DIY saves money when the project is simple, the materials are cheap, and you start early. It costs money when it needs special tools, many hours, or last-minute fixes. Pick the projects below that fit a free weekend, and buy the rest.
Decide with a simple test
For each idea, write the cost to buy and the cost to make (materials, plus any tool you would have to buy). Then add the hours. If you save less than the value of your time, or the project needs a skill you don't have, buy it. The worksheet above does this for every project.
Paper and signs
- ·Handwritten or printed signs. One welcome sign and a few direction signs cover most needs.
- ·Digital invitations and a wedding website. See how to save money on a wedding.
- ·Paper or fabric table numbers.
- ·Ceremony programs on one sheet. One page, double-sided.
- ·Hand-lettered menus on a few boards instead of one per guest.
- ·Chalkboard welcome sign.
Decor
- ·Potted herbs or plants as centerpieces that guests can take home.
- ·Potted or foraged greenery where the venue and local rules allow it.
- ·Jars as candle holders.
- ·String lights over the seating.
- ·Cake-table styling with fabric and flowers you already have.
- ·Pressed-flower place cards.
- ·Photo display of the couple through the years.
- ·Seating chart on a frame or board.
Food, drinks and favors
- ·Self-serve dessert or coffee bar.
- ·Favor bags filled with a consumable such as cookies or tea.
- ·Custom cocktail napkins.
Entertainment
- ·Homemade playlist with a shared link guests can add to.
- ·Photo backdrop from fabric, paper or greenery.
- ·Borrowed lawn games. See affordable reception activities.
- ·Printed activity cards.
- ·Scavenger hunt cards. Our photo scavenger hunt is free to print.
- ·A printed QR code sign for the photo roll. See wedding QR code ideas.
- ·Handmade guest-book alternative. More in guest book alternatives.
- ·Send-off bubbles or flower petals, if the venue allows them.
What to buy instead
Skip DIY for anything that must be perfect on the day or is hard to redo: the cake, wedding attire, fireworks, anything electrical, and food that needs a food license or temperature control. A mistake there costs more than it saves.
Plan it like a project
- ·List your projects and rank them by savings.
- ·Set a finish-by date for each, at least two weeks before the wedding.
- ·Assign each to one person.
- ·Do a test version of anything you have not made before.
- ·Pack finished items by table so setup is fast.
See the wedding budget guide for where the savings go.
FAQ
Is DIY actually cheaper for a wedding?
Often, if the project is simple and you start early. It can cost more once you count tools, mistakes and your time, so compare the cost to buy with the cost to make before you commit.
What DIY projects are easiest for beginners?
Signs, table numbers, a playlist, string lights and a self-serve dessert table need few skills and little time.
How far ahead should we start DIY projects?
Start two to three months out, and finish everything at least two weeks before the wedding.
Skipping the rented booth? See photo booth alternatives and what a booth costs.
