Diy Wedding Reception Decorating Ideas

Bikes + Blooms

Add a touch of whimsy to the entrance of your venue by nestling a bucket of overflowing seasonal blooms and lush seeded and silver eucalyptus bunches down into the basket of a vintage bicycle.

Dreamy Floating Centerpiece

Before you say "ew" to faux florals from the dollar store, think again. When placed in water, even the cheapest flowers look like the real thing. Simply fill a plastic terrarium bowl 3/4 of the way with water, pop three blooms off the stems and let them float. The best part? This stunning centerpiece will only set you back $2.

MORE IDEAS: 38 DIY Dollar Store Wedding Decor Hacks

Celebrate Your Roots

Your wedding day represents the start of a new life and a new adventure with your spouse. What better time to honor the past than when looking ahead and celebrating the future? Show your roots some love by crafting minimalist, state-shaped cake toppers. Cut thin crafting wood into silhouettes of your home states, then add your new titles as a married couple for a custom look.

SEE MORE: A Colorado Farm Wedding

Reclaimed Runner

Bring texture and height to long dining tables with a rustic, reclaimed wood runner. Above, a piece of aged wood runs the length of the table and offers the understated arrangements and dainty votive candle holders a boost to give the illusion of a grander, more elegant display. Bonus? The reclaimed runner sports a rough texture that contrasts against the velvety white blooms and brings dimension and interest to each table.

Hand-Lettered Signs

Communicate with your guests by crafting personalized signs to spread throughout your reception. Not only will your hand-lettered signs pretty up the space, but they'll also help the night flow smoothly.

MAKE IT: Hand-Lettered Wedding Sign

Picture-Perfect Lanterns

Lanterns are stylish, must-have decor pieces at weddings, but can cost a fortune. Not anymore! For less than $10, you can craft these gorgeous, trendy pieces on your own. To create the look, start by removing the glass and backing from the frames. Cover both sides of the frame in gold spray paint and attach the four frames together with hot glue. Replace the glass and style away!

MORE IDEAS: 38 DIY Dollar Store Wedding Decor Hacks

Stylish DIY Send-Off

This DIY project is as simple as they come. Craft send-off cones out of patterned cardstock that mirrors your wedding colors or theme. Fill the cones with birdseed, fresh flower petals or hand-cut (eco-friendly) confetti to ensure a memorable and photo-worthy exit at the end of the night.

GET INSPIRED: 17 Fun, Creative Wedding Exit Ideas

Vintage Charm

Give your tablescape a touch of old-school charm by creating place settings using mix-and-match, thrifted vintage dishes. Add color with a simple white tea cup filled with an abundance of vibrant, fresh-cut seasonal blooms. We especially love this approach for casual, al fresco receptions in the spring or intimate celebrations with friends and family.

GET INSPIRED: Spring It On With a New-Meets-Old Table Setting

Lovely Leaf Menu

Greenery is totally on-trend for weddings right now, so why not incorporate it in a creative way? Using a paint pen and your prettiest handwriting, display your menu on a large, glossy leaf.

LEARN HOW: Write Like a Lettering Pro With This Faux Calligraphy Hack

Cool + Custom Touch

Keep guests cool and comfortable throughout your outdoor ceremony by crafting pretty, practical fans for each seat. Shop basic white paper fans online, then use vibrant paint to create a custom design that mirrors your wedding theme and color palette. This whimsical design sports hand-lettered names wrapped in a bold, fuchsia floral border. A pale pink tassel is secured at the base to give the fan a luxe, bohemian look that guests are sure to admire.

MORE IDEAS: 6 No-Sweat Tips for Cooling Down a Summer Wedding

Clipboard Decor

Take uninspiring office supplies from bland to glam by coating the metal pieces of a clipboard in liquid gold leaf. While waiting for the paint to dry, print our free, downloadable quote art onto cardstock, then snip a few stems of seeded eucalyptus greenery. Assemble it all to create gorgeous signage for the gift table, bar or any other spot that could use a pop of prettiness.

