Hand-crafted décor makes for a lasting impression. Add personal touches to your big day with these creative DIY wedding tips.

We are in a time where nearly every detail of a wedding is just one click away so it can be refreshing to see meaningful personal touches on the big day. Traditional elements such as the guest book and party favors are the perfect opportunity for brides to get creative and go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route.

While DIYs may take some additional time and effort, they can be a great way for the couple to showcase their unique personalities and the love they have for one another. Check out these DIY wedding tips anyone can master.

Afarose Insider Tip: DIYs are usually less expensive however you may have to purchase additional materials. Consider upcycling what you already have for a more affordable and more eco-friendly option.

DIY Wedding Welcome Signs

Welcome signs are perfect to help guests find their way to your ceremony or reception. These versatile pieces of décor are not only eye-catching but can be used in various ways such as a drink and food menu or seating chart. While convenient to have, welcome signs can get very pricey, especially for something fully customized.

Stick within your budget and get creative with your sign. Check out these easy DIY wedding tips and create the sign that suits you best.

1. Wooden Pallets

Wooden pallets create a rustic vibe perfect for outdoor or garden-themed weddings.

They can serve as a simple welcome sign or you can add other details like the event schedule. Purchase letter stencils and paint to create your customized message and decorate it with dried flowers and some leafy accents.

This DIY trend is not only easy but affordable.

2. Directional Post Signs

If you need to add some whimsical flair to your large venue, try a DIY directional post sign.

Purchase wood pre-cut in an arrow shape and paint various destinations on each one. You can attach your arrows to a wooden post and use large planters or flower pots as a decorative base.

Place your directional signs in various high-traffic areas throughout your ceremony and reception.

3. Clothing Rack

Another must-have to consider is a clothing rack. This fuss-free, flexible addition can create a chic and minimalistic feel.

Spray paint the frame to match any theme and add fairy lights, flowers, or vines to dress it up. Use eye-catching curtain rings to hang your welcome sign or photobooth backdrop.

DIY Wedding Guest Books

Typically one of the first things guests will see at the wedding, the guest book is, an ideal way to establish the theme of the event.

If you want to go beyond the traditional guest book, have guests add their signatures to your welcome sign, or consider one of these guest book DIY wedding tips.

4. Quilt Cut Ups

Upon arrival to the ceremony or reception, your guests will sign playfully patterned fabric squares giving their love and well wishes. You can then sew these squares into a quilt for a keepsake that’s sure to last a lifetime.

5. Message in a Bottle

The message in a bottle has become a common alternative to a guest book, it’s one of the easiest to DIY. Guests fill a decorative bottle or jar with notes of well wishes and advice for the couple to look back on later.

6. Polaroid Photo Guest Book

Combine your photo booth and guest book by providing Polaroid cameras at the guest book station. Guests can snap a quick selfie, write a sweet note, and add it to the photo book. To keep things moving you should have a few cameras on hand and someone to watch the station if possible.

Polaroid photos are also great wedding favors. Encourage your guests to take two photos—one for the photobook and one for a keepsake.

DIY Wedding Décor

The wedding décor dictates the mood and complements the wedding venue. This can be one of the most stressful aspects of the wedding for both the couple and the wedding planner or organizer. It can also be costly, depending on the size of the venue, the theme, and other various factors.

Some creative DIY ideas can add an intimate and personal touch. Table centerpieces are a perfect example—place flowers in old perfume bottles or display family photos. Here are a few more of our favorite tips for DIY wedding décor.

7. Solar-Powered Lights

There are a variety of solar-powered lights to choose from, including fairy light strands, globes, faux candles, and lawn lights. You can even DIY solar-powered lamps using mason jars. Simply find stake solar lights with removable tops and secure them to mason jar rings with double-sided tape or glue.

Solar-powered lights charge during the daytime ceremony and look especially beautiful as they gradually begin to glow when daylight fades. These DIY light jars make stunning centerpieces and light strands lend intimacy to outdoor events. They’re also relatively inexpensive, and both eco-friendly and reusable—perfect for earth-conscious couples.

8. Volleyball Net Photo Display

Displaying photos of you and your partner through various stages of your relationship can make the wedding feel even more personal A volleyball net is a unique way to display these photos and, despite its large size, will fit seamlessly into the reception styling. This personal but low-cost display is sure to be a conversation starter.

Add labels with the date and story behind each picture to bring guests into the relationship journey. Map out the timeline of your love story by arranging the photos chronologically. You could also add your favorite song lyrics, lines from your favorite book or poem, or your favorite movie quote to describe the pictures.

9. Origami

There are many ways you can incorporate origami into your wedding day. Origami can be used to create hanging backdrops or be used as mini-chandeliers to hang over tables. You can create unique place cards to enhance the theme of the wedding. For instance, Japanese cranes are a symbol of fidelity often seen at weddings; origami cranes would make unique and meaningful place cards.

There are many DIY origami tutorials available to help you create virtually anything. Additionally, is an eco-friendly option that won’t break the bank.

DIY Wedding Party Favors

Wedding favors should be a personal send-off and thank you to your guests. Consider items that are special and unique, but won’t break the budget. These DIY wedding tips are sure to help.

10. Food Favors

Small boxes or goodie bags are replacing tokens typically given as wedding favors. This is a flexible option as guests can choose to enjoy their treats at the wedding or at home.

If you and your partner like baking, consider home-baked cookies or small pastries to pass out to guests. Decorate them by printing “Thank You” stickers and attaching hand-written thank you notes or personalized messages to each.

If baking is not your style, olive oils, honey, and other tasty items are good alternatives. Consider a local vendor, that can help you create custom, artfully designed packages.

11. Candles or Soaps

Candles and soaps are among the most popular favors given during wedding celebrations. Make your own and incorporate colors and flowers from your wedding décor or from the location to update this classic keepsake.

Hand sanitizer is also a good alternative that your guests will certainly use. Add personalized label stickers with creative messages to make them unique to you and your partner.

12. Seeds

Like to mix function and advocacy? Seeds are a perfect non-traditional and eco-friendly favor to try.

Choose your favorite flower or plant, or put together an assortment for a surprise factor. Each favor can then be tied with ribbons and customized with printed or hand-written labels.

Consider Afarose For All Your Bridesmaid Attire and Wedding Dress Needs!

DIY elements add an affordable, personalized touch to an already memorable day. Your guests will love seeing your personality shine through in every little detail.

For the other elements, turn to Afarose, where you’ll find the perfect wedding dress that fits your budget. Try on dresses in our virtual wedding dress shop. You’ll find a variety of dresses to fit every theme, taste, and personality without breaking the bank.

Dress your entire wedding party—shop Afarose today.

Check out the 2023 New Arrival dress styles from Afarose! The Love at First Sight collection includes flowy romantic, floral designs with unique modern cuts. Select your favorite ones and try them on at home!