DIY Party Decorations
Adding a personal touch with DIY party decorations can transform your event into something truly special. In this guide, we'll walk you through specific step-by-step instructions to create easy and affordable decorations for different types of events. Each section includes detailed instructions, estimated costs, and where to buy the necessary materials.
1. Quinceañeras: Elegant and Festive DIY Decorations
A. Tissue Paper Pom-Poms
Materials Needed:
Tissue paper (10 sheets per pom-pom)
Scissors
Floral wire or string
How to Make:
Stack 10 sheets of tissue paper neatly on top of each other.
Fold the stack accordion-style, making each fold about 1.5 inches wide.
Tie a piece of floral wire or string around the center of the folded stack.
Trim the ends of the tissue paper into a rounded shape (optional for a softer look).
Carefully pull apart each layer of tissue paper, separating them to create a full pom-pom.
Fluff the layers until the pom-pom looks round and full.
Hang the pom-poms from the ceiling or use them as table centerpieces.
Estimated Cost: $10 for a pack of tissue paper (makes about 10 pom-poms).
Where to Buy: Amazon, Walmart, or any local craft store.
B. DIY Photo Booth Backdrop
Materials Needed:
Large fabric or plastic tablecloth
Streamers in various colors
Balloons (optional)
Tape or adhesive hooks
How to Make:
Choose a large piece of fabric or a plastic tablecloth to serve as the base of your backdrop.
Attach the fabric or tablecloth to a wall using tape or adhesive hooks.
Cut streamers to your desired length and tape them vertically across the backdrop, alternating colors for a striped effect.
Inflate balloons in coordinating colors and tape them to the top or sides of the backdrop.
Add cut-out numbers or letters (like "15" for a quinceañera) to personalize the backdrop.
Position the backdrop in a well-lit area for guests to take photos.
Estimated Cost: $20-$30 depending on materials used.
Where to Buy: Dollar Tree for streamers, Amazon for fabric or tablecloths, and local party stores for balloons.
C. Personalized Centerpieces
Materials Needed:
Glass jars (mason jars work well)
Colored sand or pebbles
Candles or artificial flowers
Ribbon
How to Make:
Fill each glass jar about halfway with colored sand or pebbles.
Place a small candle or an artificial flower on top of the sand/pebbles inside the jar.
Wrap a ribbon around the neck of the jar and tie it in a bow.
Arrange the jars on tables as centerpieces, or group several together for a more impactful display.
Estimated Cost: $2-$5 per centerpiece.
Where to Buy: Dollar Tree or Michaels for jars, sand, and ribbons.
2. Weddings: Romantic and Timeless DIY Decorations
A. Mason Jar Lanterns
Materials Needed:
Mason jars
Battery-operated fairy lights or small candles
Burlap, lace, or ribbon
Twine (optional)
How to Make:
Place a string of battery-operated fairy lights or a small candle inside each mason jar.
Cut a strip of burlap or lace to fit around the jar and secure it with twine or ribbon.
If using twine, wrap it around the neck of the jar and tie it in a bow or knot.
Hang the jars from tree branches using twine, or place them on tables as lanterns.
Estimated Cost: $3-$5 per jar.
Where to Buy: Michaels or Hobby Lobby for mason jars and decorative materials.
B. DIY Floral Garlands
Materials Needed:
Artificial flowers
Needle and thread or hot glue gun
Ribbon
How to Make:
Cut the stems off the artificial flowers, leaving only the blooms.
If using a needle and thread, thread the needle and push it through the base of each flower to string them together. Alternatively, use a hot glue gun to attach the flowers to a length of ribbon.
Continue adding flowers until the garland reaches your desired length.
Drape the garlands over doorways, tables, or chairs to add a romantic touch to your wedding decor.
Estimated Cost: $15-$25 for a 10-foot garland.
Where to Buy: Amazon for artificial flowers and ribbons, or local craft stores.
C. Chalkboard Signs
Materials Needed:
Small chalkboards
Chalk or chalk markers
Decorative elements like flowers or greenery (optional)
How to Make:
Write your desired message on the chalkboard using chalk or a chalk marker. Some popular options include "Welcome," "Mr. & Mrs.," or directional signs.
If desired, glue small flowers or greenery to the frame of the chalkboard for added decoration.
Place the signs around your venue to guide guests or add a personal touch.
Estimated Cost: $5-$10 per sign.
Where to Buy: Target or Walmart for chalkboards and decorative materials.
3. Baby Showers: Cute and Whimsical DIY Decorations
A. Baby Onesie Garland
Materials Needed:
Mini baby onesies or printed paper onesies
Clothespins
Twine or ribbon
How to Make:
If using printed paper onesies, print out the onesie shapes on colored paper and cut them out.
