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Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it can also be a fun and creative process. Many couples choose to add personal touches to their big day by making their own decorations, stationery, and even food and drinks. Not only does this save money, but it also ensures that the wedding is unique and memorable. From crafting the perfect bouquet to designing a fun photo booth, there are endless possibilities for DIY projects that will wow your guests.
One popular trend is to create a rustic or bohemian vibe with natural materials like wood, flowers, and greenery. This can be achieved by making wooden signs, decorating with vintage rugs, or creating a flower wall. Food and drinks can also be used as décor, such as displaying drinks on ice or creating a beverage station with pre-mixed cocktails.
Another way to personalize your wedding is to incorporate meaningful details that reflect your relationship. This could be through a photo display, a unique ceremony script, or even a pet collar for your furry ring bearer. The options are endless, so get creative and have fun!
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Planning | Set a budget, construct a list of priorities, determine your wedding style, involve your partner, buy a wedding planning book, create a master checklist, think about dates and seasons, consider an "on-site" wedding, start working on the guest list, research your venue options, book vendors, read contracts carefully, choose your wedding party, book hotel room blocks, shop for wedding attire, make a wedding website, create a gift registry, recruit help, add personal touches, organize transportation, purchase wedding bands, plan pre-wedding events, understand what you don't want, don't forget the rehearsal dinner details, consider a day-of coordinator, create a social media strategy, get your marriage license, postpone honeymoon planning, allocate toasts and readings, finalize setup details, produce a schedule of events, consider hosting an after-party, show gratitude, don't forget to tip your vendors, focus on the big picture |
Decorations | Hanging sunflower balls, paper cone rice tossers, framed blackboard wedding program, succulent corsages, celestial wire orbs, pre-mixed mason jar cocktails, floral table centerpieces, colorful yarn backdrop, ribbon-tied chairs, ribbon-tied backdrop, paper doilies and twine table settings, photo family tree, dip-dyed thrifted silverware, paper lantern columns, stiff rope letters, folded napkins, painted glass votives, vintage book table numbers, simple craft paper placemats, apple aisle planters, hanging sunflower pomanders, candles in terracotta pots, lavender and tulle chairbacks, lavender and twine-wrapped candles, Polaroid cake toppers, felt ringbearer's pillow, mason jar and twine flower holders, ring pop bridesmaid proposals, chair seating cards, veils, miniature pumpkin food markers, Polaroid photo booth, love note aisle runner, rope-wrapped vases, washi tape table runner and backdrop, photo album guestbook, freestanding giant star lights, hanging flower arrangements, cozy blankets, vintage suitcase guest book table display, bohemian aisle rug runners, driftwood wedding arch, rustic wood heart guest book, rustic wood bar sign, western-style coffee bar, rustic wood bar stand, chalkboard wedding sign, nautical sailboat place cards, vintage gold Edison lightbulbs, fall fruit and vegetable decor, colorful embroidered table numbers, suspended paper lantern centerpieces, gold toy cars escort card display, whimsical moss and rock table decorations, paper airplane place cards, paper flower napkin rings, fun photo booth display and props, string light canopy, petal toss cones, birdcage wedding card holder, wedding welcome bag with snacks, antique cabinet dessert display, s'mores kit wedding display, painted Mason jar vase, green leaf place setting decor, eclectic and mismatched centerpieces, cocktail hour lounge decor, pastel fabric garland, minimal monstera leaf centerpiece, bohemian lace dream catchers, wedding signs, photo booth, wedding seating chart, escort cards, wine bottles, corks, indoor furniture, hand-stamped wax seals, lavender, floral photo-booth backdrop, paper lanterns, vintage rugs, ceremonial arch, exit toss, drinks on ice, barrel bar, garlands of greenery, welcome signs, lawn games, escort cards, wine bottles, corks, potted plants, wax seals, lavender, floral photo-booth backdrop, draped garlands, neon signs, wedding signs |
Food and Drink | Pre-mixed mason jar cocktails, beverage station, tequila-rich Palomas, lemonade, iced tea, baskets, comfort station, wedding cake, wedding menu, wedding signs, wedding seating chart, wedding programs, wedding cake, wedding dessert bar, wedding favors |
Music and Entertainment | Live band, DJ, playlist |
Photography | Wedding photos, photo booth, wedding video |
Gifts | Wedding gifts, gift registry |
Miscellaneous | Wedding rings, wedding license |
What You'll Learn
DIY wedding decorations
- Nostalgic aisle decoration: Line the aisle ceremony chairs with framed photos of the bride and groom as children.
- Travel-inspired decor: Design postcards of places the couple has visited and ask guests to write notes on them. Vintage suitcases and a globe can complete the travel theme.
