Diy Wedding Decorations: Creative Ways To Save Money

Planning a wedding can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down. One way is to make your own decorations. DIY projects can be an enjoyable and satisfying activity, allowing you to add personal touches to your special day. You can save money by making your own wedding decorations, from centrepieces and seating charts to photo backdrops and dance floors. Whether you're crafty or not, there are plenty of ideas to choose from, such as eucalyptus hoop wreaths, wildflower jar centrepieces, hanging ribbon flowers, and more. So get creative and make your wedding day unique.

DIY floral arrangements

Planning and Sourcing Flowers:

• Create a list of all the places you want floral arrangements, such as bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, centrepieces, aisle decorations, and reception tables.
• Develop a basic idea of your floral vision and colour palette. Be flexible and consider a mix of blooms rather than specific varieties, as flower availability may vary.
• Understand the cost of flowers. Certain flowers, like roses, peonies, and orchids, are more expensive, while others, like carnations and baby's breath, are more budget-friendly.
• Source flowers from local flower farms, grocery stores, online flower delivery services, or grow your own. Ordering flowers online or from a florist can be more expensive but ensures quality and variety.

Preparing and Arranging Flowers:

• Have a clean workspace with buckets of clean water, floral tape, pruners, and other supplies.
• Strip flowers of leaves below the waterline and cut stems at an angle to promote hydration.
• For bouquets, start by bundling four stems together with floral tape, then add more stems to create a full bouquet.
• For centrepieces, consider using a mix of flowers and greenery to create a lush look without breaking the bank.
• Plan to create floral arrangements a few days before the wedding to ensure freshness. Store flowers in a cool place and transport them carefully to the venue.

Cost and Time Considerations:

• The cost of DIY floral arrangements will depend on the number of arrangements, the types of flowers chosen, and the source of the flowers. It's important to set a realistic budget.
• Assign a realistic amount of time for creating each floral piece. Enlist the help of family and friends to make the process more enjoyable and efficient.
• Consider repurposing floral arrangements from the ceremony to the reception to save time and money. For example, use bridesmaid bouquets as centrepieces or decorate the head table with ceremony flowers.

DIY table runners

Table runners are a great way to elevate your wedding decor without breaking the bank. They can add a unique touch to your wedding tables, and you can even make them yourself! Here are some DIY table runner ideas to inspire your wedding decorations:

Rustic Wedding Table Garland Runner:

This Italian-inspired runner uses olive tree branches as a base. Obtain enough branches and decorate the centre strip of your tables with them. Add some contrasting florals and other table decor to create a beautiful tablescape with different textures and heights.

Chalkboard Table Runner:

This modern and unique idea involves creating a chalkboard table runner. You can use chalk to write a personalised message for your guests, the menu, or even the names of each guest at their reserved place. You can also draw table numbers at both ends of the runner.

Moss Table Runner:

Bring the outdoors inside with this moss table runner. Purchase a strip of moss that fits the length and width of your tables. Decorate with candles, table numbers, and flower centrepieces for a natural and enchanting look.

Burlap and Lace Table Runner:

For a rustic or shabby chic wedding, combine natural brown burlap with elegant lace. Cut the burlap to the desired size, and attach lace along the edges and ends for a pretty, textured look. You can even add matching bows for that extra touch.

Floral Table Runner:

Create a stunning and fragrant floral table runner by securing your chosen flowers to a sturdy netting. Build up the volume of flowers until you achieve the desired effect, and gently lay the runner along the centre of your tables.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to DIY table runners. Get creative, and don't be afraid to mix and match different materials and textures to achieve a look that's perfect for your special day!

DIY centrepieces

Floral Centrepieces

If you want to include flowers in your centrepieces, consider using a single variety of blooms in a vase. This simplifies the arrangement process, as you only need to cut the stems and place them in water. For a more complex arrangement, use floral foam to create a pastel display or a vibrant autumnal piece featuring tangerine, coral, and blood orange hues.

Non-Floral Centrepieces

For a soft and elegant look, opt for eucalyptus instead of flowers. Pair it with white table linens, candles, and gold accents. If you're feeling creative, you can make centrepieces out of coffee filters, paper, or silk flowers. For a rustic wedding, use mercury glass vases, votives, and baby's breath. You can also incorporate lanterns, wooden slabs, or vintage suitcases and globes.

Tips for DIY Centrepieces

When creating your own centrepieces, keep in mind that duplication will be key, especially for larger weddings. It's important to plan and practice your arrangements beforehand, ensuring that you have the necessary materials and skills. Consider the time and effort required, and don't be afraid to enlist the help of family and friends.

Alternative Centrepiece Ideas

If you're looking for something unique, here are some additional ideas:

• Succulents in old hexagon planters or tin cans
• Potted plants displayed in quirky, retro cans or terra cotta pots
• Suspended paper lanterns for added height
• Wine bottles decorated with ribbons, flowers, or plastic grapes
• Vintage gold Edison light bulbs with working cables

DIY photo backdrops

Floral Grid Backdrop

Rectangular or circular metal grids are a flexible option that can be easily dressed up with greenery and flowers to create a stunning backdrop. These grids are available at a low cost on Amazon, and you can choose to use real or faux flowers.

