floral bouquet arch—This delicate and whimsical design uses a lace curtain as the base and adds a floral bouquet for a more feminine touch.
• Metal arch with flowers, fabric, and hanging beads—For a whimsical and dramatic look, combine a metal arch with flowing fabric and hanging beads.
• Circle arch—Circle arches are becoming increasingly popular, especially for contemporary weddings. Choose from various metals like silver, gold, bronze, or rose gold to make your arch stand out.
• Vintage doors wedding arch—For a vintage-style wedding, use vintage doors as a prop and decorate them with flowers, fabric, or other decorative elements.
• Ribbons, stripped fabric, and pom-pom trim arch—This fun and colourful arch uses different types of trim and ribbons to create a unique and playful design.

Materials and Tools for a DIY Wedding Arch

When creating a DIY wedding arch, you will need various materials and tools, depending on the style and complexity of your arch. Here are some general tools and materials you may need:

• Wood (e.g., Doug Fir, White Wood)
• Decorative and exterior screws
• Sandpaper
• Stain
• Fabric or drapery (lightweight, sheer, or chiffon fabric)
• Flowers (real or faux) and greenery
• Foam sausage-link for flower arches
• Disco balls
• Vintage items (e.g., doors, furniture, rugs)
• Calligraphy pens
• Wax seals
• Ribbon
• Glue gun
• Cutting machine (e.g., Silhouette Cameo)

DIY wedding chair decorations

Wedding chair decorations are a great way to express your personality on the big day. Here are some ideas for DIY wedding chair decorations:

Fabric, Ribbons, and Bows

Fabric, ribbons, and bows can be used to decorate chairs in a variety of ways. Long lengths of ribbon can be used to decorate chairs that you already have and love, adding a simple update to your venue. Sheer fabrics like tulle and organza can be draped over the backs of chairs in any way you choose. Gauzy fabrics can also be used to create a dramatic table runner, snaking over tables for a professional display.

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery are always a popular choice for wedding decorations and can be used to make the most mundane chair come to life. For a rustic theme, a combination of lace and burlap with a sunflower or baby's breath flower wreath can be a beautiful and simple option. For outdoor weddings, a wreath of leaves and delicate blossoms can be a stunning choice. You can also hang clusters of freshly foraged flowers and greenery from the sides of the chairs for a lush aesthetic.

Personalised Signs

Add a unique touch to your wedding chair decorations with personalised signs. You can go beyond the traditional 'Mr and Mrs' chair back signs and have your own personal monograms made, which can also be lovely keepsakes.

Pearls

Pearls can be a sophisticated and elegant choice for chair decorations, perfect for a Parisian-inspired wedding or a bridal shower.

Macrame

Macrame wall hangings with signs such as "Mrs" and "Mr" can be secured to each chair for a bohemian aesthetic.

DIY wedding table decorations

DIY wedding decorations are a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some ideas for DIY wedding table decorations to get you started:

Centrepieces

Centrepieces are a great way to dress up your wedding tables and can be made from a variety of materials. For a rustic look, consider using a wood slice as a base for your centrepiece. Add some flowers or greenery and perhaps some candles for a romantic touch. You could also use a cake stand to display flowers or sweet treats. For a unique twist, fill terrariums or log vases with succulents or potted plants.

For a simple yet elegant centrepiece, float some faux florals in a bowl of water. This can be done with almost any type of flower and will look elegant and expensive. Alternatively, fill a vase with a single type of flower for a stylish, modern look. For a summer or destination wedding, try using lemons and bell jars with some cut flowers. If you're feeling crafty, paint some wine bottles in your wedding colours and top them with taper candles.

Table Runners

Table runners are a great way to add colour and texture to your tables. For a glamorous look, try a sequin table runner. If you're feeling crafty, you can make your own by sewing or using a glue gun to attach sequins, fabric, or other decorations to a length of fabric. For a rustic wedding, a hessian table runner is a perfect choice and will look great paired with some eucalyptus or ivy.

Place Settings

Add a personal touch to your place settings with some DIY place cards. You can write guests' names on leaves, shells, or even slices of wood. For a unique spin, create a small incision in a wine cork and place the place card inside. You can also add some height and elegance to your tables by using candle holders in various sizes and materials, such as brass, wood, or polished metals.