- Bohemian rug aisle runners: Instead of conventional white aisle runners, opt for bohemian rug aisle runners for an intimate and homey vibe.
- Hanging flower arrangements: Create bohemian and rustic hanging flower arrangements for ceremony chairs using fresh flowers, fairy lights, or monogrammed mason jars.
- Cozy blankets: Provide blankets for an outdoor winter wedding, with a cute sign inviting guests to wrap themselves up.
- Rustic wood heart guest book: Get a wooden box and hearts from a craft store, and add writing utensils for a simple and lasting decoration.
- Driftwood wedding arch: For an oceanfront ceremony, create a charming arch from driftwood adorned with seashells and copper foil garlands.
- Rustic wood bar sign: Enlist loved ones to help create a wooden bar sign with beautiful calligraphy.
- Western-style coffee bar: Set up a java bar with various flavoured syrups and custom coffee sleeves printed with the couple's names.
- Chalkboard wedding sign: Put your calligraphy skills to use by writing down the schedule of wedding activities on a chalkboard.
- Nautical sailboat place cards: Create small and easily storable sailboat name cards that nod to the couple's yacht club venue.
- Vintage gold Edison light bulbs: With the help of co-workers, create working cables from vintage Edison light bulbs to line family-style tables.
- Seasonal fruit and vegetable decor: Personalise your display with fruits and vegetables that match the season of your wedding.
- Suspended paper lantern centrepieces: Add height to your centrepieces with vibrant paper lanterns from a party supply store.
- Escort card displays: Be punny with your escort card displays! Try gold spray-painted toy cars or copper mugs with guests' escort cards attached.
- Moss and rock table decorations: Bring the outdoors in with eye-catching table decorations featuring moss, rocks, and bouquets.
- Paper airplane place cards: Fold paper airplanes as escort cards, showcasing the couple's love for travel and their paper airplane folding skills.
- Wine bottle candle holders: Spray-paint wine bottles and decorate them with ribbons, flowers, and plastic grape clusters to create romantic candle holders.
- Succulent centrepieces: Incorporate your favourite plants, such as succulents, into your centrepieces using old hexagon planters and tin cans.
- Greenery planter centrepieces: Opt for wooden planters instead of vases for your flower, plant, or greenery centrepieces.
- Yarn backdrop: Make your wedding stand out with a large, colourful yarn backdrop that will brighten up the room.
- Memory wall: Build a memory wall with family photos and heirlooms to show your appreciation for your loved ones.
- Paper flower napkin rings: Elevate your tablescape with laser-cut paper napkin rings featuring butterflies or dragonflies.
- Photo booth display and props: Create a fun photo booth area with props and polaroid cameras. Guests can hang their photos on a white wooden door with clothing pins.
- String light canopy: Design and assemble your own tent made of string lights, providing both lighting and a romantic focal point for the reception.
- Petal toss cones: Make eco-friendly celebratory toss cones from recycled paper or lace doilies filled with freeze-dried petals.
- Birdcage wedding card holder: Go unconventional with a birdcage wedding card holder, fitting for vintage or fairy-tale-themed celebrations.
- Wedding welcome bags: Create welcome gifts that are special and meaningful by gathering and hand-making elements of the gift yourself.
- Antique cabinet dessert display: Show off your homemade pie spread in a stable antique cabinet for a homey feel.
- S'mores kit wedding display: Set up a subtle yet elegant s'mores table display with flowers attached to a wooden stand, inviting guests to join in on the DIY fun.
- Painted mason jar vase: Decorate mason jars with twine or lace, and fill them with your favourite flowers and greenery for a simple and budget-friendly option.
- Green leaf place setting decor: Let nature decorate your space with green leaves, twigs, or bare branches, especially for outdoor ceremonies.
- Mix-and-match centrepieces: Create eclectic and moody centrepieces using dyed cattails or other natural elements.
- Cocktail hour lounge decor: Add pops of colour to your cocktail hour lounge area to create a relaxing vibe for your guests.
- Fabric garland: Hang fabric garlands above the seating area at the reception, showcasing a multitude of colours and patterns.
- Monstera leaf centrepiece: For a tropical look with minimal effort, use palm fronds and Monstera leaves in a vase or as a place setting.
- Bohemian lace dream catchers: Make romantic and casual lace dream catchers with the help of your loved ones for a calming pre-wedding activity.
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Wedding stationery
Planning and Sourcing:
Before you start designing, outline all the components you plan to include in your stationery suite, such as invitations, RSVP cards, and envelopes. This will help you determine the quantity, size, type, thickness, and colour of paper you need. Sourcing paper and other supplies can be tricky due to stock outages and supply chain issues, so it's important to start this process early. Consider using specialty stationery stores or print shops to choose your paper and envelopes, and don't forget to account for the thickness of your paper when selecting envelope sizes.