Twinkling Fairy Light Backdrop

For a simple, elegant, and budget-friendly option, consider a fairy light backdrop. This idea is perfect for an ethereal wedding and can be easily assembled.

Greenery and Floral Hoop Backdrop

Hoop structures, such as embroidery hoops or spray-painted hula hoops, can be used to create a beautiful backdrop. Attach greenery and flowers using floral wire or zip ties. You can use a single statement hoop or a collection of hoops for a more elaborate design.

Tapestry Backdrop

Tapestries, rugs, and decorated papers make excellent backdrops and require minimal effort. Choose a colourful rug or tapestry that matches your wedding colours and use the accent colours to inspire your floral choices. After the wedding, you can even use the tapestry as home decor.

Seamless Photo Paper Backdrop

Seamless photo paper is a great option for a blank canvas that you can decorate as you wish. You can add glitter, pastel accents, or any other creative touches to make it your own. It is easily available, along with a stand to hold it up.

Geometric Wooden Backdrop

Geometric wooden backdrops are a unique and trendy option for a DIY photo backdrop. You can create a chunky statement wood frame or a geometric pastel wooden arch. For the latter, use plywood boards as your base, draw your shapes, fill them with pastel paint, and then frame them with wood.

DIY lighting

Lighting is one of the most important elements of your wedding decor. The right lighting will make your photos pop and keep the party going after the sun goes down. Here are some DIY lighting ideas to make your wedding shine:

• Uplighting: This is an easy and affordable way to make a big impact. Place lights on the floor and point them up to create an "up lighting" effect. You can also tilt the lights towards the wall for a "wash" look. LED uplights are a great option, with rental prices ranging from $17 to $24 each. The recommended spacing is one light for every 6-12 feet, but you can place them closer together for a more even wash.
• Monogram gobos and projectors: Use image and video projectors to project your names, wedding date, custom patterns, or even a slideshow onto a wall. You can also use monogram gobos to project your initials or wedding date.
• Pin spots: These small, battery-powered lights can be placed anywhere to create a focused light. They are commonly used to illuminate wedding cakes and table centerpieces.
• Starry night effect: Create a romantic mood with a Bliss Light, which projects a unique starry night effect.
• Moving lights: Rent some moving lights to create a fun dance party effect with coloured light beams sweeping across the room.
• String lights: Hang string lights vertically or drape them through a trellis of greenery for a whimsical effect. You can also create a curtain of string lights for a glamorous backdrop.
• Paper lanterns: Layer paper lanterns to brighten your space and create a weightless and whimsical decor.
• Galaxy projectors: Bring the night sky indoors with a galaxy projector like the Sky Lite Evolve. Adjust the speed of the nebulas, add effects, and dim the lighting to create a starry night effect.
• Edison bulbs: Set the mood with cozy, golden Edison bulbs.
• Fairy lights: Add fairy lights to mason jars to create a stunning decorative piece that provides great mood lighting. Pair them with flowers for an elegant centerpiece.
• Marquee light-up letters: Spell out your initials or last name with marquee light-up letters. These letter-shaped lights come in various sizes, from a few inches to several feet tall.
• Neon signs: Add a pop of colour to your wedding decor with neon signs, which can also double as mood lighting.
• Candlelight chandeliers: For a glamorous yet modest overhead fixture, opt for candlelight chandeliers. These fixtures are extraordinary yet not too large or overwhelming.
• Tree lighting: If you're having an outdoor wedding, twirl string lights through the trees for a magical, peaceful radiance.
• Path lights: Add path lights to create a radiant runway for your grand entrance, especially if your wedding is outdoors.
• Spotlights: Use small, battery-powered spotlights to illuminate specific objects, such as your wedding cake or centerpiece.
• Ivy string lights: Also called LED vine curtains, these lights bring the outdoors inside. Wrap them around poles, banisters, and more.
• Round light balls: Hang round light balls from the ceiling or place them on the ground for unique ambient lighting. You can find them in various colours, including neutrals, whites, blues, and pinks.
• Hanging lanterns: Create a subtle glow and a classic, rustic charm with hanging lanterns.
• Sound-activated lights: Get the party started with sound-activated lights that change colour and effect to the beat of the music.
• Outdoor lanterns: Transform your backyard into a dazzling oasis with outdoor lanterns hanging in trees and lining the edges of your dance floor.
• Hanging tea lights: For a dainty and sophisticated appearance, hang tea lights from the ceiling.
• Glittery candles: Upgrade to sparkly, glamorous candles for an extra touch of magic.
• Icicle string lights: Hang icicle string lights from walls or ceilings to add warm lighting to your venue.

Frequently asked questions