11 Diy wedding ideas to save you money
Planning a wedding can be an expensive affair, but with a little creativity, you can create a magical celebration without breaking the bank.
From my own experience of planning a wedding and photographing many as a wedding photographer, I have the experience of knowing what works and what doesn’t.
In my own personal opinion if you prioritise your budget right you can have a fantastic day no matter how much your wedding costs.
With a little time and effort, you can DIY your way to a beautiful wedding that will be both memorable and meaningful. Here are 11 DIY wedding ideas to get you started.
You can view my wedding budgeting guide here
DIY Venue Wedding Ideas
A wedding can be both beautiful and budget-friendly, especially if you take the DIY route. Finding the right venue can save you thousands. Church and village halls, local farmers’ fields or a large back garden can all be a great idea if done right and don’t forget there’s nothing wrong with a nice pub meal with your nearest and dearest.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
Use string lights to create a romantic ambience
Hang DIY floral garlands to add a pop of colour
Create a cosy lounge area with blankets and pillows
Use a vintage door or window frame as a photo backdrop
DIY Wedding Backdrop
A wedding backdrop is a decorative element that serves as a background for the ceremony or reception.
It can be a simple fabric drape, a floral wall, a geometric installation, or any other creative design that complements the wedding theme and enhances the overall aesthetic.
Wedding backdrops are often used as a photo backdrop for guests to take pictures against, making them an important part of the wedding decor.
A wedding backdrop can set the tone for your entire celebration. Here are a few DIY wedding backdrop ideas to inspire you:
Create a boho-inspired macrame backdrop using rope and twine
Make a rustic wooden backdrop using pallets or reclaimed wood
Hang DIY paper flowers or streamers for a whimsical touch
Use a simple fabric panel and add floral arrangements or greenery
DIY Wedding Centerpieces
Wedding centrepieces are decorative arrangements that are typically placed in the centre of dining tables at a wedding reception.
They can be floral arrangements, candles, vases, or any other decorative element that adds to the overall ambience of the reception.
Centrepieces can be designed to complement the wedding theme, colours, and style. They serve as a focal point and help create a cohesive look and feel for the reception.
Creating your own wedding centrepieces is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your decor. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Make a simple yet elegant centrepiece using a glass vase filled with water and floating candles
Use fresh or dried flowers and herbs in mason jars or vintage bottles
Create a romantic vibe with a candle centrepiece using tapered candles and candlesticks
Use fruit or vegetables as a unique and colourful centrepiece
DIY Wedding Decorations
Wedding decorations are the various decorative elements that are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a wedding ceremony and reception.
They can include floral arrangements, centrepieces, table settings, linens, lighting, drapery, backdrops, signage, seating charts, and more.
Wedding decorations are often designed to complement the wedding theme, colours, and style, and they play an important role in creating a memorable and personalized experience for the couple and their guests.
Personalize your wedding decor with these DIY wedding decoration ideas:
Create a photo display using a DIY photo booth backdrop and clothespins
Use chalkboard signs to label tables or create a menu board
Hang DIY paper flowers or pom-poms from the ceiling for a festive touch
Create a whimsical atmosphere with handmade dreamcatchers or paper lanterns
DIY Wedding Ideas on a Budget
Here are a few more DIY wedding ideas on a budget to help you save money:
Make your own wedding invitations using free templates and printable paper
Create your own wedding favours such as homemade jams, candles or soap
Use rented or borrowed items like tables, chairs, and linens
Shop at thrift stores or consignment shops for vintage decor and accessories
DIY Wedding Place Cards
Adding a personal touch to your wedding place cards is a fun and easy DIY project. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Use natural elements like stones, leaves, or shells as place cardholders
Write names on vintage keys or corks for a unique touch
Create personalized place cards using printed photos of each guest
Use a DIY calligraphy kit to write names on cards or tags
Homemade Wedding Favors
Homemade wedding favours can be a thoughtful way to thank your guests for sharing your special day. Here are a few ideas for homemade wedding favours:
Create your own herb-infused olive oil or vinegar with personalized labels
Make your own soap or bath bombs with personalized tags or packaging
Use small jars or bags to create homemade trail mix, popcorn, or candy favours
Bake your own cookies, cakes, or cupcakes and package them in pretty boxes or bags
Wedding Arch Ideas DIY
Creating your own wedding arch can be a beautiful way to personalize your ceremony space. Here are a few DIY wedding arch ideas:
Create a romantic arch using draped fabric and greenery
Use natural elements like branches or driftwood to create a rustic arch
Create a bohemian-inspired arch using macrame or woven textiles
Make a simple yet elegant arch using a wooden frame and fresh flowers or greenery
DIY Wedding Invitation Ideas
Creating your own invitations can be a fun and creative way to personalize your wedding while also saving money.
