"[Compilation] 26 DIY Wedding Items! A Complete List of Handcrafted Pre-Wedding Props and Decorations Everyone is Making"
2018.12.18 published
What DIY Items Can You Make for Your Wedding?
When it comes to wedding preparation, one of the things you want to do is wedding DIY! Handmade items for your pre-wedding photos and the wedding day itself are a staple among brides, perfect for creating beautiful photos and cute venue decorations.
However, for first-time brides-to-be, it can be hard to know what items are available in the first place.
In this article, we've gathered all sorts of wedding DIY items that brides are trying out, from classics to unique items!
Be sure to check this out if you're looking to start your own bridal DIY!
First, let's look at photography props that can be used for pre-wedding or post-wedding photos and table rounds during the wedding reception.
There are many items that can enhance your wedding photos! ♡
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ① Initial Object
A decorated object featuring the couple's initials. It's popular to create a lively design with artificial flowers, ribbons, and green moss.
➡ View design ideas for initial objects
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ② And Object
An and object, which is an object featuring the “&” symbol. Larger sizes are popular! Since they are not available for a low price, many brides tend to cut cardboard or foam board into the shape of “&” and make it themselves.
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ③ Love Object
A love object decorated with the four letters of "LOVE" using paper napkin flowers.
Besides "LOVE", you can also apply this to words like "HAPPY" and "WELCOME".
➡ View design ideas for love objects
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ④ Photo Props
Photo props are a staple for pre-wedding items. There are various designs, and some brides prepare dozens of them!
On the wedding day, they can be placed at the photo booth or guest tables for guests to use.
➡ View design ideas for photo props
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ⑤ Red String
The red string is a popular item among brides doing pre-wedding photos in traditional Japanese attire. Like the legend of the red thread of fate, it is used tied around the pinky! You can create a variety of shapes like hearts, ribbons, and Mickey Mouse.
It can be easily DIYed with just yarn and wire, making it a popular item for those new to DIY!
➡ View how to make the red string
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ⑥ Garland
A classic item, the garland. It's a flag-like item with the words "JUST MARRIED" written on it! ♡
➡ View wedding ideas for garlands
For traditional Japanese pre-wedding photos, a garland with a Japanese design saying "We Are Married" is recommended.
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ⑦ Fan Props
Fan props are shooting items decorated with fans using origami or artificial flowers.
Fans and origami can be found at 100 yen shops.
➡ View design ideas for fan props
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ⑧ Wedding Flags
Small flags with "GROOM" and "BRIDE" written on them are DIY items that originated overseas. They are decorated with artificial flowers and dried flowers, adding a festive touch! After using them for photos, they can serve as reception signs.
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ⑨ String Telephone
A string telephone made by connecting red yarn to paper cups. You can take playful wedding photos as if you are talking on a string telephone.
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ⑩ Photo Wreath
A photo wreath is a large wreath that several people can peek through. It is beautifully decorated with artificial flowers, creating a flower field-like atmosphere!
You can make a base by wrapping a hula hoop with yarn or jute twine.
➡ View how to make photo wreaths and design ideas
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ⑪ Instagram Panel
An Instagram panel is a photo panel that resembles an Instagram interface. LINE or Facebook style panels are also unique!
➡ View design ideas for SNS panels
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ⑫ Calligraphy
A calligraphy shot with a calligraphy piece is a must-have for brides doing pre-wedding photography in traditional Japanese attire.
There are web services that allow you to print calligraphy-like letters, so even brides who are not confident in their writing can prepare it.
➡ View ideas for calligraphy shots
【Photography Props】 Handmade Item ⑬ Acrylic Board
An acrylic board written with letters and illustrations using a pen on a transparent acrylic board is a new shooting item that has recently appeared! ♡ Since it is transparent, it's perfect for location shoots. ♩
We have introduced photography props for wedding DIY. Next, let's look at items to decorate the reception area and welcome space.
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ⑭ Welcome Board
The main feature of the welcome space is the welcome board, which serves as a signboard. There are various designs, including wedding photos printed on panels, caricatures, embroidery, and paintings on boards.
➡ View ideas for welcome boards
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ⑮ Welcome Trunk
The welcome trunk is an item filled with various items packed in a trunk or basket. By gathering items in a trunk, it creates a stylish and cohesive atmosphere. It's all about showing off your sense in what items you collect!
➡ View ideas for welcome trunks
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ⑯ Welcome Doll
Welcome dolls displayed at the reception or welcome space. Many brides seem to DIY dolls representing the bride and groom, themed around their favorite animals or characters.
➡ View ideas for welcome dolls
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ⑰ Welcome Sign
A welcome sign acts like a directional sign for the wedding. It’s also referred to as a wedding sign. This item requires proper DIY, such as cutting boards and hammering in nails, so it's something you might want to tackle with your husband! ♡
➡ View ideas for welcome signs
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ⑱ Welcome Wreath
The welcome wreath is a wreath displayed at the doors of the wedding venue or in the welcome space. A round wreath symbolizes "eternity," making it a very auspicious item.
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ⑲ Marquee Light
Marquee lights add to the party mood. They can be used to decorate various locations like the high table and welcome space, making a big impact.
They can be DIYed with thick paper and inexpensive lights, but since it can be quite challenging, many people opt to purchase them from budget shops. If you're not particular about design, buying them is also a good option!
➡ View ideas for marquee lights
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ⑳ Wedding Tree
A wedding tree is a welcome item where photos are displayed on branches of birch or dried trees. Printing photos in a square format looks stylish.
Guests will enjoy seeing many of your memorable photos displayed! ♡
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ㉑ Photo Garland
A photo garland is a garland made up of many connected photos. It can be used to decorate not only the wall of the welcome space but also hallways and staircases at the venue, making it highly versatile.
Guests will be able to pass the time looking at it while waiting, so it's something you definitely want to prepare! ♡
➡ View ideas for photo garlands
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ㉒ Welcome Mirror
The welcome mirror is an item where white lettering is drawn on a mirror with a Posca pen. Many brides use this as a substitute for a welcome board.
It's a simple DIY that just involves writing letters, making it a good choice for those who are short on time.
The simple design gives it a stylish overseas wedding vibe.
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ㉓ Love Story Dish
The love story dish is a plate that introduces the journey and date leading from the couple's meeting to their marriage. This overseas-origin DIY item allows you to stylishly convey your love story.
Some people also choose to print it on paper instead of on a plate and display it in a photo frame.
➡ View more items related to love stories
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ㉗ Couple Protection Board
The couple protection board is a board that commemorates the couple protection received after marriage. The couple protection that is popular among brides-to-be is the "Yorisoi Mamori," which can be obtained at Nogizaka Shrine in Tokyo.
It’s a common practice to use it as a shooting prop for traditional pre-wedding photography and then later make the couple protection board! ♡
➡ View more designs for couple protection boards
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ㉕ Profile Board
The profile board is a unique item decorated with objects related to the couple on a large board! You can embellish it with items that evoke the couple, such as favorite clothes and tools related to hobbies, allowing guests to understand the couple at a glance.
It's a large item, so it will undoubtedly attract guests' attention.
➡ View more designs for profile boards
【Decorative Items】 Handmade Item ㉖ Life-Size Panel
Lastly, we're introducing the life-size panel! It features the couple's photos printed to life size.
It may become a popular photo spot for guests.
➡ View how to make life-size panels and view more designs