5 Tips for DIYing Wedding Decor
When my husband and I started planning our micro wedding, we soon realized that hiring a professional decorator or even renting decor was not going to be inexpensive . So, I put on my creative hat and got to work. Here are 5 tips for reigning in that budget and doing the decor yourself.
1.Reuse
When I say reuse, I mean use things you already have around the house. Our wedding was under 40 people and so I immediately took to using things I already had and loved to build my dream wedding. We went for a classy, yet dreamy tropical feel. Not the stereotypical (no offense to those who’ve done that) beachy blues and ocean theme. We wanted that Tulum or high-end Miami feel without the prices. I had gotten a few coconut bowls and candles (use the code: GABRIELLE at checkout if you dig these as much as I do) for my birthday and Christmas over the years and so I decided to play off of that feel. I ordered a few more of these bowls and candles which ended up being the perfect pieces to build off of.
Here are examples of items you can use from around the house: furniture, baskets, candlesticks, bowls, vases, candles, picture frames, books, lamps, pillows, glassware.
2.Go Green
If you, a friend, or a family member has any sort of green thumb you will save hundreds…I kid you not… HUNDREDS on greenery. I was able to use my parent’s backyard as a nursery for all of my wedding day greenery except my bouquet. My parents live in Florida so thankfully we have access to greenery year-round, but trust me there are ways you can do it too! There are huge banana trees, palm trees, and ginger in their backyard so I had my mom grab clippings for me the day before we took off for the wedding. This greenery was FREE and looked so beautiful. I highly recommend foraging for your greenery if you can. Start planting your dream greenery as soon as you get engaged if you want to make the most of it! Giner grows fast and is absolutely beautiful.
I also grabbed a few dried flowers from Hobby Lobby and built my bridesmaid’s bouquet off of some cute boho fans I bought off Etsy. I used some of the ginger and palms in the bouquets and they turned out great!
3.Thrift it
I can’t say enough about thrifting. Especially if you’re into the mismatched look. Pick your color palette and see if you can find vases, candlesticks or jars in your color/theme. I ended up getting all of my glass candlesticks at GoodWill for the tables for under $15. I made a wedding sign using my Cricut and a frame from Goodwill for just $10! See how I made it here. If you don’t have a Cricut, don’t fret. You can use a printer and a paint marker instead!
DIY Wedding Sign
Ignore my pajamas and see how I made it here.
4.Nix the Photo Booth Rental
If you want that photo booth feel without spending a thousand dollars on a rental, here’s how to do it for under $150. Here’s what you’ll need.
Optional iPad holder (If you have an iPad or tablet I recommend using this instead of your iPhone)
Arch/ Backdrop (example here)
Booth Event App (free for your first event)
Using a ring light is a game changer. Tape that cord down, prop up a backdrop, and then install the Booth Event app on your phone or tablet. Boom. The photo booth app manages itself and will even let your guests send the photos to their device! You can even customize your own frame for the event.
Also a BIG tip. Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT use film cameras. As fun as they were when we were kids, it’ll quickly burn a hole in your pocket. The film is really expensive to get developed because no one really does it anymore. If you want that film look, I would hire a photographer who also has a film camera. Or stick to polaroids. Pass the camera around or leave it at the photo booth. The film may be a little expensive up front, but it is still WAY cheaper than what you’d pay getting that disposable camera film developed.
5.Organic, Organic, Organic
When I was wedding planning, I seriously wanted everything to be perfect. All the way down to the menu cards, which is funny because I didn’t actually end up making menu cards. I can guarantee you that pretty much all of your guests don’t care about a program, menu card, or a wedding favor. We saved so much money not doing theses things and no one noticed!! Instead of a menu or place cards, we did fresh local coconuts for everyone to drink out of. Instead of elaborate greenery, we put fruit in the coconut bowl and it was SO cute! Think organic. Ask yourself, is this just going to get thrown away at the end of the night? Or is someone going to consume this/enjoy this/take it home with them? Don’t overdo the decor or the favors. People are there for you and your spouse…and to have a great time. Minimalistic design is okay and it is honestly so beautiful.
