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The economy is pretty tight. That means that people are trying to spend less money. And that also means that people are attempting to find DIY ideas for wedding receptions that will decrease costs. But doing it yourself is NOT worth the trouble unless the results are going to be utterly fabulous.

Here are a few DIY project ideas for wedding receptions:

1. Tackle the centerpieces. They can be a big expense, but they can also be completed quite simply with an elegant result. And there are many DIY ideas that can be taken on by even the most novice of crafters/DIYers.

Start with a simple bowl and a Styrofoam ball. Place the ball in the bowl. Now place nice, silk flowers evenly and throughout the Styrofoam ball. Throw in some longer greenery randomly to give the arrangement a whimsical look. Another option is to gather glass vases of varying sizes and fill them with different types of candy that comes in the colors used at the wedding receptions. Another option is unique to each reception. You could put together a centerpiece that is directly related to the bride and/or groom. One such arrangement we’ve seen consisted of antique vases (a variety, of course) filled with fresh flowers.

2. Wedding receptions can have great favors. Favors have been a long time tradition at wedding receptions. Some easy DIY suggestions for favors include: CDs, matchboxes, and seed packets.

Matchboxes can be personalized to reflect the particulars of the wedding at hand. They can have the date, venue, names, etc. actually printed right on the item. This makes a great favor. CDs can be compiled very economically and handed out with copies of the music played at the reception, etc. Seed packets are traditional, yet affordable.

3. The Guest Book has been eschewed by many. It is sometimes seen as optional. But it is a traditional part of wedding receptions. It’s also usually pretty expensive.

A clever option when it comes to guest book DIY is the matted photo. The matte of the enlarged photo serves as the “guest book” as guests enter and exit they can sign on the matte. The best display option is a large easel. And in most cases the best option for the photo is to enlarge the engagement photo. After the wedding this photo with matte can be framed and used as the couple’s very first family photograph.

Doing it yourself can be a big mistake when it comes to wedding receptions. It can also be a fabulous answer to the issue of getting what you want for the least expense possible. To ensure that DIY works for you and the wedding receptions that mean the most to you just make sure that you aren’t doing it to save money alone. Only take on DIY projects for wedding receptions if they are exactly what you want; saving money alone isn’t enough of a reason for DIY!

Contributed by Rachel Hansen. To find more tips on wedding venues, events and wedding planning visit Villa Sienna.