Planning a wedding at a DIY venue is an adventure. You’ve got a blank canvas to make the day feel just right for you. However, making sure everyone’s having a good time can seem like a lot to take on. Skip the usual photo booth and check out these awesome, out-of-the-box ideas that are perfect for your DIY space.

 

Set up a DIY Flower Crown or Boutonnière Bar

A DIY flower crown and boutonnière bar can instantly add colour and serve as a brilliant icebreaker at your venue. Set up a table with fresh and dried flowers, a bit of greenery and all the bits and bobs - floral wire and tape - so guests can have a go at making their own. It’s part decoration, part activity and fits right in with a festival-style celebration.

Save time by precutting the floral wire and conditioning the flowers the morning before, or consider having a local florist guide guests through the process. Choose hardy flowers and foliage that are easy to mix and match, like baby’s breath, roses and lavender. Pop a simple instruction card on the table or have a video playing on a tablet so everyone can see how it’s done.

 

Hire a Roving Caricaturist or Live Painter

Instead of a stationary photo booth, a roving caricaturist can move among guests and capture moments as they happen. Their quick sketches are bound to get a few chuckles and make for brilliant keepsakes. If you fancy something different, a live painter can spend the evening capturing the whole scene on canvas. Hiring one costs around £700 to £1,400, depending on your chosen package.

Have your artist around during the reception or those quieter dinner moments. This lets guests easily spot them and wander over for a chat. Make sure there’s a comfy chair, decent lighting and a table for their supplies.

 

Include Children’s Colouring Stations

If the little ones are happy, chances are their parents will be, too. Setting up a kids’ corner at your DIY venue, whether on the lawn or in a decked-out barn, gives them a welcome break from all the grown-up goings-on.

Provide crayons, gel pens, glitter glue and watercolour sets to keep things interesting. Print out wedding-themed colouring pages, such as the bride and groom, a cake, flowers or your venue. A wedding babysitter isn’t a must, but if your budget allows, it’s worth thinking about.

 

Create an Eco-Friendly Send-Off

Many modern couples are keen to keep things a bit greener. Your send-off is a lovely time to add a sustainable touch. Instead of using traditional confetti, use biodegradable options like fresh petals or leaves for a more eco-friendly choice. Bubbles are another fun idea - kids and adults alike can get involved.

For a late-night send-off, skip the disposable glow sticks and ask everyone to turn on their phone torches and wave them. It’s free, waste-free and it still lights the way to your getaway car.

 

Host a Photo Scavenger Hunt

A photo scavenger hunt gives your guests something fun to do all day. Simply create a list of moments you’d love your guests to snap, including:

• Couple kissing

• A photo with the couple

• A selfie with someone they’ve only just met

• Someone making a funny face at dinner

• A heartfelt hug

Display the list in a nice frame by the door, and leave a smaller version on each table so that no one misses out. Announce a fun prize for whoever ticks off the most on the list. Encourage everyone to upload their photos online with your wedding hashtag so you don’t miss a single moment.

 

Take Song Requests

Dreaming of a packed dance floor? Ask your guests to send in their favourite songs before the big day. Let them fill out a form on your wedding website with their recommendations. Then, compile all requests into a playlist and give it to your DJ. It’s an effortless way to keep everyone dancing until their track comes on.

To keep things easy, ask for one “must-play” song per couple or household. Otherwise, you might end up with a playlist longer than the wedding itself. Have a word with your DJ about any absolute no-go tracks, like that one trending tune that you and your partner can’t stand to keep the vibe just right.

 

Get Competitive With a Lawn Games Tournament

Let guests show off their competitive side with a bit of friendly rivalry. Lawn games are fun, photo-worthy additions that keep kids and adults entertained, especially while you and your partner sneak off for portraits. Split your guests into “Team Bride” vs. “Team Groom” and see who comes out on top.

Set up classic games like giant Jenga, cornhole and croquet. Offer prizes to the winning team and encourage everyone to join in. It’s a lovely way to get people laughing, moving and interacting with each other. By the time the after-party rolls around, they’ll all feel like old friends.

 

Personalise Your Celebration

Putting together an amazing, unforgettable party at a DIY wedding venue doesn’t have to break the bank or mean going for the same old packages. Whether you’re thinking about outdoor games or a fun flower crown and boutonnière bar, just remember that the goal is to make your favourite people feel included, entertained and part of your love story.

Author bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She aims to inspire couples to plan the wedding of their dreams through unique ideas for any budget. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and X.