39 Easy Wedding Decoration Ideas

By Amelia Mularz

If you haven’t already, it’s time to think about wedding decoration ideas. Just as the early bird catches the worm, the DIY wedding couple saves more money for honeymoon piña coladas. So to help you soon-to-be-newlyweds, today we’re talking about the decoration ideas that leave you inspired to take on a project or two that could save you cash. Have you secretly dreamed of being a florist? Here’s your chance to show off your petal-arranging chops. Still have the handwriting of a fourth grader? Eh, maybe book a calligrapher. So that you know what’s even possible, we’ve rounded up 39 DIY wedding decorations ideas from industry insiders across the country.

But before we dive in, here are some general tips about decorating a wedding like a pro…

When it comes to wedding decor, one of the biggest expenses is flowers. If you’re able (and willing) to tackle those, savings can be substantial—potentially thousands of dollars. Joan Wyndrum O’Hear, founder and owner of Blooms By The Box in Watchung, New Jersey, suggests ordering wholesale flowers and inviting family and friends (like your wedding party) to help make bouquets and boutonnieres. “Create small affordable bouquets with big blooms such as hydrangeas, peonies, or football mums paired with lush greenery,” she says. “You’ll need fewer stems when you use bigger flowers. Also, go with leafy greenery for the boutonnieres.”

Beyond a glue gun (though you’ll definitely need one of those too), high-tech DIY tools make it easier than ever to decorate your wedding. Investing in a single device, such as a cutting machine like the Silhouette Cameo, for example, can make it possible to craft a slew of different DIY projects. Custom cake toppers, T-shirts for your bridesmaids, wedding signs, and programs can all be made with the same machine.

Additionally, taking a class to learn a new DIY skill might make your wedding projects, dare we say, fun. Sign up for a flower-arranging class, a candle-making workshop, a paper crafting lesson, or a calligraphy tutorial.

Your venue will play a major role in your wedding style. And if you choose a place with built-in decor or eye-catching surroundings, you can achieve an expensive look without spending a fortune to dress up a blank-slate banquet hall. Jacqueline Vizcaino, owner of Atlanta-based Tinted Events Design and Planning, recommends opting for an outdoor wedding. “Explore natural venues instead of traditional halls,” she says. “Look for places like open-air gardens or outdoor parks where you won’t have to rely on electricity as much. This will reduce your carbon footprint and create a gorgeous backdrop for all your photos.”

“It’s always great when you choose decor that can do double duty or, even better, triple duty,” says Jamie Chang, owner and destination wedding planner at Mango Muse Events in San Francisco. “For example, a small plant or bud vase can be decor, a favor, and a place card,” she says.

For more wedding decoration ideas that pull double duty and much more, read on…

As an alternative to traditional wedding centerpieces, consider running greenery down the center of your reception tables. If your budget is a concern, stick to varieties of fern and ivy rather than eucalyptus and ruscus.

Design floral arrangements that can be used at the foot of each aisle for your wedding ceremony and then repurposed as table centerpieces for your wedding reception.

For DIY wedding decorations that look more expensive than they actually are, Wyndrum O’Hear suggests floating candles and flowers in cylinders of varying heights. “Flowers of almost any type can be used for these arrangements, except for those producing a lot of pollen, which can cause the water to appear cloudy,” she says.

There’s no rule that says you need to get married under a wedding arch. Why not a wedding circle? This display, made from palm fronds and white roses, also creates a floral frame for post-ceremony photos.

And speaking of riffing on your altar’s shape, the triangular altar above takes on a unique form and feel. As Vizcaino says, “Channel free-spirited vibes with an eclectic bohemian altar design.” While a dream catcher is the focal point here, Vizcaino suggests using vintage furniture pieces, potted plants, and rustic rugs to create an inviting atmosphere.

Beyond blooms, chairback decor is a chance to add a dash of personalization to your tablescape. Here, tulle pays tribute to the bride’s wedding-day style. We’ve also seen couples hang childhood photos, nickname signs, and monogrammed blankets from each seat.

While covering every chair in fresh flowers is the dream, a more budget-friendly approach is to stick to only seating for the guests of honor. Floral swag with greenery is one approach. Or, go with garlands, small wreaths, or even oversized air plants.

