Whether you have just started planning your wedding or are looking for ideas to finish up the last details, DIY projects can be a fantastic addition to enhance your wedding day. Not only do they help you save money on a few costly aspects, but they also add a personalized touch to your special day.
And, of course, it does not have to be all or nothing! You can invest in classic table decor and opt for a DIY bouquet, or rent out a standard aisle runner and then make your own escort cards. It‘s all about balance! In this guide, we’ll look at a few ideas that can help you add a few unique details to your wedding planning journey. Let’s get started!
Handmade Wedding Invitations
A fantastic way to add a special touch to your wedding theme is by crafting your own wedding invitation. These don’t have to be complicated, and the options to personalise them are endless! For instance, you could work with a local artist to create simple sketches to include in the wedding invite, or create a simple design yourself and then use premium services such as Aura Print to print out your invitation and give them a high-quality, professional finish.
Regardless of how complex or simple your dream DIY wedding invitations are, be sure to add special details that make them unique and personal to your love story.
DIY Centerpieces Using Mason Jars and Fresh Flowers
Centerpieces play a key role when decorating your wedding venue. They are more than just a detail! They will feature in your wedding photos and contribute to creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere. However, they can be expensive and weigh on your wedding budget.
Fortunately, there are ways to lower this cost and save on your wedding day without compromising on the beauty and ambiance of your venue. For instance, you could consider gathering second hand mason jars and filling them with fresh, local flowers. You could also add candles and mirrors — the result is perfect for any wedding style, from bohemian to minimalist!
Build Your Own Wedding Arch
The wedding arch will be at the background of your wedding photos. After all, your photographer will want to capture the moment you say “I do”, and you are likely to do so in front of your wedding arch. So, this detail cannot be overlooked! At the same time, wedding arches can be expensive, especially if you are looking for a personalized composition.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce this cost while creating a unique backdrop for your ceremony. For instance, you can create a balloon arch, or play with flowers and macrame creations. Alternatives, driftwood and other natural materials like branches and rocks can be arranged to give your wedding a rustic, unique feel. The options here are truly endless, and, if you are confident in your DIY skills, this may just be the perfect way to add a special touch to your wedding!
Decorate with Fabric Bunting and Wildflowers
If you are looking to give your wedding a relaxed feel without compromising on a dreamy atmosphere, you could consider decorating with fabric bunting and wildflowers. This is also a fantastic option if you are prioritising sustainability: you could source wildflowers from your garden and upcycle old fabrics you no longer use! Depending on the materials used, you could create different colour schemes and themes, the options are truly endless. Plus, this type of decor is suitable for a range of purposes, from beautifying your wedding venue to creating a romantic atmosphere for your backyard celebrations!
Crafting Your Own Wedding Bouquet with Local Blooms
Your bouquet is an integral part of your wedding attire, and it can also make a beautiful token to remember the magic of your wedding day when dried or preserved. But bouquets aren’t always cheap!
If you are looking for a more affordable alternative, you could create a DIY bouquet out of dried wildflowers or even local blooms. When doing so, consider planting your favorite flowers ahead of the time, planning in accordance with your desired wedding theme and color schemes. For instance, roses are an excellent option to complement a classical wedding, while peonies, gardenias, and calla lilies add a more romantic touch. However, if you have not created a bouquet before, consider opting for hardy flowers that will continue looking beautiful even after a bit of handling!
DIY Escort Cards and Table Numbers
Escort cards and table numbers play an important role in the organization of your reception, but they are often considered a cost that weighs on your wedding budget. However, with the right strategies, you can add a bit of creativity to these aspects and make them an enjoyable and contributing aspect to the overall atmosphere.
For instance, you could attach simple escort cards to glasses, mugs, or candles, combining them with wedding favors. Alternatively, you could create table numbers and place cards by hand, so that they are simple but unique and complementary to your wedding’s decor. Here, your imagination is the only limit! You could use vintage objects you already own or DIY signs out of materials like wood or even book pages! Just find something that resonates with your love story to add an extra special touch!
Vintage Jewelry and Hairpieces
Your hairdo can require a significant part of your budget, and it is important not to underestimate this cost. However, you don’t have to stick to new or expensive accessories! After all, you’ll need “something old” in your wedding attire, so why not make it your hairpieces or accessories?
Check with relatives and family members, or even visit a local vintage store to find beautiful items without the price tags. Platforms like eBay, Vinted, or Etsy can really come in handy here!
If you can’t find the perfect hairpiece or jewellery, consider borrowing these items from a dear friend or family member. Not only will you be able to add “something borrowed,” but you can also make your wedding more sustainable!
DIY Ceremony Programs
Ceremony programs are essential at a wedding. They will help your guests navigate the day and ensure they make the most of each upcoming moment, from speeches to the exchange of vows. However, ordering these programs from a specialized vendor or relying on the service provided by the venue can add up to the budget.
Instead, you may consider creating your own. You could use free tools to design them, such as Canva. Once you are happy with the final design and you have confirmed the program with all the parties involved, you can use a professional services to print them and give them a high-quality finish.
Handmade Guest Book
The guest book is a fantastic way to collect the thoughts and wishes of your guests during such a special day. However, there is no “one-size-fits-all” strategy to create a personalized guest book! Sure, a classic book can be a great way to nod to tradition, but you could also think outside of the box and create DIY options for your guests to write on, such as wooden hearts, a photobook, or even an audio guest book where your guests can leave voice messages!
DIY Photo Booth Props
A photo booth is a must at most weddings, but if you are not so satisfied with the props provided, you are not the only one. These are often standard, not personalised, and often too generic. So why not create your own?
Depending on your wedding theme and your preferences, you could opt to provide items that have a meeting for you and your other half. For instance, if you met while travelling or scuba diving, you could opt for items like suitcases, hats, diving props, and more!
Handmade Candles as Wedding Favors
There is a lot of controversy around wedding favors! Some couples love them, while others deemed them to be unnecessary. Whatever your view may be, this is certainly an opportunity to rethink what wedding favors are, making them more useful, sustainable, and meaningful—for you as a couple and for your guests alike!
For instance, you could choose to gift handmade candles, little bottles of olive oil, wildflower seed pouches, coffee beans, soap bars, or handmade jam!
Alternative Aisle Runners
The aisle runner isn’t something you think about too long when planning your wedding day, but this detail will feature in some of the most important wedding photos and moments! So, it is important not to overlook this detail. But what if the opinions available are too expensive? Don’t fret and start thinking outside of the box! For instance, for a bohemian or outdoor wedding, you may choose vintage rugs. Alternatively, for a rustic theme, consider using jute runners, which can be made of old coffee bags!
Working with a Wedding Planner
Last but not least, don’t overlook the most important aspects to save on your wedding day: working with a wedding planner. These professionals will bring your vision to life while being mindful of your budget. They can also recommend some DIY projects that will help you lower your costs without affecting the overall result, allowing you to better manage your budget and add unique touches to your wedding day!