Whether you’re hand crafting personalized details or simply trying to stay within budget, DIY decor can bring an extra layer of charm and personality to your big day. But before you get started, here are a few points from our in-house designer, Margette, on how to make it as stress free and cost effective as possible.

1. Check with your venue to confirm their delivery and setup times
Some venues have policies in place that only allow same day deliveries. You can’t be in two places at once so a same day setup is tricky when you’re DIY’ing.  Knowing their schedules can help avoid a stressful time crunch.

2. Be creative-with your décor!
Ex: hand paint taper candles to reflect your personality or design and print your own tabletop stationery such as table numbers or menu cards.

Pro tips:

• For candles, Purchase the candles ahead of time and burn one to insure it will last the duration of your reception.  For menu cards think through how you would like them displayed and how much effort needs to go in to get them into the right place (such as set on top of each plate versus tucked into a specially folded napkin).
• Create one complete table setup and time yourself placing each item. Multiply that by the number of tables to estimate how long setup will actually take.
• Take a photo of your finished display to use as a visual guide on the big day.
• Your wedding planner will be there on the day of to ensure your tables are set up and match your photos. If you don’t have a planner then pick 2-3 people  you trust (who are not in your wedding party) with the purpose of setting up your décor.

3. Consider Renting Your Florals
Fresh flowers are stunning, but they can be pricey.  Something Borrowed Blooms is where we recommend our couples rent their florals from. We’ve had people utilize this option due to allergies too, not just to help with lowering the budget!

Pro tips:

• Pay attention to the size and quantity of your rented items. You may need a larger vehicle (van or truck) for transport.
• Assign the person helping with setup to pick up the rental truck or U-Haul.

4. Use Pinterest and Social Media posts as Inspiration, But Not as Your Complete Design Guide
Pinterest is full of dreamy ideas—but keep in mind that what you see may not be realistic for you to do on your own and it might also not be budget-friendly. Instead, use those pins as a jumping-off point to create a look that’s truly your own.

Pro tip:

• If you want to elevate your tablescape, rent printed linens. They will add texture and color to your overall look.
• Visit thrift stores to see what you can find for unique and cost effective accents for your wedding decor.
• Keep in mind that ordering through Amazon may save you money but the items might not be the same quality that you’d get through a professional rental company.

5. If you decide fresh flowers are your vibe- Trader Joes or local flower farms will give you the best price points.

Pro tip:

• Visit flower farms in advance to see what will be is season and when will the best time be to cut
• Watch videos on how to properly cut and store flowers until your wedding day
• Flowers must be kept in a cool location and the must be recut every time before placing them in water
• Transporting Hack- Bud vases fit perfectly in plastic glassware racks. See if your local rental company carries these. The other option is to ask your local florist when their deliveries are made and if they would save you a few boxes. Save any packing material that you can find.

Final Thoughts
DIY wedding decor is a labor of love—but with thoughtful planning and a few creative hacks, it’s totally doable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, time yourself during setup trials, and invest in a few key rentals that make everything easier (and prettier). At the end of the day, it’s not about everything being perfect—it’s about creating a space that feels like you.

Happy planning—and happy crafting!

Xoxo,
Margette

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