Do-It-Yourself Wedding Decorations

Do-it-yourself decorations can add a special touch to your wedding.

A wedding is one of the most special days in a couple's life together. Because of this, everything about the event ought to be wonderful. However, if you are on a limited budget, it can be a struggle to afford elaborate decorations. Fortunately, you can cut corners by making beautiful, coordinating decorations yourself.

Types

The decorations you decide to make should correspond with the type of wedding you are having. A very formal wedding will require formal decorations, while you can create understated items for an informal event. If you are having a garden or other outdoor wedding, incorporate flowers and other natural items found free. Embellish an arch, arbor or gazebo with wildflowers, vines, bundles of branches and bows. Theme weddings are also popular. For a beach-themed wedding, pour a few inches of sand into small bowls. Add a few shells, some water and floating candles for a charming centerpiece.

Function

You want decorations that are striking and romantic. If you are on a budget, though, it is wise to choose decorations that are functional as well. Strings of twinkling miniature white lights draped from the ceiling, wrapped around columns and intertwined with gauzy, ethereal tulle will give a dreamy glow to your wedding and provide necessary lighting. Group simple candles and tie them with wide ribbon in your wedding colors to use as centerpieces. The soft lights will add to the decor while providing light by which your guests can dance and dine.

Effects

A specially decorated head table will give the wedding a formal effect. Place the head table on a riser in a prominent area where all of the guests can view the newlyweds. Use two unique chairs to distinguish the bride and groom's seats, even if they are large wicker chairs from home. Use items from the wedding at the head table. For example, if the bride and groom light a unity candle, use this as a centerpiece at the head table. Decorate the table or chairs using the bride's and bridesmaids' bouquets.

Features

Find small features that inexpensively dress up the event. For example, enlist the help of your bridal party to create some unique napkin rings. Cut cardboard paper towel rolls into four equally sized pieces. Wrap them in fabric that coordinates with the wedding colors and glue them in place with a hot glue gun. If desired, add small, inexpensive charms (bought in bulk) with the bride and groom's initials. Simple, white fabric napkins will look elegant with the decorative rings.

Considerations

Wedding decorations do not need to be extreme to be elegant and beautiful. Sticking with a black-and-white color scheme will provide an air of sophistication, while being surprisingly simple and affordable. You can also choose one of your wedding colors and use monochromatic decorations for a stylish atmosphere. Another idea is to incorporate seasonal décor. Christmas lights, spring flowers, pinecones and leaves, or items found at the beach make stunning decorations.

Resources

• Bulk Alphabet Charms