MORE IDEAS: 38 DIY Dollar Store Wedding Decor Hacks

Garland of Greens

If you love greenery, consider creating your own garland a day or two before your wedding. Ultra-versatile, the gorgeous garland can be used in the ceremony and reception spaces, draped over your wedding arch, chairs or tables.

MAKE IT: How to Make Wedding Garland With Flowers

Easy Fresh Floral Arrangements

The task of creating custom floral centerpieces that will wow your wedding guests can feel a bit daunting, but it doesn't have to. Craft striking centerpieces for your tables by opting for an effortless, bohemian-style floral design. Use a group of two or three thrifted bud vases in varying styles as your base for each centerpiece. Fill the vases with a mix of texture-rich foliage and prickly wildflower blooms to create an effortless, whimsical aesthetic.

MORE IDEAS: 63 Gorgeous DIY Wedding Centerpieces

Floral-Draped Arbor

You don't have to hire a professional event planner to pull off the wedding backdrop of your dreams. Follow our step-by-step copper pipe arch project to create a custom, pro-quality altar for your big day. Once constructed, use floral wire to attach bundles of fresh eucalyptus to the top left and bottom right corners. Scatter some of the same blooms used in your bridal bouquet throughout the arrangements for a cohesive look.

MAKE IT: How to Build a Copper Wedding Arch

Dreamy Driftwood Name Cards

Consider driftwood your new best friend. Use a detail brush or white paint pen to hand-letter guests' first names on a small block of driftwood. Style the personalized blocks with a gauzy, white linen napkin to polish off each setting.

GET INSPIRED: An Ultra-Elegant Seaside Wedding

Fanciful Floral Cake Topper

Save big bucks without losing style points by using a floral dollar store gift bag as a DIY wedding cake topper. To recreate this topper, cut the prettiest blooms out of your gift bag, then glue onto short wooden skewers. Arrange three or more on top of your cake for a lush, three-dimensional look.

MORE IDEAS: 38 DIY Dollar Store Wedding Decor Hacks

Wax Paper Backdrop

Soft and airy, this wedding backdrop definitely doesn't look homemade. Lucky for you, it is, and you can recreate it with string, ribbon and wax paper. MAKE IT

MORE IDEAS: 45 One-of-a-Kind Wedding Arbors, Altars + Aisles

Exciting Illustration

Give guests an exciting visual as they wait in line at the bar with a head-turning, hand-lettered chalkboard menu display. Use vibrant-colored chalks or high-impact chalkboard paint to create a buzz-worthy illustration of your cocktail offerings. Create a curated vignette on the bar ledge by propping a pair of free-standing letters against the illustrated menu to represent you and your partner's names.

LEARN HOW: Write Like a Lettering Pro With This Faux Calligraphy Hack

Say Cheese

No wedding is complete without a fun photo booth station. Grab your pals and snap some pics with this trendy DIY prop. Don't forget to use the wedding hashtag when posting on social media.

MAKE IT: DIY Balloon Photo Booth

Lovely Lettered Table Numbers

Invite your bridesmaids over a few weeks before the wedding for a craft (and wine!) night to make these custom, acrylic table numbers. Head to your local hardware or craft store and have them cut a sheet of acrylic down to 5x7 or 8x10 rectangles. Use a white paint pen to stencil or hand-letter numbers onto each rectangle. Add the completed acrylic table numbers to wooden block stands for rustic contrast or use a large frame, as pictured above.

MORE IDEAS: 30 DIY Wedding Table Number Ideas

Celebratory Drink Flags

Serve up a celebration with these happy drink flags. To make them, wrap a small piece of metallic tissue paper around the top of a straw using double-stick tape, then cut small slits to create fringe.

Chic Chair Swags

Would you believe these stunning chair swags were made from just a few plastic dollar store tablecloths? Take the tablecloths out of the package and, leaving them folded, cut two-inch strips lengthwise. Unfold to reveal handfuls of long, even, streamer-like strips and loop over the chairs. Add a few sprigs of eucalyptus, and this chic decor serves as the perfect way to differentiate the happy couple's seats in the reception space.

