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17 paper wedding decorations

17 Paper Decorations for Your DIY Wedding

Wedding season fast approaching! Whether you’re just starting to plan or if your special day is just around the corner, it’s never too early or too late to add a touch of DIY charm to your event – especially if the projects are as easy and economical as these DIY paper decorations:

1.  Covered Paper Boxes

Covered paper boxes make lovely bridesmaid proposal boxes. And if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, they also make great party favor boxes. Learn how to make them over at Style Me Pretty.

2.  Paper Chain Garland

This simple but sophisticated paper chain garland is quick and easy to make.

paper chain garlands diy wedding decorations

Try using metallic paper for an added touch of luxury, or work with pastels or any other shades that fit your color scheme. Learn how to make this garland on Martha Stewart Weddings.

3.  Spring or Summer Paper Lanterns

Simple, seasonal white paper lanterns make lovely centrepieces. Lia Griffith’s free downloadable template is perfect for spring or summer weddings.

spring summer paper lanterns diy wedding decorations

All you need is translucent white paper and a battery-operated tealight. Download the template from Lia Griffith.

4.  Winter Paper Lanterns

If you’re planning a winter wedding, don’t worry! Lia has winter-themed paper lanterns as well.

winter paper lanterns diy wedding decorations

You can use the same translucent white paper we recommended for the spring and summer lanterns. Get the templates from Lia Griffith.

5.  Simple Circle Streamers

These circle streamers are easy to make and add a fanciful touch to any wedding. Dress them up using metallic paper, or add a vivid pop of color using bright card stock.

paper circle streamers diy wedding decorations

Take a look at our selection of colorful cardstock. Learn how to make these streamers at Martha Stewart Weddings.

6.  Giant Paper Flowers

Create a truly eye-catching backdrop for photos or for behind your wedding party table. Pull colors from your event’s color palette, combine shades, and experiment with different sizes and configurations till you settle on an arrangement you like.

giant paper flowers diy wedding decorations

Get the instructions for making your own giant paper flowers from The Sits Girls.

7.  Accordion Fold Pinwheels

Add a burst of color and texture with these easy accordion fold pinwheels. Create multiple pinwheels and arrange them artfully on a wall, or craft a kitschy garland to adorn empty spaces.

paper-accordion-pinwheels

Follow the tutorial on to Rustic Wedding Chic.

8.  Confetti Cones

These confetti cones aren’t technically decorations, but they’re just too fun to leave off of our list!

paper confetti cones diy wedding decorations

Whether you fill them with rice or confetti, your guests will love them. Learn how to make them on The Wedding of my Dreams.

9.  Draping Flower Garland

This elegant white flower garland is a classic choice for any wedding.

draping paper flower garland diy wedding decorations

Keep it simple using plain white vellum paper, or try using pastels like pink, ivory, or blue to add a hint of color. Learn how to make your own draping flower garland with this tutorial by Lia Griffith.

10.  Paper Roses

Cut back on your floral costs by creating your own centrepieces out of paper. These adorable paper roses are perfect for any event.

mini paper roses diy wedding decorations

Follow the simple step-by-step tutorial by Santa Barbara Wedding.

For full DIY bouquet ideas, take a look at Isabella Caprario’s post How To Make a DIY Wedding Bouquet.

11.  Boxwood Greenery

Add some natural texture to your wedding with these simple boxwood paper cut-outs. You could experiment with different colors, but sticking to shades of green will ensure that these cut-outs don’t clash with your other floral arrangements.

paper boxwood garland diy wedding decorations

Download the templates from Lia Griffith. Try using these green hues:

Backdrops 

We found so many beautiful paper backdrops that we decided they deserved their own category.

Here are some of our favorites:

1.  Feathers

This paper feather backdrop is easy to customize to your color scheme, and it’s simple enough to complement your photos without overwhelming the stars of the show – you and your wedding party.

paper feather backdrop diy wedding decorations

Download the printable templates on Ruffled.

2.  Fancy Feathers!

For a little added luxury, try dipping your paper feathers in gold paint like Lia Griffith.

gold tipped paper feathers diy wedding decorations

See how Lia did it on her blog.

3.  Leaves

This paper leaf backdrop is a little more intricate, but it’s easy to customize to your color scheme and it adds interesting texture to any photo.

papercut leaf backdrop diy wedding decorations

Download the templates and create your own papercut leaf backdrop with these instructions by Ruffled.

ombre paper backdrop diy wedding decorations4.  Ombre

Ombre is everywhere. No matter what color palette you’ve chosen for your wedding, this simple scalloped ombre backdrop is the perfect way to add an extra punch of color to your photos.

Get the instructions from Martha Stewart Weddings.

5.  Butterflies

This paper butterfly backdrop is a little more feminine, and it’ll add a lightly whimsical touch to your wedding photos.

paper butterfly backdrop diy wedding decorations

Glitter Inc. shows you how to create your own butterfly backdrop.

geometric paper backdrop diy wedding decorations6.  Geometric Pattern

Add a geometric effect to your wedding photos with this folded paper backdrop. Its interesting 3D texture and modern geometric style will contrast nicely with the softer lines of your wedding dress.

Learn how to make this backdrop using these instructions by Martha Stewart Weddings.

Embracing DIY 

Creating your own wedding decorations out of simple supplies like paper is an easy way to keep your wedding costs low. DIY decorations may take some time to put together, but they also add a personalized touch to your special day that their store-bought counterparts simply can’t recreate.

For more DIY wedding ideas, take a look at all of our Wedding Inspiration posts!

Steph Schinkel

Steph is an avid crafter, DIY enthusiast, and regular contributor to The Paper who loves to handmake all of her cards. Above all else, Steph is a die-hard foodie with a massive sweet tooth and a deep, soul-consuming love for chocolate.