Design and Layout:
You can use software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign to create your designs, or opt for beginner-friendly tools like Canva and Microsoft Word. If you're not comfortable designing from scratch, you can download templates from sites like Minted, Shutterfly, or Zazzle, or hire a designer to create a custom design for you. When designing, keep your wedding aesthetic in mind and consider adding illustrations, borders, or monograms. Remember to leave enough space around the text and design elements to allow for folding, scoring, and tearing if you're creating a deckled edge.
Printing and Assembly:
If you want to add a special touch to your invitations, consider using a letterpress printing service. Otherwise, you can use a regular printer at home or send your files to a larger printer. Remember to do a few test prints to ensure the colours and text saturation are correct, especially if you have a full-colour background. After printing, use a paper cutter or craft knife to cut your invitations down to size, aiming for a full bleed effect. Finally, assemble your invitations by placing inserts inside envelopes, adding any adornments like ribbons or wax seals, and sealing them shut.
Final Steps:
Before mailing your invitations, visit the post office to determine the correct postage based on the weight and size of your suite. You may also want to hand-cancel your envelopes to avoid potential damage during mailing. Address your envelopes by hand for a personal touch, or use printed labels. It's recommended to send your invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding.
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Wedding attire
Planning and Preparation:
- Give yourself ample time to make your attire. It will likely take longer than you expect, especially if you're also working and planning other aspects of your wedding.
- Choose high-quality materials and fabrics. Natural fabrics like silk, satin, chiffon, or taffeta are popular choices for wedding attire as they drape well and are more breathable.
- Start with an existing pattern. Find a pattern that matches your desired silhouette and neckline, then make any necessary tweaks. This will save you time and effort compared to creating a pattern from scratch.
- Opt for a comfortable style. Choose a style that you know looks and feels good on you. Incorporate elements from your favourite dresses to ensure you feel confident and comfortable on your big day.
Creating Your Attire:
- Be prepared for adjustments. You may need to make some changes to your design or start over entirely. It's a good idea to sew a prototype first to test the fit and make any necessary alterations.
- Ensure your attire is functional. Practise walking in your attire, especially if it includes a long train or intricate embellishments. You want to be able to move and sit comfortably throughout the day.
- Protect your creation. Be extra careful when working with sharp tools and always keep your hands clean to avoid stains. Store your attire in a garment bag when you're not working on it to prevent any accidental spills or damage.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Consider enlisting the assistance of a professional seamstress or a friend with sewing experience if you encounter challenges or need support with complex alterations.
- Plan for the day itself. Have a backup bag with emergency items like a sewing kit, safety pins, dress weights, and undergarment options to handle any last-minute issues.
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Wedding food and drink
Food and drink are an important part of your wedding day and there are lots of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Food
- Keep it simple with a buffet spread, or go for a four-course meal.
- If you're having an outdoor wedding, opt for a food truck or two.
- For a more casual feel, set up a picnic with baguettes, club sandwiches, and watermelon slices.
- For a fun twist, create a build-your-own taco bar, or a dim sum plate.
- If you're getting married in a coastal area, serve seafood like shrimp, oysters, and crab claws.
- For a unique take on wedding food, try a sushi station or wood-fired pizza.
- For a more interactive experience, set up a grazing table with finger foods.
- For a late-night snack, serve mini grilled cheese sandwiches or french fries in small cups.
- If you're a fan of breakfast food, serve bacon, pancakes, and omelets, paired with espresso martinis or mimosas.
- For a rustic wedding, opt for farm-to-table or Southern-style dishes like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese.
- For a more elegant feel, try a surf and turf dish, pairing steak with lobster, shrimp, or salmon.
- For a summer wedding, serve watermelon and feta cubes, or a refreshing gazpacho shooter.
Drinks
- Offer a full bar, or just beer and wine.
- Create a signature cocktail, like a margarita or a spritz.
- For a morning wedding, offer mimosas or bellinis.
- For a fun twist, serve boozy Baja Blasts or milkshakes.
- For a summer wedding, offer a light cocktail like a mojito or a glass of rosé.
- For a casual option, set up a coffee bar with different flavored syrups.
- If you're on a budget, opt for a cash bar.
- To keep things simple, offer tea, coffee, juices, and soda.
- For a sophisticated option, offer a selection of wines.
Remember to choose options that reflect your personality and taste preferences. Bon appetit!
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Wedding entertainment
There are endless ways to entertain your guests on your wedding day. From interactive food services to unique performances, here are some ideas to make your wedding fun, memorable, and special.
