Wedding Decorations: Homemade or Store-Bought? How to Save Money and Still Wow Your Guests
Wedding decorations can eat up a big part of your budget—fast. But here’s the good news: with a little creativity and a bit of help from your friends, you can create beautiful, personal, and budget-friendly decor that doesn’t look cheap or last-minute.
Whether you’re deciding between homemade vs. store-bought decorations or wondering how to make DIY feel elevated, this post will help you design a wedding that feels intentional, gorgeous, and entirely your own.
The Case for Homemade Decor
Homemade decorations aren’t just about saving money—they’re about adding personality. If you have a vision, a few crafty friends, and a weekend or two to spare, you can create custom touches that feel meaningful and one-of-a-kind.
Here’s what works well as DIY:
Centerpieces: Think mason jars, thrifted vases, candles, or greenery from your own garden.
Welcome signs and seating charts: Handwritten on chalkboards, mirrors, or acrylic panels.
Table numbers and name cards: Easily printed at home or designed using Canva.
Favor tags or packaging: Add a sweet touch with personalized labels or handmade notes.
Photo displays: String lights and printed photos of your journey as a couple.
Succulent or herb favors: Affordable, adorable, and something guests can actually use.
Bonus? Your friends will likely love being involved, and your guests will appreciate the heart and thought behind each detail.
How to Keep DIY from Looking “DIY”
Let’s be real—some DIY decor looks polished and professional, and some looks... like a high school art project. The difference is in the planning, materials, and consistency.
Stick to a cohesive color palette and theme. Random decor elements feel chaotic. A focused design keeps everything tied together.
Use quality materials. Dollar store finds can be great, but avoid anything flimsy, poorly printed, or too trendy unless you know how to elevate it.
Don’t overcomplicate. Simple, well-executed ideas always win over ambitious, half-finished ones.
Test your ideas in advance. Make a mock-up table to see how everything looks together before committing.
When to Go Store-Bought (or Rental)
There are some items you’re better off renting or purchasing:
Table linens and napkins: You’ll save hours (and stress) by renting clean, pressed, ready-to-go linens.
Chairs and tables: Rent them from a local vendor. Trying to borrow mismatched chairs or move heavy tables yourself rarely works out well.
Lighting: Uplighting, twinkle lights, or chandeliers can make a big impact, and should be safe and professionally installed.
Backdrops or arches: These focal points are best rented or built by a pro unless you have the tools and time to do it right.
Sometimes, store-bought items like candle holders, faux greenery, or signage from retailers or e-tailers like Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Amazon, or Etsy can complement your DIY approach without blowing your budget.
Combine the Best of Both Worlds
One of the best strategies? Mix DIY and store-bought for a balanced look:
Use store-bought basics (like vases or stands), and personalize them with handmade touches (like ribbon, tags, or florals).
Pair a rented ceremony arch with a DIY floral installation or fabric draping.
Add handwritten notes or signs to otherwise simple table setups.
Ask for Help
Gather your wedding party or a few close friends for a “craft and wine” night. Assign tasks, share materials, and make it fun. Many hands make light work—and laughter makes it memorable.
Your decorations don’t need to cost a fortune to be stunning. A thoughtful mix of homemade charm and smart purchases can create an atmosphere that feels warm, personal, and beautiful. With a little planning (and a lot of love), your wedding decor can be just as unforgettable as your vows.
Need help pulling your decor together—whether it’s DIY, store-bought, or somewhere in between? Contact us to help you design, source, and set up every detail so your wedding looks amazing without the stress.