You can even incorporate some of your photos from your pre-wedding photoshoot into your invitations. Canva is a brilliant platform to design your invitations and have them professionally printed at a fraction of the cost.
If you are thinking of booking a pre-wedding photoshoot I have a guide on some great reasons why you should. You can read it here
Here are a few DIY ideas for creating your own wedding invitations:
Printable templates: Many websites offer printable templates that you can customize with your wedding details and print at home. You can choose from a variety of designs and styles, such as classic, modern, or bohemian.
Handwritten invitations: If you have beautiful handwriting, you can write your own invitations by hand. This adds a personal touch and can be a lovely way to make your guests feel special.
Watercolour invitations: If you have artistic skills, you can create your own watercolour invitations using paints and paper. This adds a unique and artistic touch to your invitations that your guests will love.
DIY embellishments: You can add your own DIY embellishments to your invitations, such as ribbon, lace, or paper flowers. This can be a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your invitations.
Digital invitations: If you prefer a more modern approach, you can create your own digital invitations using online design tools. This is a great option if you want to save on printing and postage costs.
When creating your own invitations, it's important to keep in mind the tone and style of your wedding.
Your invitations should reflect the overall look and feel of your celebration. With a little creativity and effort, you can create beautiful and personalized invitations that your guests will love.
DIY Wedding Cake
Making your own homemade wedding cake can be a great way to save money while also adding a personal touch to your celebration. Here are a few tips for creating your own DIY wedding cake:
Practice makes perfect: Before the big day, practice baking and decorating your cake several times to ensure you're comfortable with the process and can create a cake that meets your expectations.
Keep it simple: While it can be tempting to create an elaborate cake, keeping it simple can save time and money. Consider a classic buttercream or fondant cake with minimal decorations.
Use fresh flowers or fruit: Using fresh flowers or fruit to decorate your cake is a great way to add colour and texture while also saving money on expensive decorations.
Consider cupcakes or a dessert bar: If you're not confident in your ability to create a traditional wedding cake, consider serving cupcakes or creating a dessert bar with a variety of sweet treats.
Borrow or rent equipment: Cake baking and decorating equipment can be expensive, so consider borrowing or renting equipment to save money. You can also purchase second-hand equipment or look for deals online.
Get help from friends and family: Baking and decorating a wedding cake can be a big job, so don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family who have experience in baking and decorating.
While creating your own DIY wedding cake can be a rewarding and cost-saving experience, it's important to keep in mind that it can be a time-consuming and stressful task.
If you're not confident in your ability to create a wedding cake, consider hiring a professional or purchasing a pre-made cake from a bakery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many creative and cost-effective DIY wedding ideas that couples can consider to make their special day more unique and memorable.
From handmade invitations and centrepieces to personalized favours and photo backdrops, there are endless possibilities for adding a personal touch to a wedding.
By putting in some time and effort, couples can create a beautiful and personalized celebration that reflects their personalities and love for each other. Remember to enjoy the process and have fun with it!