A few DIY projects can really inject some personality to your wedding decor. They are also a great way to take your reception to the next level with unique ideas that you’ve put some effort into. Your guests will be seriously impressed by your handy skills. We’ve picked our 12 DIY ideas that will really add the wow factor to your reception.

1. Flower Chandelier

An embroidery hoop can be transformed into a gorgeous flower chandelier with some basic supplies. Roses and peonies in pink, peach and white have a classic look, but you can also go for bold and bright blooms for a dramatic look.

2. Moss Table Numbers

Instant green moss sheets are used here to create these table numbers, which can be placed under bell jars for a different look. You can expand on this idea by using the moss for letters or to spell out words on the tables.

3. Spun Sugar Decoration 

Spun sugar can be used to decorate so many desserts at your wedding to give a little flair and color. If you’re having a simple cake you can also make some spun sugar to place on top of it for a quick and easy decoration.

4. Feather-topped Drink Stirrers 

Putting some extra thought into the smaller details will really make a difference to the overall style of your wedding. These are great to do yourself too as they don’t take very long to make, but have plenty of impact. Drink stirrers topped with a feather will look gorgeous for a bohemian affair.

5. Flower Power Photo Backdrop 

Creating your own photo backdrop will save on the expense of a photobooth and also add some stunning color to a plain wall. These silk flowers will have your guests lining up for their time in front of the camera.

6. L.O.V.E Marquee Letters 

These marquee letters might require some more effort, but it’s such a fun project to work on as a couple. Just look how awesome they’ve turned out!

7. Edible Gem Favors

These yummy DIY gems will not only look and taste delicious, but they can also be used as a decoration for dessert tables too.

8. Mini Disco Ball Place Cards 

The contrast between the shimmering disco ball and the plants will ensure that these place cards keep your guests interested. Unexpected details like this are fun to make and great to watch your family and friends enjoy.

9. Floral Beach Cruiser 

Decorating a white bicycle with flowers and a sign will give you the perfect exit for a beach wedding. It also looks great as an interesting piece of decor too.

10. Light Columns 

If you’re having a wedding that also has an outdoor or pool area, these paper lantern columns will brighten up the space.

11. Test Tube Chandelier

Who would have thought that a chandelier made from test tubes could look so good? With the added bonus that you can tell everyone that you made this eye-catching piece yourself.

12. Chevron Risers

These DIY chevron risers will look perfect on top of the bar, dessert tables or to give your centerpieces a vivid lift.

Photo one: honestlywtf.com; Photo two: ruffledblog.com; Photo three: blog.etsy.com; Photo four: 100layercake.com; Photo five: blog.etsy.com; Photo six: evanandkatelyn.com; Photo seven: projectwedding.com; Photo eight: ohsobeautifulpaper.com; Photo nine: stylemepretty.com; Photo ten: marthastewart.com; Photo eleven: oncewed.com; Photo twelve: stylemepretty.com

Save

It seems unlikely that leather should have a place in your wedding decor, but leather details are both stylish and unexpected. From adding a rustic touch to a textural element, there are so many ways to use leather in a luxurious way. Here are 10 luxe leather details to inspire you!

1. Thick Leather Menu

When it comes to choosing the paper stock for your menus, there are a multitude of options. Instead of sticking to the usual aesthetic, go for leather. With some gorgeous calligraphy, the leather will add some dimension to your table settings.

2. The Rock and Roll Bride 

If your wedding is on a chilly day, you might be in need of a cover up. Throw out any notions of wrapping up in a cream pashmina or cropped cardigan, by adding some edge in the form of a leather jacket.

3. Luggage Tag Escort Cards 

Turn your escort cards into favors, with these personalized luggage tags. The arrangement of the leather tags will also add to your decor. This is a favor that your guests will actually use and appreciate too.

4. Leather Bridal Belt 

If you want to include a casual accessory into your bridal look, then opt for a thin leather belt. It will define your waist as well as adding to the style of your dress.

5. Brown Leather Guestbook

This leather wrapped guestbook has a scrapbook or journal look to it. It’s such a lovely way to start your journey together and in a format that will be easy to read and take with you. Perfect for packing on your honeymoon!

6. Napkin Ring 

For an eclectic table of mismatched tableware, a mix of textures and prints is the way to go. Wooden table runners work really well with a leather napkin ring. Plus, if you’re looking for ways to cut costs, you can make these napkin rings yourself.

7. Lounge in Style

We love the idea of separating a large venue into smaller spaces, with the use of furniture. Create a lounging area, with a plush leather sofa and some monogrammed cushions. A great way for your guests to relax.

8. The Groom’s Suspenders 

For a country-style wedding, you can’t go wrong with a pair of leather suspenders for the groom. Hitting the perfect balance between formal and casual, these suspenders look great with the gray suit.

