7 Ways to Do It Yourself Wedding Decorations Cheap Without Sacrificing Style

By Priya Kapoor · February 28, 2026

# 7 Ways to Do It Yourself Wedding Decorations Cheap Without Sacrificing Style Your wedding day should be breathtaking — not bankrupting. The average couple spends over $2,000 on decorations alone, but savvy DIYers are pulling off stunning ceremonies for a fraction of that cost. Here's exactly how to make it happen. ## 1. Raid Dollar Stores and Thrift Shops First Before you open Etsy or Pinterest, walk through your local dollar store and thrift shops. You'll find glass vases, candle holders, picture frames, and ribbon in abundance. A set of 10 mismatched glass vases from Goodwill costs under $5 total — fill them with grocery store flowers and you have a centerpiece that looks intentional and elegant. **What to look for:** - Clear glass vases and bottles of varying heights - Candles and tealight holders - Frames for table numbers or signage - Fabric, ribbon, and lace by the yard Budget tip: Dollar Tree sells floral picks, greenery garlands, and lanterns that photograph beautifully. Spend $30 there before spending $300 anywhere else. ## 2. Go Heavy on Greenery, Light on Flowers Fresh flowers are the single biggest decoration expense. The workaround? Use greenery as your primary visual element and flowers as accents. Eucalyptus, ferns, and ivy are cheap, widely available, and photograph like a dream. A eucalyptus garland running down a reception table costs about $15 in materials versus $80+ for a floral runner. Add a few stems of white flowers from a grocery store bouquet and the effect is indistinguishable from a florist's work. **DIY greenery ideas:** - Eucalyptus arch using a $25 metal hoop from a craft store - Fern and candle centerpieces in thrifted vessels - Hanging greenery installations from ceremony ceilings or pergolas - Potted herbs (rosemary, lavender) as table centerpieces guests can take home ## 3. Make Paper and Fabric Do the Heavy Lifting Paper and fabric decorations are among the most cost-effective DIY options available, and they're beginner-friendly. **Paper projects that impress:** - **Paper flower backdrops**: Giant paper flowers made from cardstock cost about $1–2 each and create a dramatic photo backdrop. A full wall installation runs $20–40 in materials. - **Origami table numbers**: Folded paper cranes or geometric shapes as table markers cost pennies. - **Tissue paper pom-poms**: Hanging clusters of these in your wedding colors transform any plain space for under $10 total. **Fabric options:** - Buy tulle or chiffon by the bolt from fabric stores (often $2–4/yard) and drape it over chairs, arches, or ceilings. - Repurpose old bedsheets as tablecloths or ceremony backdrops — white linen looks intentionally rustic. ## 4. Leverage Lighting to Transform Any Space Nothing elevates a budget venue like the right lighting. String lights, candles, and lanterns create warmth and romance that expensive floral arrangements can't replicate. - **String lights**: A 100-foot strand costs $10–15. Drape them overhead, wrap them around trees, or line pathways. Buy after Christmas for 70% off and store them. - **Candles**: Bulk pillar candles from IKEA or Amazon cost $1–2 each. Group them in clusters of odd numbers on mirrors (thrifted) for a high-end look. - **Mason jar lanterns**: Fill with sand, a tealight, and a sprig of greenery. Cost per lantern: under $1. Pro tip: Warm white lights photograph better than cool white. Rent Edison bulb strands from a local party rental company if buying isn't practical. ## Common Mistakes to Avoid **Mistake #1: Thinking DIY means doing everything yourself.** The smartest DIY couples identify 3–4 high-impact projects and buy or simplify everything else. Trying to hand-make 200 centerpieces, a floral arch, all signage, and chair decorations will exhaust you before your wedding day. Pick your battles. **Mistake #2: Assuming cheap materials look cheap.** Presentation is everything. A $3 bundle of grocery store carnations in a clean glass vase looks more elegant than an expensive arrangement in a cluttered setting. Editing your decor — using fewer, well-placed pieces — always looks more intentional than overcrowding a space with budget items. ## Start Small, Think Big DIY wedding decorations don't require artistic talent or a craft room full of supplies. They require a plan, a few weekends, and the willingness to shop smart. Start with one high-visibility project — a ceremony backdrop or head table centerpiece — and build from there. Document your process, because other couples in your circle will ask how you did it. **Your action step:** This week, visit one thrift store and one dollar store with your wedding color palette in mind. Spend no more than $20. You'll be surprised what's possible — and how much you'll want to keep going. Your dream wedding is closer than your budget thinks.

7 Ways to Do It Yourself Wedding Decorations Cheap Without Sacrificing Style

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