Other Ideas

• Drape fairy lights or garlands of greenery over the backs of the newlyweds' chairs.
• Hang a neon sign with your names near the wedding cake or dessert bar.
• Fill glass vases with fairy lights for a pretty, romantic touch.
• Display baskets of flowers or other decorations, such as comfortable accessories for your guests.
• Hang string lights or bistro lights vertically to create a whimsical, magical scene.
• Use vintage rugs to add colour and personality to your venue and cushion out a lounge area.
• Fill bud vases with greenery and a single flower stem, and attach a table number for a creative seating chart.
• Create a floral photo booth backdrop by bedecking a wooden canvas with individual flowers.

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to create your DIY wedding decorations and don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family!

DIY wedding aisle decorations

Wedding decorations can be expensive, but there are plenty of DIY options to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some ideas for DIY wedding aisle decorations:

Floral Aisle Decorations

Create beautiful aisle decor using artificial flowers and greenery. These can be designed to fit on the backs of chairs or pews and can be reused after the wedding. You can use any combination of flowers and colours to match your wedding theme. Add accent flowers and greenery to give your arrangement a personal touch, and secure them with floral wire and green tape.

Foraged Flowers and Greenery

If you're looking for a more cost-effective and eco-friendly option, consider foraging for flowers and greenery to decorate your aisle. Freshly foraged flowers and greenery can be tied in clusters to the sides of the first chairs, creating a lush aesthetic without the expense of a floral runner.

Ribbons and Bows

Another simple and affordable idea is to use ribbons and bows to decorate the aisle. You can tie bows with extra-long stems of flowers or greenery, or use satin ribbons on their own to create a beautiful, cascading effect. This can be an elegant way to add colour and texture to your aisle without breaking the bank.

Hanging Decorations

Hanging decorations can add a whimsical touch to your aisle. Consider hanging floral arrangements, greenery, or even disco balls above the aisle to create a unique and eye-catching display. You can also hang paper lanterns, fairy lights, or string lights to illuminate the aisle and create a magical atmosphere.

Repurposed Centrepieces

If you're having centrepieces at your reception, consider repurposing them as aisle decorations. You can use the same floral arrangements at the foot of each aisle during the ceremony and then move them to the tables during the cocktail hour. This not only saves money but also creates a cohesive look between your ceremony and reception decor.

DIY wedding photo backdrops

Floral Grid Backdrop:

Create a rectangular or circular grid using a grid wall from Amazon. Add greenery and flowers to dress it up, or opt for faux florals if you want to prepare it ahead of time.

Twinkling Fairy Light Backdrop:

Hang fairy lights behind the couple to create a simple, elegant, and ethereal backdrop. This idea is perfect for a dreamy, fairy-tale-like wedding.

Greenery and Floral Hoop Backdrop:

Use a hoop structure, such as a gold hoop or embroidery hoop, and attach greenery and flowers using zip ties or floral wire. You can create a single statement hoop or a collection of hoops for a more elaborate display.

Tapestry Backdrop:

Use a colourful rug, tapestry, or decorated paper as a bold and eye-catching backdrop. Choose a design that matches your wedding colours and theme, and use the accent colours to inspire your floral choices.

Seamless Photo Paper Backdrop:

Use a roll of seamless photo paper in white or a fun colour, along with a stand to hold it up. You can also add your own decorative touches, such as glitter or pastel accents, to make it more personalised.

Cut and Dyed Pastel Waves Backdrop:

Purchase fabric in various designs and colours from your local fabric store. Cut out fun wave patterns and layer them to create an ocean-like effect. Alternatively, you can dye the fabric in different pastel shades for a personalised touch.

Balloon Arch Backdrop:

Create a fun and playful backdrop by assembling a balloon arch kit. This idea adds a pop of colour to your ceremony and is also budget-friendly.

Triangle Arch Backdrop:

The triangle arch is a popular choice as it serves as a perfect canvas for flowers and beautifully frames the couple. You can make it from wood or copper pipes and paint it to match your colour scheme.

DIY Doorway Backdrop:

Use a statement door as a simple yet effective backdrop. Decorate it with dried palms, pampas grass, and roses, or work with your florist to create a more elaborate display.

Fireplace Backdrop:

If you're having a winter wedding, a fireplace can be a cosy and romantic backdrop. Adorn the sides and mantle with flowers, greenery, or candles to make it extra special.

Stairs with Flower Arrangements:

Place statement vases and your favourite flowers and greenery on the steps to create a colourful backdrop. This idea is perfect for long veils or trains and provides a great platform for the couple.

Decorative Painted Backdrop:

Purchase wood or heavy-duty craft paper from your local craft store and get creative with paint. You can sketch out a design or choose abstract colours to create a unique and magical backdrop.

Macrame Backdrop:

Create your own macrame hanging or purchase one from Etsy and add flowers to make a beautiful, boho-chic backdrop.

Frequently asked questions