MORE IDEAS: 38 DIY Dollar Store Wedding Decor Hacks

A Pretty Upgrade

Forego traditional napkin rings and opt for soft florals, like thistle and eucalyptus, knotted together with leather cord instead.

MORE IDEAS: 50 Wedding Table Setting Ideas for Every Season

Home-Grown Centerpieces

If the idea of spending hundreds (okay, thousands) on custom floral centerpieces is nauseating to you, you're not alone. Skip the florals and invest your bloom budget on a collection of pretty, potted shrubs and aged concrete planters that you can bring home and enjoy long after the reception ends. Sprinkle modern glass hurricanes and crisp, white pillar candles throughout the table to soften the centerpiece and create a cozy ambiance throughout the night.

MORE IDEAS: 63 Gorgeous DIY Wedding Centerpieces

Floral Balloon Tails

Lend a little whimsy to your big day with floating florals. Greenery and dip-dyed baby's breath attach to balloon strings to make these hanging garlands. For a sparkly touch, buy confetti-filled balloons. MAKE IT

Nostalgic Banner

Give guests something to look at during cocktail hour with a handmade banner displaying your most cherished moments as a couple. Compile your favorite polaroid photographs and secure them to a wall, fence or automobile using sturdy string and miniature clothespins. Be sure to evenly space the photos along the string and use layers for a more impactful design.

SEE MORE: A Colorado Farm Wedding

Wire-Wrapped Signs

If you're looking for a DIY that's quick, easy and inexpensive, this one's for you. Grab some copper wire and start bending. These stylish signs provide an adorably effective way to save your seats all night. MAKE IT

See More Photos: 16 Chair-Back Decor Ideas for Your Wedding

Budget-Friendly Blooming Backdrop

Make a big impact on a small budget with this bright and blooming DIY party prop. Use it as a stunning cake table backdrop or let is serve as a picture-perfect photo booth display.

MAKE IT: Craft a Party-Perfect Blooming Backdrop on a Budget

Fashionably Foraged

We love the way this glossy, DIY magnolia leaf place card pairs with deep jewel-toned plates in a this moody, romantic table setting. Get the look by using a gold paint pen to hand-letter guests' names onto a foraged leaf.

MORE IDEAS: 45 Cozy + Romantic Fall Wedding Ideas

Sophisticated String Art

We live for on-theme, interactive stations at weddings and this cigar setup is no exception. Create a designated spot for you and all your buddies to puff throughout the night using an industrial-style bar cart and a cool, DIY string art sign. Stain two wooden plaques a deep brown shade and then use a pencil and stencil to add block letters to each sign. Line the perimeter of the letters with small nails and use light white or neutral-colored string to create a dimensional effect.

MAKE IT: How to Make String Art

Upcycled Outdoor Flower Stakes

Show off your favorite blooms at an outdoor wedding with these upcycled glass vase garden stakes. Just a few steps and materials make this project doable for even the non-crafty bride. Frosted glass paint lends a romantic vibe to the finished product. MAKE IT

Dreamy Pet Portrait

Your fur-babies may not have made the guest list but they must attend your day in spirit, right? Pull out your watercolors, your finest paintbrushes and textured art paper to recreate your pet's likeness with our step-by-step instructions. Remember, perfection is not the goal and with a pet as cute as yours, there's really no messing this up.

MAKE IT: DIY Watercolor Pet Portraits

Cheery Tassel Garland

Pull off maximum impact on a minimal budget by filling empty space at your reception with these trendy tassel garlands. Choose tissue paper and mylar to match your wedding color scheme.

MAKE IT: Make Your Own Tissue Paper Tassel Garland

This Way

Matte black paint and a vibrant geometric accent transform a simple garage sale sign into an easy way to let guests know they're on the right track. Add a few balloons to grab attention from the road or walkway and you won't have to worry about tracking down any wandering wedding attendees.

