DIY delights: Crafting your dream wedding without breaking the bank
Discover budget-friendly DIY wedding ideas with Celebrate with Rachel Louise. Learn how to craft your dream wedding without the high costs, from invitations to decor and more.
Weddings are magical, but let’s be honest when it comes to budget they can also be a bit of a beast. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your dream day. With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of DIY magic, you can create a stunning wedding that reflects your unique personality without blowing the budget. Here’s how to make it happen!
1. Personalised Wedding Invites: Setting the tone
Your wedding save the dates & invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding, so why not make them memorable? DIY invitations are not only a more budget-friendly wedding stationery idea but also a wonderful way to infuse some personal touches.
Handmade paper & calligraphy
Consider using recycled paper or even making your own! A calligraphy kit and a bit of practice can lead to beautifully handwritten invites that are unique to you. Just bare in mind the amount of time it will take to learn the skills and then write out each one.
Digital design tools
If you’re tech-savvy, you could use platforms like Canva to create stunning digital invites that can be printed at home or sent electronically to save on postage.
2. Floral Fantasies: DIY weddings flowers
Flowers can eat up a significant chunk of your budget, but DIY florals can be just as beautiful as those from a high-end florist (as long as you know which flowers are in season, where to get them, how to care for them and how long the arranging will take you to learn and then put together).
Sourcing seasonal blooms
Purchase flowers in season from local markets or even grow your own! Seasonal flowers are not only cheaper but also fresher.
Create your own bouquets and centrepieces
Create and arrange your own wedding bouquets and table centrepieces. There are plenty of tutorials online, and with a little practice, you’ll be amazed at what you can create.
3. decor: Creating ambience
Wedding decor doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of DIY flair, you can transform any space into a wonderland.
Upcycling & thrifty finds
Visit charity shops or online marketplaces to find unique decor pieces that can be upcycled. Think vintage candle holders, antique picture frames, or even old books for a literary-themed wedding.
Crafty creations
From bunting to fairy lights, DIY your decorations to suit your theme. Get creative with fabric, paper, and even natural elements like pinecones or leaves for an eco-friendly touch.
4. Bespoke Wedding Favours: A personal touch
Wedding favours are a lovely way to thank your guests, but they can quickly add more than you think to your budget. Why not DIY them?
A top tip for all favours: your guests will often appreciate a usable gift the most. Something edible, drinkable, to plant in their garden for example.
Homemade goodies
From jars of homemade jam to hand-poured candles, creating your own favours is both personal and budget-friendly.
Personalised keepsakes
Consider creating small, personalised keepsakes like bookmarks, mini photo frames, or even DIY soap bars. Your guests will appreciate the thought and effort that went into these tokens.
5. Cake Creation: Bake or Fake?
The wedding cake is a showstopper, but that doesn’t mean it has to be costly.
Bake your own
If you or a loved one is a dab hand in the kitchen, consider baking your own cake. Simple designs can be just as elegant, especially when adorned with fresh flowers or fruit.
Fake it ‘til you make it
A current wedding trend is to have a beautifully decorated ‘fake’ cake made of foam for display, with either a cheaper sheet cake served from the kitchen or only having one real cake tier within a large display cake. No one will know the difference!
6. Music & Entertainment: Your Own Playlist
Hiring a live band or DJ can be expensive, but there are other ways of getting music & entertainment into your wedding celebrations.
Create a custom playlist
Use Spotify or Apple Music (other sites also available ;)) to create a playlist that matches the vibe of your celebrations and specific moments of your wedding. From ceremony music to the dance floor, your personalised soundtrack will make the day uniquely yours (either make playlists per section of the day and press shuffle or spend the time to work out the most appropriate timings throughout the day and the songs to go with each).
Karaoke fun
If your guests love a singalong, consider hiring a karaoke machine for a night of entertainment that’s sure to be remembered. I mentioned some other unique entertainment ideas in my neurodiverse-friendly blog.
Making Your Dream Wedding a Reality
Your wedding day should be a reflection of you and your partner, not the size of your wallet!
By embracing DIY projects, you can craft a day that’s full of personality, creativity, and love without the high costs. Plus, there’s something incredibly special about looking around on your big day and knowing that you had a hand in making it all happen.
If you’re feeling inspired but a little overwhelmed, don’t worry—I’m here to help! At Celebrate with Rachel Louise, I specialise in helping nearlyweds create their dream weddings, whether you’re all about DIY or just need a bit of guidance.
Let’s chat about how we can make your wedding truly unforgettable.
Get in touch today
