Calling all boho chic brides!

One of the many great things about having bohemian flair is that it pairs perfectly with DIY. As we all know, weddings can be incredibly expensive events, and finding ways to cut costs is essential for remaining within your budget. But which accessories and décor are safe options to DIY, and which are better left to the professionals?

If you’re not someone who has had a lot of practice in making things from scratch, the prospect of doing DIY for your wedding might seem daunting.

However, we’re here to tell you that not only is DIY an affordable, simple, and sustainable way to create a stunning bohemian wedding, but the process of crafting can also make your big day feel even more special.

Here are 8 easy DIY accessories and décor items for your budget-friendly boho wedding.

1. Flower Chandelier

Flowers are quintessential wedding décor, and they look stunning in just about any formation. But if you’re looking for a simple yet delightfully bohemian addition, a flower chandelier could be exactly what you need.

To make a flower chandelier simply take a circular bamboo or wooden frame (like an embroidery or dreamcatcher hoop) and suspend it so it’s facing downwards—ribbons or rustic twine work well for this. Then, simply hang your chosen flowers stem up so that the blossoms face your guests below. Beauty!

2. Tin-Punch Candle Holders

You can always rely on candles to add an ambient atmosphere to any wedding reception or ceremony. But with the current cost of brand-new ceramic holders, buying several sets can get expensive.

Instead, why not opt for some tin-punch candle holders that give a quirky, comfy glow to any environment? Grab some old tin cans or collect them from your neighborhood, wash them clean and de-label them, and then punch some decorative holes in the side using a hammer and nail.

Before you start punching, it might be a good idea to pencil in some basic lines or shapes to help guide you. This will ensure your candle holders look as beautiful and put-together as possible.

3. Rustic Vase Centerpiece

Who doesn’t love getting their hands stuck in some wet clay? Rustic vase centerpieces give you the opportunity to get creative while making something that you can use beyond just your wedding day.

Grab yourself some air-drying terracotta clay, shape it into some rustic vases and jar shapes, and allow them to bake in the oven or under sunlight until rock solid.

You can use these as the centerpiece for your reception tables, and fill them with whatever you like – flowers etc. Unsure of your sculpting skills? Invite some artsy friends over for a pot-making day! Or simply find an online tutorial that gives you basic guidelines for how to form clay from scratch.

4. Vintage Plate Décor

If you’re a big thrift store fan, you know all about how many crockery gems are just waiting around to be discovered. Vintage plates make excellent wedding décor and you can use them in both practical and aesthetic capacities. So, why not include them in your bohemian-themed wedding?

From quirky flower patterns to eccentric, intricate designs, there are loads of unique plates you can incorporate into your wedding décor. Use them on the table, or cover a wall with them for an interesting backdrop. And the best part? They hardly require any DIY at all!

5. Flower Crowns and Bouquets

There’s something really special about making your own wedding accessories. Not only does it give you more control over the outcome of what you wear, but it also saves you a lot of money on something that is typically quite expensive when bought in-store.

To make a DIY flower crown, you need a few things: craft wire, scissors, floral tape, and flowers. First, shape the wire to the size of your head, and make sure it is sturdy enough to sit comfortably. Then, take your selection of flowers and map out where you’d like to position them on your crown. Tape and tie the flowers on using the wire, and add blooms until you’re happy with the result.

Making a bouquet can also be as simple or as complex as you choose. You can simply gather blooms and wire them together, wrapping the stems in ribbon, or you can learn how to make a DIY wedding bouquet by watching YouTube videos. If you're really serious about getting that professional look you can even book yourself a course or classes that teach you all about floristry.

You can use fresh or fake flowers, but if you use fresh, practice a few times before making your crowns or bouquets on your big day.

6. Succulent Place Cards

This is an attractive way to showcase your bohemian flair that costs a fraction of typical wedding place card holders. Plus, they’re great for the environment and make great take-home favors for guests.

Succulents can be easily found in miniature form, and the little pots they come in are primed for just about every kind of customization. Tie ribbons around them, add name tags, paint designs on them, or simply let them sit as is for a natural, fresh-looking piece of table décor that guests will love.

7. Macramé Backdrop

Macramé is a huge trend right now, and it’s easy to understand why. The art of weaving rope into ornate patterns and designs allows people to express themselves creatively and make décor that’s completely unique.

You can use macramé as a backdrop, as a natural chandelier, or even as a wall hanging behind the gifts table or in other spaces to create an earthy atmosphere. If you’re not well-versed in macramé, you can always ask others who are to help you or to learn with your bridal party. The beauty of this art form is that it’s easy to undo and redo!

8. Hanging Jar Lanterns

If anything screams “simple but effective” for a boho-themed wedding, it’s hanging Mason jar lanterns. They require almost no effort or DIY skills and yet create a very attractive and versatile effect that can be suspended from anywhere for a warming, atmospheric effect.

All you need to make them is some clean Mason jars (or any jars really), tea-light candles, and rustic twine or ribbon. Et voila! Instant charm.

Planning a wedding is always something of a challenge, but it can be made a lot more manageable and affordable when you get involved in the fabrication process. Plus, you’ll go into your marriage feeling that much more confident in your creative DIY skills!

Thanks to Karen Bradford at Truly Experiences for this great article! Image: Jeremy Wong Weddings

Julia Esteve Boyd

The Etiquette Consultant