MORE IDEAS: 38 DIY Dollar Store Wedding Decor Hacks

Watercolor Bar Signage

Serve your celebratory spirits with a side of ultra-stylish watercolors. Recreate this romantic display for your bar using textured fine art paper, a basic watercolor paint set and a steady hand or artistically-inclined friend. Freehand an airy outline of a classic coupe, cocktail glass or champagne flute, then use light strokes to add washes of color to the interior of the glass. Personalize the painting with dainty, festive details like mint spring or berries, to represent your custom cocktail recipe. Love the look but don't feel confident in your freehanding ability? Purchase a custom, digital template from an online artist, print it on textured paper and use watercolors to bring the illustration to life.

MAKE IT: How to Make Personalized Watercolor Stationery

Gold-Dipped Balloons

Liquid gold leaf can make just about anything look glamorous — including ordinary balloons. Let these gilded beauties float around your reception to add some sparkle to the atmosphere. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the simplicity of this DIY. MAKE IT

High-Dollar Doilies

Dollar store doilies may not be the first things that come to mind when you think chic, but they can be. When paired with gold candlesticks and some greenery, this table runner looks like a high-dollar display.

MORE IDEAS: 38 DIY Dollar Store Wedding Decor Hacks

Pretty Pest Repellant

Bug spray and bridal gowns don't mix. Combat seasonal pests (looking at you, mosquitos!) by whipping up these pretty, citrus luminaries and scattering them throughout your outdoor reception. To make, fill a jar or glass hurricane with water. Place a sprig of fresh rosemary with a few slices of lemon and lime into the water, then add several drops of citronella or lavender essential oils to the jar. Top with floating candles and, voila! You have a gorgeous, glowing accent that will keep buzzing pests away and keep buzzing guests at play.

MAKE IT: DIY Scented Bug Buster

Upcycled Napkins

Instead of renting fancy custom napkins for a hefty chunk of change, buy plain white ones in bulk and personalize them with your monogram.

MAKE IT: DIY Wedding: 1 Napkin, 3 Ways

Cold Weather Vibes

Cast all sorts of cozy winter wedding vibes by simply gluing an evergreen branch to a glowing candle. Start by hot gluing the stem and slowly gluing down the edges until it mostly lies flat against the glass. Safety Tip: Glue the stem at least half an inch below the lip of the glass to avoid an inferno on your big day.

MORE IDEAS: 38 DIY Dollar Store Wedding Decor Hacks

Sweet Treats

This DIY donut board is an inexpensive, trendy way to present treats. It's especially cute and cozy when displayed with a coffee bar during cool, crisp autumn weather. Have a piece of pegboard cut to size at your local home improvement store, give it a coat of non-toxic paint, then add small dowels for hanging.

Glitzy Glasses

Glam up ordinary glasses by rimming them in sparkling sugar. Pour corn syrup or piping gel in a shallow bowl and gold, large-crystal sugar in another shallow bowl. Dip the rims of your glasses into the corn syrup and then into the sugar. Give the sugar rims time to harden at room temperature.

Pretty Hydrangea Globe

Also known as a kissing ball, this floating floral sphere can be used many ways. It can be hung indoors or out — from a ceiling beam or a tree branch — as part of your ceremony backdrop or reception tablescapes or carried down the aisle by bridesmaids or flower girls. You'll need real or faux hydrangeas, a floral sphere and twine for this project. MAKE IT

Stylish Marbled Votives

Simultaneously add color and light to your tablescape with these adorable marbled votives. Make them in bulk ahead of time with our quick, easy marbling technique, which uses nail polish for color.

MAKE IT: Use Nail Polish to Create Marbled Votives

Festive Photo Booth

Photo booths are pretty standard at weddings nowadays. And while they provide lots of entertainment for guests, they can get pricey, especially if you rent one. We put together a photo booth for about half the cost of a rental using items from Amazon. Check out how to create this festive gold backdrop below.

MAKE IT: Amazon Has Everything You Need for a DIY Wedding Photo Booth

Silk Flower Wreath

This project is ideal for the DIY bride because you can get started months before the chaotic wedding week arrives. The best part? The silk flowers look so real that guests won't know they aren't. Hang these gorgeous wreaths as a ceremony backdrop, or display them at the reception. MAKE IT

Custom Chalkboard Menu

Get your guests excited for grub with a pretty, hand-lettered menu. All you need is a couple of chalkboards, some colorful chalk and a little creativity.