9. The Invitation Suite 

The inclusion of leather in this invitation suite is so great. Such a lovely way to make the design of your suite less predictable.

10. Leather Wrapped Bouquet 

If you’re going rustic, then wrapping your bouquets in leather will be a great detail for your theme.

Save

With a much larger wedding planned in Guatemala for next year, Ines and Wes wanted their Texas wedding day to be filled with love and only those nearest and dearest to them. Instead of hiring a professional, the couple opted to enlist family and friends to help them with the wedding preparations, making their poolside boho wedding reception even more special to them and their loved ones.

A huge thank you to Molly Magee for sending us all the gorgeous photos so we could share Ines and Wes’s day with you!

Ines, 26 & Wes, 26

Fredericksburg, TX

Wedding Date: May 30th, 2015

Wedding Cost: $5,500

Wedding Ceremony Location: Private Residence

Wedding Reception Location: Private Residence

Why did you have an intimate wedding? 

We wanted an evening filled with love and to share it with people that would be genuinely happy to see us get married.

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding? 

Nothing was a challenge really. We decided to not go with a wedding decorator and do it ourselves. It turned out to be even more special because everyone had something to do with it.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list? 

Not really. We’re having a much larger wedding in Guatemala next year so we had complete control of this list. We just invited immediate family and close friends. It was easy to put a list together.

What were the highlights of the ceremony? 

We couldn’t stop crying. We kind of forgot everybody else was in front of us and just looked at each other. We remembered the guests were there when we kissed and they all started cheering and clapping.

What were the highlights of the reception? 

Everyone at the reception knowing each other and being good friends. Even the people who had just met each other became close.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding? 

Not having any strangers there. Everyone who was there meant something to us.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding? 

Do it, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Just invite the people who know and care about you as a couple; it makes it much more special. It truly turned out to be better than we ever could’ve imagined. We almost wish this was our only wedding, but we already have everything planned in Guatemala.

There is a reason why The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo has sold more than 2 million copies (I’m reading it now and highly recommend it!). People want to simplify their lives. Why? There is incredible power in simplicity.  And that goes for weddings too. Simple weddings are so beautifully authentic; they’re all about the love.

Faux wedding events seem to be all the rage these days. Popping up everywhere as an alternative to your typical convention center bridal show, the faux wedding allows “guests” to experience a handful of talented local vendors first-hand and in action as they attend a staged ceremony and reception complete with dinner, dancing, and all the festivities of a real wedding.

KnotCrashers is just one of the latest in these series of faux wedding events and they recently threw a gorgeous bohemian styled vow renewal at the Casitas Estate in San Luis Obispo with the help of some of California’s top wedding professionals. Here’s what Sam & Chanda of Zest it Up had to say about the event:

Jumping on the trend of alternative bridal fairs, KnotCrashers threw an intimate affair at The Casitas Estate in Arroyo Grande, CA.  Guests were invited to attend the vow renewal of Laurie & Lance as they were dazzled by a dream team of wedding professionals from the Central Coast.  With two professionals for every aspect of ceremony, cocktail, and reception, there was a beautiful array of talent without being overwhelming for the attending brides and grooms.  With dinner, dancing, and love filling the air, it was a grand night for all.

The talented  Sarah Kathleen Photography & Photography by Jay C. Winters were on hand to capture this dazzling event.

Watch these videos for a behind the scenes look at the event:

Knotcrashers {Laurie + Lance} from Dustin Ensign Videography on Vimeo.

laurie + lance from Spencer Sarson Visuals on Vimeo.

KnotCrashers \\ Slow-Motion Video Booth from Spencer Sarson Visuals on Vimeo.

Vendors:

Catering: Catering by Crave & Catering by Chef Charlie

Desserts: Paper Cake Events & Just Baked SLO

Donuts: Sugar Lips Mini Donuts

DJ: DJ Bob

Videography: Spencer Sarson Visuals & A Celluloid Dream

Photography: Sarah Kathleen Photography & Photography by Jay C. Winters

Flowers: Bella Bloom Events & Noonan Designs

Officiant: Billy Nason

Venue: The Casitas Estate

Rentals: All About Events & Botanica Floral & Event Design

Hair & Make-up: Country Rossi Artistry & The Blushed Company

Day-of Coordinator: Zest it Up

Brewing: Central Coast Brewing

Non-Profit: Journeyman International

Jewellery: Kevin Main Jewelry

Graphic Design: Olive and Emerald & Morningside Paper Studio

Handmade Signs: Sign, Sealed, Delivered

Men’s Apparel: Patrick James

Women’s Apparel: Lindee Daniel and H&G Boutique

Musician: Melody Wed

Save