Cut a length of twine or ribbon to your desired garland length.
Use clothespins to attach the baby onesies (real or paper) to the twine/ribbon.
Hang the garland along a wall, across a doorway, or above a dessert table.
Estimated Cost: $15-$20 for mini onesies, or $5-$10 for paper onesies.
Where to Buy: Amazon or any baby store for mini onesies, and Michaels for printed paper.
B. Balloon Arch
Materials Needed:
Balloons in various sizes and colors
Balloon strip or wire frame
Command hooks (optional)
How to Make:
Inflate balloons in different sizes, with a mix of colors that match your baby shower theme.
Insert the balloon ends into the holes of the balloon strip, alternating sizes and colors for a balanced look. If using a wire frame, tie the balloon ends to the frame.
Continue adding balloons until the arch is full and looks balanced.
If desired, attach the arch to a wall or doorway using Command hooks or place it as a freestanding decoration.
Estimated Cost: $25-$40 depending on the size of the arch.
Where to Buy: Party City for balloons, Amazon for balloon strips or wire frames.
C. Diaper Cake Centerpiece
Materials Needed:
Diapers (around 50-60 for a three-tier cake)
Rubber bands
Cake board or cardboard circle
Ribbon
Baby toys or small accessories (optional)
How to Make:
Roll each diaper tightly and secure it with a rubber band.
Place a large rubber band around the base of a cake board or cardboard circle. Begin inserting the rolled diapers into the band to form the first tier. Continue until the tier is complete and sturdy.
Repeat the process for the second and third tiers, each time using fewer diapers to create a smaller tier.
Stack the tiers on top of each other, securing them with a large rubber band.
Wrap a decorative ribbon around each tier to hide the rubber bands.
Top the cake with a baby toy, stuffed animal, or other baby-themed accessory.
Estimated Cost: $20-$30 depending on the number of diapers.
Where to Buy: Target or Walmart for diapers, ribbons, and baby toys.
4. Birthday Parties: Fun and Festive DIY Decorations
A. Paper Banner
Materials Needed:
Colored paper or cardstock
Scissors
Hole punch
Ribbon or twine
Glue (optional)
How to Make:
Cut out triangles, rectangles, or other shapes from colored paper or cardstock to create banner pieces.
Use a hole punch to make two holes at the top of each shape.
Thread a length of ribbon or twine through the holes to string the banner pieces together.
Optional: Glue letters to the banner pieces to spell out "Happy Birthday" or another message.
Hang the banner across a wall, doorway, or above a party table.
Estimated Cost: $5-$10 depending on the length of the banner.
Where to Buy: Dollar Tree for colored paper and ribbon, Michaels for crafting tools.
B. DIY Confetti Balloons
Materials Needed:
Clear balloons
Confetti (metallic or colored)
Balloon pump (optional)
How to Make:
Use a funnel to fill each clear balloon with confetti. You can use metallic confetti for a sparkle effect or colored confetti to match your party theme.
Inflate the balloon using a balloon pump or by mouth.
Tie the end of the balloon securely and shake it to distribute the confetti evenly inside.
Cluster the balloons together for a confetti-filled display, or use them individually as table decorations.
Estimated Cost: $10 for a pack of clear balloons and confetti.
Where to Buy: Amazon for balloons and confetti.
C. Cupcake Stand
Materials Needed:
Cake boards of varying sizes
Cardboard tubes or candlesticks
Hot glue gun
Decorative tape or paint
How to Make:
Begin by decorating the cardboard tubes or candlesticks with washi tape or paint to match your party theme.
Glue the largest cake board to the base of one cardboard tube or candlestick to form the bottom tier.
Glue the next cake board to the top of the tube/candlestick, then add another tube/candlestick on top for the second tier.
Repeat the process until you have the desired number of tiers.
Place cupcakes on each tier, and your DIY cupcake stand is ready to display!
Estimated Cost: $10-$15.
Where to Buy: Dollar Tree for cake boards and candlesticks, or Michaels for decorating materials.
Where to Buy DIY Decoration Supplies
Most of the DIY decoration materials can be found at local stores like Dollar Tree, Walmart, Target, and Michaels. Online options such as Amazon offer a wide variety of affordable supplies and can be a convenient choice for bulk purchases.
Conclusion
DIY party decorations can add a unique and personal touch to any event without requiring a big budget. Whether you’re planning a quinceañera, wedding, baby shower, or birthday party, these easy and affordable ideas can help you create beautiful decorations that impress your guests. If you need further assistance in planning your party, Carnival Party Rental offers a range of services including themed invitations, chair rentals, table linens, balloon decorations, and centerpieces. Let us help make your event unforgettable!
Visit carnivalpartyrental.com to learn more about our services and get started on your party planning journey today!