MAKE IT: Make Your Own Cafe Chalkboard + Hand-Lettered Party Menu

DIY Tree Stump Vase

Why limit yourself to basic ceramic or glass vases? This crafty, organic vase is a lovely way to take your wedding floral arrangements to the next level. Use our step-by-step instructions to create head-turning centerpieces for your rustic fall or woodland winter wedding.

MAKE IT: How to Make a Tree Stump Vase

Petal Toss Bar

Set up a small table where guests can collect a cone full of petals to toss on the newlyweds as they walk back down the aisle. The charming station will delight guests and add a pretty splash of color to your ceremony. MAKE IT

See More Photos: 17 Fun, Creative Wedding Exit Ideas

Gorgeous Greenery Backdrop

Give your next event an effortless organic look with a DIY greenery background that utilizes the beauty of nature. Collect greenery from your own backyard and clip onto twine to create a stunning backdrop or art installation, whether you're a botanical-loving bride or a more modern missus. We love the idea of clipping attendees' names and table numbers on each leaf for a creative way to show guests to their seats.

MORE IDEAS: 38 DIY Dollar Store Wedding Decor Hacks

Monogram Cornhole Game

A personalized cornhole game will keep wedding guests busy while waiting for the bride and groom to arrive. Use our step-by-step instructions to create a corn hole set for your big day and customize it with your marital surname initial and a paint job that coordinates with your wedding color palette.

MAKE IT: How to Build a Regulation Cornhole Set

Industrial-Chic Candelabra

Constructed from copper pipe and contact cement, this cool candelabra would be the perfect addition to an urban wedding. Feeling ultra-handy? Make a few of them and scatter throughout your reception on prominent tables.

MAKE IT: How to Make a Copper Pipe Candelabra

Understated Ambiance

Pull off a sleek, minimalist-style table design with a mix of ultra-sleek glass hurricanes, glowing white candles and rustic greenery vines. Incorporate glass hurricanes in various heights to add drama and dimension to your centerpiece display. Pro tip: Ground your tablescape with a simple white table runner, providing a crisp, clean canvas that allows your lush greenery to shine.

MORE IDEAS: 63 Gorgeous DIY Wedding Centerpieces

Geometric Table Runner

If flowers aren't your thing, go for a cool, modern tablescape that's totally unexpected. This 3-D table runner will have guests gushing all night. You'll be proud to say, "Actually, I made it myself!" MAKE IT

Wine Cork Bar Sign

In the midst of wedding planning stress, you probably don't need a reason to drink wine, but here's a reason to save the corks. Trace out the word you want to spell on craft paper, and hot glue your corks together using that template.

MAKE IT: How to Use Wine Corks To Make Monogram Letters

Upcycled Card Holders

Sometimes the most unlikely materials make the most fabulous DIY projects. Here, florist frog pins serve as wedding place card holders. To make your own, simply spray paint the frog pins gold (or another metallic hue), and add a little glitter if you'd like. The upcycled beauties will hold cardstock names upright.

Sparkler Send-Off Kits

Prep for a grand exit with these adorable, heart-shaped sparkler kits. Make these packaged kits ahead of time to display on a table near the door. MAKE IT

MORE IDEAS: 17 Fun, Creative Wedding Exit Ideas

Opt for the Unexpected

An unexpected but brilliant alternative to flowers, these embroidery hoop centerpieces are colorful, artistic and impactful. Gather your bridesmaids for a night of crafting, and knock out a chunk of your wedding worries. You'll just need embroidery hoops, embroidery floss, floral wire and yarn in your wedding colors.

Easy-to-Make Menu Cards

Menu cards aren't just for fancy events anymore. Add upscale elegance to the tablescape with DIY menu cards made from cardstock and ribbon that will get guests excited about the meal to come.

Colorful Paper Bunting

Add some floating color to your big day with these paper flag garlands. Download our free template, print the flags onto colorful cardstock and cut them out. For an outdoor reception, assemble the garland and attach the ends to two stakes in the ground.

DOWNLOAD FOR FREE: Free Printable Party Flag Banner Templates