32 DIY Wedding Ceremony Decorations to Make Your Day Extra Special
Simple, easy touches that go a long way!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
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.
Begin with a Barrel
Prop a welcome sign against a barrel to greet your guests with a touch of rustic romance. Florals optional—but highly recommended!
Give Directions
This simple directional sign is a great idea for a large outdoor venue. Grab your handsaw and some spare wood to get started.
Offer an Activity
Keep the kids and animals busy before your vows are exchanged—or make the idea part of your ceremony. How cute is this?
Open a Mailbox
Before your guests find their seats, give them a place to drop their cards. Decorate it with florals and a cute sign!
Design a Display Ladder
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.
Curate with Clothespins
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!
Pop Champagne
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?
Hang Horseshoes
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.
Transform a Mason Jar
Here’s one more reason to love Mason jars: When paired with white candles, they’ll make your ceremony feel as peaceful as ever.
Tie Burlap Bows
You can do a lot with burlap at a wedding, such as tying it into a bow on the back of your ceremony chairs.
Consider Bistro Chairs
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.
Arrange Armchairs
Some family members deserve that extra special treatment. Give your nearest and dearest VIP status with rockstar front row seating arrangements.
Line Up Benches
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.
Make Use of a Mirror
Write a romantic verse or phrase on an elegant mirror and place it where the aisle begins. You’ll catch your very best reflection!
Call on a Companion
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.
Pack in Petals
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.
Build a Petal Bar
Take things up a notch with a petal bar filled with bowls of bright and tossable hues.
See more at Lavish Weddings.
Create Your Own Programs
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.
Serve Snacks
Treat your guests to a quick bite before the nuptials start. Who doesn’t love chicken and waffles?
See more at Mason Dixon Designs.
Beautify the Bouquets
Personalized ribbons add a special touch to your bridesmaids’ bouquets. Use extra pins to secure them in place.
5 Easy Tricks to Keep Dahlias Blooming Until Frost
7 Gardening Tasks to Tackle Before the Summer Ends
22 Fall Landscape Ideas for Curb Appeal
Welcome Fall with a Wreath on Your Front Door
