DIY Wedding Ideas to Save Money on Your Wedding
Here are 11 fun and easy DIY wedding ideas to save money on decorations, food, favors, and more—perfect for brides and grooms who love to get crafty! Ideas to save money on your wedding.
Table of Contents
- 1. DIY Invitations
- 2. Handmade Centerpieces
- 3. DIY Photo Booth
- 4. Make Your Own Bouquets
- 5. Build a Donut Wall
- 6. Create a Signature Drink
- 7. DIY Welcome Sign
- 8. Make Your Own Wedding Favors
- 9. DIY Ceremony Arch
- 10. Set Up a Candy Bar
- 11. Use Printable Signs
DIY ideas to save money on your wedding planning.
Here are 11 money-saving ideas for your wedding. Weddings can get crazy expensive. But honestly, you don’t need to break the bank to have a day you love. I DIYed a bunch of stuff for my wedding and not only saved money, but also made it feel very personal. It was also a great way for friends and family members to help, feel connected to the process, and have some fun!
So here are 11 easy DIY ideas to save money at your wedding and reception. You don’t need to be super crafty—just a little creative and willing to try!
1. DIY Invitations
Instead of hiring a designer, I used Canva. It’s free and easy. You can print them yourself or use a cheap online printer. Invitations do set the mood and theme for the wedding, but don’t go overboard. This is a great place to cut back a little without anyone noticing. Invest some time and learn how to use Canva, you will be glad you did!
2. Handmade Centerpieces
Mason jars, candles, thrift store vases, and wildflowers. That’s it! I made each table look a little different but still coordinated. Use Pinterest for inspiration and ideas. This is just one option. Fresh flowers add a nice touch to any event. If you would rather use something that you can reuse or sell after the wedding, consider lanterns or floating candles in different-sized vases for a romantic, cozy feel.
3. DIY Photo Booth
I made a backdrop with streamers and fairy lights. Then I set up a spot for guests to put their phone on a tripod and added props from the dollar store. You can buy these customized neon lights and use silk flowers. Photo booths are a festive activity for guests after dinner, and it can double as a nice keepsake and a favor.
4. Make Your Own Bouquets
I bought flowers from the grocery store the day before. My bridesmaids and I wrapped them in twine and added a ribbon. It was a fun and creative activity. Done! These are just as beautiful as flowers from a florist, and you have the pride of knowing that you made them yourself.
5. Build a Donut Wall
This was a hit! I used a pegboard and stuck dowels in it. Donuts just slide on and boom—dessert and decor in one. We also had a very small cake, just for cutting and photos. Everyone loves donuts. Cookies and cupcakes are also nice options.
6. Create a Signature Drink
Signature Cocktails are a nice option or addition to a bar. Pick a drink or two that are your favorites, name them something cute, and create a sign for the bar.
7. DIY Welcome Sign
I used a wooden board from Hobby Lobby and a paint pen. It looked so cute by the entrance! Special signs at a wedding are another area to save without anyone noticing. They are nice and help set the mood, but not necessary if you are watching your budget.
8. Make Your Own Wedding Favors
You could fill mini jars with local honey and tie tags that say “Meant to Bee.” It is adorable and super cheap. These are a nice little something to say “thank you for coming”.
9. DIY Ceremony Arch
PVC pipe, flowers, and fabric. That’s all it takes. It will look like it cost way more than it did. This sets the focal point for the ceremony and is a backdrop for photos. Spend a little extra time on this, guests will be looking at it all throughout the ceremony. This is a detail that will be noticed and will be in your photos forever.
10. Set Up a Candy Bar
Purchase clear containers from the dollar store along with scoops. Buy bags of your favorite candy (the more colorful, the better). Guests can fill bags as they exit; they make great party favors. Varying the size and shape of the containers and the candy adds a stunning visual element. Consider covering this entire display with a sheer fabric until after dinner, when you want them to indulge; otherwise, it will be gone before dinner.
11. Use Printable Signs
Instead of buying signs, check out Etsy and print them at home. Great for gift tables, cards, and menus.
Key Takeaways
- DIY can save you thousands of dollars on your wedding.
- It adds a personal touch to your wedding.
- You don’t have to be super crafty—just creative and willing to try.
- It is also a fun activity that can create a bonding experience for your family and friends.
- Focus on the things guests will notice: decor, food, music, and signs.
- You got this, be creative and have fun!
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