The style of your wedding is one of the most important factors when it comes to the overall appearance of your big day. But it can also be one of the most expensive, which is why so many brides are taking the DIY route when it comes to wedding décor.
Planning a DIY wedding is a great way to save a few extra bucks, as well as give you the opportunity to put your own personal stamp on your style. However, there is a common misconception that DIY decor can look cheap or gooey, which couldn’t be more wrong!
Today, thanks to online platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, there is really no shortage of creative DIY wedding style ideas suitable for the modern bride. From elegant centerpieces to backdrops and signage, read on for 10 seriously beautiful (and super simple) style ideas for a DIY wedding below.
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Green crowns
Green wreaths are the perfect DIY project for those who want to incorporate foliage and flowers into their wedding style elements without breaking the budget.
Not only are DIY crowns easy to make, but they are also very versatile on a day-to-day basis. We recommend creating a selection of different wreaths to hang at different heights for a modern ceremony backdrop, or even above your bridal table as a statement installation!
To make your wreaths green, you will need stiff wire or embroidery hoops to create a circular base. You can then use thin wire to wrap the foliage or flowers of your choice (artificial will work just as well as real!) Around the frame. Don’t worry if your foliage looks perfectly balanced – unstructured, asymmetrical crowns may appear more effective.
Balloon Garlands
Balloons are always such a fun and quirky feature for any wedding! Sure, they might look a bit boring on their own, but with just a few simple tweaks you can easily create a statement balloon feature to complement your wedding style.
Adding garlands to oversized helium balloons is a DIY decorating project you can definitely take on. For a bright and bold look, go for paper tassels or ribbons in your wedding colors. Or, for a more minimalist approach, pair garlands of foliage with crisp white balloons.
Balloon garlands work great when grouped in groups, so consider placing them next to your dessert table, bar, or dance floor as a focal point. You can also choose to anchor them to other style elements like your welcome sign or seating plan to make them more secure.
Ombre Napkins
If you want to add a pop of color to your table decor, we love the idea of creating statement ombre napkins – DIY style!
Whether your chosen color palette is soft and romantic or bold and vibrant, you’ll be amazed at how a simple white napkin can be completely transformed using a fabric dye.
You can get fairly cheap basic white napkins in bulk, or for a more natural look, just buy white fabric and cut it down to the size of a napkin. For a subtle ombre effect, carefully dip one end of your napkins in a bowl with your chosen fabric dye. Some color variation is actually a good thing, so don’t worry about making each napkin identical.
This DIY project works perfectly for bohemian-style weddings, and can even double as a gift for your guests to take home.
Magnolia Leaf Placement Cards
Place cards with magnolia leaves are a beautiful touch for tropical or earthly-inspired weddings, and it couldn’t be easier to make at home!
Although magnolia leaves are often used in bouquets and flower arrangements, their flat, rounded shape also makes them ideal for writing on. All you need is a paint pen (white or metallic shades work best) and a steady hand to create your own natural place cards that will perfectly complement an organic table landscape.
These DIY place cards are also a great “green” option for those planning a paperless or eco-friendly wedding reception.
Mirror signage
For an elegant approach to wedding signage, a framed mirror can be easily repurposed with just a white paint pencil and plain foliage.
Antique mirrors can usually be found by browsing thrift stores or online markets – the more ornate the better. Mirrors can work well to display your menu, the seating chart, or even as a welcome sign for your ceremony.
Any leftover greenery or flowers from your arrangements can be attached to your mirror frame as a beautiful finishing touch. The end result will also act as a special memory for you to hold on to after the big day!
Copper frame seating chart
Looking for something a little more industrial? This copper mount is the perfect statement piece for modern and warehouse-style weddings.
Creating your own copper structure is easier than you might think. Copper tubing and “elbows” (the corner pieces) are available at hardware stores. You will only need two copper tubes of the same length, along with their matching copper elbows to create the desired mount – it’s that simple!
To help your copper frame stand on its own, we love the idea of using potted plants as the base of your design. Once your frame is complete, simply hang your sign from the copper pipe using fishing line, string, or tape!
Fabric table runners
Table runners can really elevate your reception style, but they can often be expensive to buy or rent. So why not create your own?
You’ll want to choose a thin, see-through fabric that clumps and drapes easily, such as chiffon. Soft materials will be easier to weave between your flowers, candles, and other centerpieces, so try to avoid anything stiff or too synthetic.
Simply cut your chosen fabric to your desired width and length to create your own DIY runners. We recommend that you measure the length and height of your reception tables first, so that you can allow enough fabric to spread gracefully on both sides.
Chiffon runners work especially well in pastel shades like blush, lilac, or duck egg blue for a romantic, art-inspired look. They also pair beautifully with ornate table details like candle holders and tealights.
Acrylic table numbers
Acrylic wedding decor is all the rage today as a modern option for stationery and signage. And if you love this look as much as we do, you’ll be happy to know that it’s easy to get for the DIY bride!
Opting for acrylic table numbers is one of the easiest ways to incorporate this trend into your wedding décor. All you need is a cut-to-size sheet of acrylic and a paint pen in the color you want.
If you are not sure with your own handwriting, the best part about acrylic is its transparent nature. This means you can print your numbers or text in a beautiful calligraphic font, place the paper under the acrylic, and simply trace over the top for a professional-looking end result.
Wall of donuts
For sweet tooth brides looking for a less traditional dessert option, a wall of donuts could be the perfect DIY solution.
DIY donut walls are not only a modern dessert alternative, but they also serve as a talking point among your guests. To create your own donut wall, you will need a large pegboard and a wooden dowel, cut into roughly 3-inch pieces. These can be kept in their natural color, or you can paint them to best suit your chosen wedding vision.
Glue your pieces of wooden peg into the pegboard holes, leaving enough space between each to accommodate the size of your donuts. You can also add a nice sign or some foliage on top of your table to complete the look!
Ribbon stationery details
DIY ribbon accents are the perfect finishing touch for your paper items, and a great way to inject color and texture into your stationery.
Simply choose a soft fabric in your desired color and cut it into long strips to create your own natural-looking ribbons. You can then use a hole puncher in the corners of your ceremony programs, invitations, or menus, thread the ribbon, and tie in a loose knot or bow.
Bonus tip: save some leftover tape for your photographer, so you can include it in your stationery suite photos on your wedding morning!
DIY decor for the modern bride
Choosing the DIY route when it comes to decorating your wedding doesn’t have to mean compromising on the style and vision of your wedding! You will be amazed at how simple it can be to create modern wedding decor that leaves a lasting impression, from colored ombre napkins to custom made acrylic signs.
We know how overwhelming it can be trying to make your wedding decor work within your budget. So if you are currently planning your big day, we hope these 10 DIY wedding style ideas will inspire you to create a beautiful (and profitable) celebration of love that you and your guests will remember forever!