Creative Entertainment Ideas:
- Photo booths: A fun activity for guests of all ages and a great way to capture memorable moments.
- Circus performers: Surprise your guests with acrobats, jugglers, stilt walkers, and more.
- Fire performers: Amaze your guests with a thrilling fire show during dinner.
- Live painters: Hire an artist to capture the magic of your wedding day on canvas.
- Caricaturist: Your guests will love receiving custom portraits as unique wedding favors.
- Celebrity impersonators: From Michael Jackson to Adele, impersonators will bring your favorite celebrities to life.
- Magicians: Keep your guests entertained and amazed with mind-blowing magic tricks.
- Tarot card readers: Add a touch of mystery and fun with tarot card readings.
- Synchronized swimmers: For a truly eccentric and unexpected performance, consider a synchronized swimming show.
- Outdoor lawn games: Giant Jenga, corn hole, and scavenger hunts will keep your guests entertained during cocktail hour.
- Mariachi band: Hire a local mariachi band to support up-and-coming artists and bring lively music to your celebration.
- Silent disco: Guests wear headphones and dance to the music played by a DJ, creating a unique and innovative atmosphere.
- Amusement park rides: Discuss with your venue about renting amusement park rides for an exciting and thrilling experience.
- Bouncy castle: A fun addition, especially for outdoor weddings, that will delight both children and adults.
- Fireworks display: A sparkling fireworks show is a romantic and memorable way to end the night.
Musical Entertainment Ideas:
- Live bands: From rustic weddings to tropical themes, live bands can be customized to match your wedding style.
- String quartet: Add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your reception with a string quartet.
- Acoustic guitarist and singer: For a more intimate and romantic atmosphere, consider an acoustic performance.
- Roaming musicians: Roving bands and walkabout musicians, such as mariachi bands and saxophonists, will bring the entertainment up close and personal.
- Harpist: For a fairy-tale-themed wedding, a harpist will provide elegant and enchanting music.
- Tribute bands: Can't get your favorite band to perform at your wedding? Tribute bands will bring their music and energy to your celebration.
- Steel drum band: Transport your guests to the Caribbean with the lively and vibrant sounds of a steel drum band.
- Bagpipe players: Add a touch of Scottish tradition to your wedding with the unique sound of bagpipes.
- Silent disco: A unique way to groove to your favorite tunes without disturbing the neighbors.
- Karaoke: A pop-up karaoke booth will have your guests belting out their favorite tunes and creating unforgettable memories.
- Dance-off competition: Organize a fun dance competition between the guys and girls or the groomsmen and bridesmaids.
Food and Drink Entertainment Ideas:
- Midnight feast: Treat your guests to a delicious spread of pizzas, hot dogs, nachos, and more during the late-night dancing.
- Street food trucks: Keep your guests entertained and well-fed with a variety of food trucks offering everything from Thai to Mexican cuisine.
- DIY cocktail bar: Set up a self-service cocktail cart or hire a mobile bar service for a unique and interactive drinking experience.
- Whiskey and cigar bar: Create a Mad Men-style lounge with whiskey, cigars, and garnishes for a decadent and sophisticated touch.
- Hot chocolate bar: For a winter wedding, offer a cozy hot chocolate bar with cream, marshmallows, and adult additions like Baileys.
- Prosecco drinks van: A converted van serving Prosecco and Prosecco-based cocktails will be a glamorous and fun addition to your celebration.
- Grazing tables: Lay out a delicious spread of charcuterie, cheeses, and other treats for guests to graze on throughout the evening.
- Doughnut walls: A tasty and visually appealing treat, doughnut walls are a fun way to display and enjoy delicious doughnuts.
- Ice cream stall: A vintage ice cream cart or bicycle will charm your guests, especially at a retro-inspired wedding.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to mix and match, add your own twist, or come up with entirely new ideas to create a wedding that truly reflects your personality and style!
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Frequently asked questions
Creating your own wedding ceremony can be daunting, but it's a great way to make your special day unique and personalised. You can decide which parts of a traditional ceremony you want to include and which you want to leave out, and you can write your own vows. You can also add in any readings or traditions that are meaningful to you.
There are many DIY wedding decoration ideas that can save you money and add a personal touch to your special day. You can use vintage rugs, garlands of greenery, paper lanterns, or string lights to decorate your venue. You can also make your own photo booth backdrop, table centrepieces, or wedding signs.
There are many DIY projects you can take on for your wedding besides decorations. You can make your own wedding cake or favours, design your own wedding programs or seating chart, or create a photo album guest book. You can also save money by arranging your own bouquets or printing your own wedding menus.