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32 DIY Wedding Ceremony Decorations to Make Your Day Extra Special

Simple, easy touches that go a long way!

By Lauren Bettenga
diy wedding ceremony decorations
allinvisuality//Gallery Stock

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Ever since Mauricio proposed to Alex Drummond last year, the Drummond family has been dreaming up a gorgeous celebration for the happy couple right at the ranch. Just like any newly engaged couple, there's so much for them to plan before the wedding day, whether it's picking out the wedding favors or deciding on flavors for the wedding cake. (Alex and Mauricio's cake will be half vanilla, half strawberry. Yum!) If you’re planning a ceremony of your own this year, and looking to add homespun charm anywhere you can, there are plenty of beautiful DIY wedding ceremony decorations and ideas you can pull off in no time.

Including rustic welcome signs, photo display ladders, petal toss bars, and more, your guests will adore the ideas ahead that'll be fitting as part of a black tie affair or small backyard wedding. Need floral inspiration? Grab wildflowers from the garden or tack a train onto your bridal bouquet. You could even serve snacks as your guests arrive (like bite-sized chicken and waffles!). Once your ceremony is squared away, you can move on to planning your reception, including easy DIY wedding centerpieces. These easy, homemade wedding ceremony ideas will hit on all of the dreamy touches you could ever want for an even more personalized day.

1

Begin with a Barrel

barrel welcome wedding sign
Natalie Bray Studios

Prop a welcome sign against a barrel to greet your guests with a touch of rustic romance. Florals optional—but highly recommended!

SHOP WELCOME SIGNS

2

Give Directions

ceremony reception wedding sign
Anna Shackleford

This simple directional sign is a great idea for a large outdoor venue. Grab your handsaw and some spare wood to get started.

SHOP HANDSAWS

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3

Offer an Activity

animal feeding station for wedding ceremony
Esther Sun

Keep the kids and animals busy before your vows are exchanged—or make the idea part of your ceremony. How cute is this?

SHOP BASKETS

4

Open a Mailbox

wedding card mailbox diy wedding ceremony decorations
Mi Belle Photographers

Before your guests find their seats, give them a place to drop their cards. Decorate it with florals and a cute sign!

SHOP MAILBOXES

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5

Design a Display Ladder

wedding design ladder diy wedding ceremony decorations
Chloe Murdoch

Grab an old ladder from the barn and turn it sideways to display candles, flowers, and old family photos. Your guests will swoon at the charm.

See more at Bre Zimbelman at Joyful Weddings + Events.

SHOP FRAMES

6

Curate with Clothespins

clothespin photos wrapped around tree for wedding
Meghan Mehan Photography

You can also use clothespins to wrap a series of portraits and other meaningful mementos around a tree. Something about this will feel so sentimental!

SHOP CLOTHESPINS

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7

Pop Champagne

hanging champagne station diy wedding ceremony decorations
Julie Paisley Photography

Nothing says “welcome!” quite like a hanging tray of champagne. Place a glass in your guests’ hands as they arrive and mingle. Who said bubbles have to wait ‘til the reception?

SHOP ANTIQUE MIRRORS

8

Hang Horseshoes

hanging horseshoes diy wedding ceremony decorations
Instagram/@joelserrato

If you're part of an equestrian family like the Drummonds, you’ll adore this fun escort idea. When surrounded with ribbon, a horseshoe makes a perfectly chic name cards.

SHOP HORSESHOES

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9

Transform a Mason Jar

mason jar candles diy wedding ceremony decorations
Emily Wren

Here’s one more reason to love Mason jars: When paired with white candles, they’ll make your ceremony feel as peaceful as ever.

SHOP MOSS

10

Tie Burlap Bows

burlap bows seats diy wedding ceremony decorations
Ariel Renae

You can do a lot with burlap at a wedding, such as tying it into a bow on the back of your ceremony chairs.

SHOP BURLAP

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11

Consider Bistro Chairs

bistro chairs diy wedding ceremony decorations
Danielle Flake Photography

Bistro seating is another beautiful way to elevate your ceremony. Find inspiration from this setting that incorporates vintage floral touches to enhance a fall color palette.

See more from Natalie Ringham at Ringham Events.

SHOP CHAIRS

12

Arrange Armchairs

armchair seating diy wedding ceremony decorations
Mary Claire Photography

Some family members deserve that extra special treatment. Give your nearest and dearest VIP status with rockstar front row seating arrangements.

SHOP WHITE ROSES

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13

Line Up Benches

bench seating diy wedding ceremony decorations
Orange Photographie

On the other hand, long wooden benches are a refreshingly casual way to bring all of your guests together. The best part? You can easily build your own.

SHOP SANDERS

14

Make Use of a Mirror

mirror message diy wedding ceremony decorations
Onelove Photography

Write a romantic verse or phrase on an elegant mirror and place it where the aisle begins. You’ll catch your very best reflection!

SHOP PAINT PENS

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15

Call on a Companion

dog bouquet diy wedding ceremony decorations
Meghan Mehan Photography

Why wouldn’t your sweet pup be part of the ceremony? Safely and comfortably attach florals, rings, or vows to your best friend’s harness and send them down the aisle.

SHOP ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS

16

Pack in Petals

petal packets diy wedding ceremony decorations
Justin Muir

Many couples choose to be showered in rice for their post-ceremony exit, but petals are an even better option! They’re a little less traditional and look especially elegant against an outdoor backdrop. Save time and organize them into cones for your guests to grab before they sit down.

SHOP WICKER BASKETS

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17

Build a Petal Bar

petal bar diy wedding ceremony decorations
Natalie Bray Studios

Take things up a notch with a petal bar filled with bowls of bright and tossable hues.

See more at Lavish Weddings.

SHOP PETALS

18

Create Your Own Programs

program flags diy wedding ceremony decorations
Pipkin Paper Co.

Fly high with these fun DIY flag ceremony programs. If you’re planning a summer wedding, your guests can even use them as makeshift fans.

Get the tutorial at Pipkin Paper Co.

SHOP WOODEN DOWELS

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19

Serve Snacks

snack platter diy wedding ceremony decorations
Anagram Photography

Treat your guests to a quick bite before the nuptials start. Who doesn’t love chicken and waffles?

See more at Mason Dixon Designs.

SHOP MARBLE PLATTERS

20

Beautify the Bouquets

bouquets diy wedding ceremony decorations
Instagram/@joelserrato

Personalized ribbons add a special touch to your bridesmaids’ bouquets. Use extra pins to secure them in place.

SHOP RIBBON

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