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Mayer Rus

Long live disco! At least the balls, that is. Like a chandelier, hanging a disco ball outside is unexpected and eye-catching. Even better if you hang multiple mirrored globes in a grouping.

“Transform even the simplest of wedding venues into something special by adding drapery everywhere,” says Vizcaino. Here, draped fabric creates texture on both the table and chairs.

For an altar, strategically place leafy boughs to frame you and your partner during your vows. Then, repurpose that same backdrop for a photobooth during the reception.

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Mayer Rus

For a unique centerpiece idea, Vizcaino recommends succulents. “Place them in large terrariums and combine multiple arrangements for a stunning display to bring life to your tablescape,” she says. Unlike traditional floral arrangements, these centerpieces can live on long after your celebration.

“Add some sparkle to your reception decoration with delicate fairy lights hung in garlands or basketweave patterns above your guests’ heads,” says Vizcaino. “This will make everyone feel like they’re in a fairy tale!”

For a beach wedding, use tropical leaves as place cards. Monstera, fiddle-leaf fig, and philodendron leaves all provide plenty of real estate for writing names. Consider leaves in autumnal shades for a fall wedding, or pine cones as place card holders for a winter wedding.

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Mayer Rus

You don’t have to confine your wedding table decor to only the tabletop. In addition to eye-level centerpieces, hang florals overhead and tie them to chair backs. Fully immerse your wedding guests in flowers.

“Elevate your wedding invitations, whether you get them printed professionally or on your home printer, by adding a chiffon ribbon and a wax seal,” says Lilia Shatnaya, ​​owner and designer at Plume and Stone in Brooklyn. Chiffon ribbons are inexpensive and can be found at local craft stores or on Amazon. Adding a wax seal is simple, especially if you purchase ready-made wax seals that have a sticker on the back,” she says.

“Add a touch of grandeur and opulence to your wedding decor with some classic crystal chandeliers,” says Vizcaino. “If hanging from the ceiling is not an option, you can always get creative by suspending them from other parts of the venue, such as tree branches or arches.”

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Mayer Rus

Embroidering your initials on the napkins at each place setting is a sophisticated look. You could take it one step further and embroider each guest’s initials on their napkin, but (for the sake of your fingers) that would be best for an extremely intimate affair.

Arrange pillar and taper candles of varying heights as well as votives in glass candle holders to make a statement on reception tables. This is ideal for evening celebrations when you can dine and dance by candlelight.

“One of the easiest ways to bring depth to your escort card display is by using risers covered with high-quality linens, ”says Diane Kolanović-Šolaja, owner and creative director at Dee Kay Events in Manalapan, New Jersey. “Risers come in various materials, including wood, acrylic, and glass, and you can find great linen runners on Amazon instead of renting or purchasing full-size linens. Just be wary of polyesters since they do not fall well and will cheapen the look.”

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Mayer Rus

“Place cards are by nature personal because it’s an indicator for a particular person in a particular seat,” says Chang. “So, why not take it one step further and swap out the simple piece of paper for something meaningful to them, like a photo, a note, or a baked treat? While it takes time to create one for each person, it’s such a nice surprise for guests.”

“Hang your escort cards from a gorgeous tree…without the price tag,” says Shatnaya. “Use a paper puncher in the shape of a flower, circle, or diamond to cut your escort cards. Then, punch two holes—one on top and one on the bottom. Attach tiny tassels, which can be found on Amazon or in crafts stores, and string them onto branches with fish wire or thin ribbon. Glue on artificial flowers and place moss at the bottom of the tree.”

“Simply create place cards by printing each guest’s name and table number on a piece of paper, then seal them onto a mirror with wax,” says Sarah Jobe, a consultant at Twickenham House and Hall in Jefferson, North Carolina. “Ultimately, the result is a stunning, expensive-looking element for wedding decor that doubles as a mirror for the couple’s home after the celebration.”

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Mayer Rus

“Create a special place card display with vintage frames,” Vizcaino says. “You can find old frames at thrift stores, garage sales, or antique shops and write each guest’s name on the glass using calligraphy pens.”

