I’m always hesitant to suggest DIYs for brides, because my DIY-heavy wedding almost put me over the edge. (Starting with 2,000-plus paper flowers. Eesh.) But despite my reticence, DIYs are incredibly popular among brides, and for a good reason: Sweet little DIY touches are an easy—and often inexpensive—way to make your big day stand out amid a sea of “been there, seen that” weddings.
So since you’re likely going to DIY something, I went ahead and picked a bunch of gorgeous projects for you—and got DIYing tips from Style Me Pretty’s Abby Larson—who knows a thing or two about making a wedding special.
PROJECT 1: DIY Mint Julep Favors
TIP: Start with the favors. Abby says: “The best place to start for the novice crafter is the wedding favor. Craft something that your guests will love—and, more important, will use. Whether it’s infused olive oils, scented salts, or cocktails on the go, DIY something personal and delicious as a thank-you to your guests. ”
PROJECT 2: DIY Flower Wall
TIP: Take a trend and elevate it. Abby says: “Paper flowers are all the rage right now and definitely worthy of some DIY hours. To keep your flowers from looking too trendy, use them as a backdrop for your guestbook, your dessert bar, or a white-washed wedding cake.”
PROJECT 3: DIY Fresh Flower Drink 
TIP: Think small to have a big impact. Abby says: “Your guests will always remember those little personal touches. The sweet anecdotes that leave the longest-lasting impression. For example, as guests walk into your outdoor ceremony greet them with a glass of cold lemonade and a pretty flower drink stirrer to boot.”
PROJECT 4: DIY Fringe Cake Backdrop
TIP: Or, think big. Abby says: “In some cases, big is, well, big! A backdrop is an amazing focal point for your wedding decor. So much so that you can go lighter on the rest of the room because all eyes will be drawn to something as colorful and gawkworthy as this DIY fringe number.”
PROJECT 5: DIY Wax Paper Backdrop
TIP: Craft it with love. Abby says: “DIYing shouldn’t be a frantic, chaotic, glue-gun-induced-burn kind of experience. It should be shared with friends and family over a glass of wine, as you all cut out tiny circles for your wax-paper ceremony backdrop or tie ribbons for your vanilla-scented sugar favors.”
PROJECT 6: DIY Headpiece
TIP: Consider your fashion. Abby says: “Whether you update your gown with an amazing DIY belt or you quickly whip up your birdcage headpiece, fashion is one place where you can really DIY something to get exactly the look you want. Caveat: DIY dressmaking is the exception to the rule. Way too hard for this DIY-er!”
PROJECT 7: DIY Plaster Candlesticks
TIP: Use everyday materials. Abby says: “To keep your budget down, consider how everyday materials can be transformed. Soup cans can be wrapped in gorgeous ribbon and used as vases for centerpieces. Bulletin boards can be glued together and lined with crepe paper for an amazing cake backdrop. Loofah sponges, when dipped in plaster, can resemble pricey coral candleholders. The options and ideas are truly endless!”
(Click the linked project names for the how-tos, if that’s not abundantly clear.)
Are you going to DIY anything for your wedding? Which of these ideas is your favorite?