A pretty soap, especially one wrapped in ribbon or adorned with a sprig of dried flowers, elevates a place setting and acts as a small gift. “This is perfect for a rustic wedding,” says Vizcaino. “Plus, you can customize them with cute labels for added personalization.”

For an earthy wedding theme, purchase inexpensive cotton fabric (it holds pigment better than other materials) and dye your own linens. Create tablecloths, table runners, and napkins.

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Mayer Rus

“Welcome your guests with their table number attached to a bud vase filled with greenery and a single flower stem,” Wyndrum O’Hear says. “These small vases add extra volume and flair to the reception tables and act as a creative alternative to a regular seating chart.”

“A bowl filled with fresh fruits makes for an unexpected and beautiful centerpiece,” says Vizcaino. “This is a great idea for summer weddings when you can fill the bowl with seasonal fruits such as watermelons, peaches, or plums.”

“Nothing says romance like stenciling lace onto a bottle or vase and filling it with roses,” says Wyndrum O’Hear. To do so, wrap each bottle with a piece of lace-printed paper and spray-paint the glass. When you remove the paper, you’ll be left with the lace design.

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Mayer Rus

To add vibrant color to your photos, Vizcaino recommends creating a custom mural. “This is perfect for couples who want to express their unique personalities, and you can use it as both a ceremony and reception backdrop,” she says. Play up your wedding colors, go with a favorite quote, or give a nod to the city where you’re getting married.

If you’re scaling back on your flower budget, add feathers to your tablescape. You can alternate between bud vases with blooms and bottles with plumage, as seen above at a beach wedding at Aruba Marriott Resort. Feathers are also gorgeous mixed with floral centerpieces.

Vizcaino says, “Create an elegant look by transforming a vintage door into a chuppah. You can choose a door with beautiful detailing and add touches like white fabric, fresh flowers, or greenery to complete the look.”

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Mayer Rus

“Your family and friends have traveled near and far to spend your wedding weekend with you—show your appreciation with a well-styled and curated welcome gift at their hotel,” says Kolanović-Šolaja. She recommends creating DIY labels for water bottles, gathering snacks, and packaging everything in a gable box tied with silk ribbon.

“Incorporate antique pieces into your bouquet and boutonniere, such as a vintage brooch or pocket watch,” says Vizcaino. This is especially meaningful if you use an accessory from a loved one who’s only attending your big day in spirit.

“If you have a treasured family heirloom, such as an antique brooch or a vase, you can use it as a one-of-a-kind cake topper,” Vizcaino says. “Not only will it add sentimental value to your cake, but it’ll also be a beautiful memento of your special day.”

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Mayer Rus

“Give your ceremony a serious wow factor with a living wall chuppah,” Vizcaino says. Use various sizes of succulents on a moss background for an earthy feel, or go fully tropical with large palm fronds and ferns. If you want the same feel but can’t commit to the time or expense, faux boxwood with a few real plants sprinkled in can still look stunning, as can drapery accented with plants.

Fake florals can be a great way to add pricier blooms to your ceremony. “Peonies are a bride’s favorite,” says Wyndrum O’Hear, “but they are expensive and not always in season. Make faux peonies with a few carnation stems wrapped in floral tape. Just like fully bloomed peonies, these beauties have a ruffled texture. You’ll save money, get the look you want, and no one will know they’re not peonies!”

Vizcaino says, “Include a romantic touch by writing your wedding vows on parchment paper and placing it on the cake.” Not only does it make for a meaningful topper, but you can also save the parchment paper afterward as a keepsake.

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Mayer Rus

Using a desktop cutting machine, such as the Silhouette Cameo, you can create a personalized cutout cake topper in minutes. Go with your first names surrounded by hearts, a favorite phrase, or your wedding date. Once you get the hang of the machine cupcake toppers are another option.

Grab your bridesmaids and plenty of jars for a DIY centerpiece project. “Decorating Mason jars with beads, glitter, spray paint, twine, or ribbon and filling them with blooms is an easy way to make a stylish centerpiece,” Wyndrum O’Hear says.

By Rachel Davies

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