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Updated Aug 17, 202215 Instagram-Worthy Backdrop Ideas (and 4 DIYs!)
Want to create a focal point with some serious wow factor? We got you.
Whether you want to make a backdrop for your ceremony, craft a fun spot for selfies, dress up your dessert table or cover up less-than-desirable wallpaper at your reception, these creative backdrop ideas will personalize your space and completely elevate your décor.
Want to go the DIY route and make something ahead of time? We shared a few of our favorite DIY projects that would be perfect for any ceremony or reception style.
1. Macramé Art
Ash Imagery
Macramé designs can host multiple patterns in one piece, giving your guests some extra eye candy in one fantastic element. Want to dress it up a bit? String a flower garland above it for even more of a pop.
From: A Natural, Bohemian Wedding at Woolverton Inn in Stockton, New Jersey
2. Cloth Designs
Brandon Kidd Photography
Don't be afraid to play with texture—fabric, sequins or 3-D paper flowers all make for eye-catching details. A minimalist design like this one is perfect for dressing up a cocktail lounge or the area behind a bar.
From: A Chic, Themed Wedding at L'Auberge Del Mar in Del Mar, California
3. Paper Triangles
NBarrett Photography
Looking for something a bit more modern for your urban space? Geometric cutouts have a way of feeling whimsical but incredibly contemporary at the same time. (Perfect for a sweet dessert display.)
From: An Industrial Boho Wedding at Hickory Street Annex in Dallas, Texas
4. Ribbon Cascades
Emma Case Photography
A cascade of colorful ribbons is a fun and totally customizable ceremony backdrop. A little bit of distance between each ribbon is enough to make the space feel open, but still maintain a solid focal point.
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
From: A Bright, Offbeat Wedding at the Foundry in Long Island City, New York
5. Oversize Canvases
Matthew Moore Photography
Pick out a few cohesive pieces of art to decorate your altar space. Not only does it look completely bespoke, the canvases can also double as newlywed nest décor.
From: An Intimate Courtyard Wedding at Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas
6. Paper Flowers
Sarah McKenzie Photography
You can follow your wedding color scheme in a backdrop, or go the playful route and throw a slew of colors into the mix. A wall of colorful paper flowers is sure to brighten any space.
From: A Colorful, Whimsical Wedding at Station 3 in Houston, Texas
7. Yarn Backdrop
Lauren Fair Photography
Gathering up some tangled spools of yarn is the backdrop version of "I woke up like this." It looks effortless, but very stylish.
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From: A Bohemian Barn Wedding at Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania
8. Rustic Crepe Streamers
Nbarrett Photography
A few long strips of fringed crepe streamers make a simple background that's just enough to designate a photo area, but doesn't take away from the rest of the event's décor.
From: A Rustic, Whimsical Wedding at Golden Homestead in Golden, Texas
9. DIY Coffee Filter Backdrop
Erin L. Taylor Photography
Coffee filters offer a fun texture and absorbant canvas for playing with different color dyes. (Read: They can coordinate with any wedding color palette!)
From: A Colorful DIY Wedding at the Historic Rice Mill in Charleston, South Carolina
10. Taped Blooms
Delbarr Moradi Photography
There are so many unique ways to use flowers outside of vases. Taping single blooms to a bright solid-colored backdrop makes the display look a little modern and a little boho at the same time.
From: A Vibrant, Colorful Wedding at Brix in Yountville, California
11. Knotted Gold Rope
Leslie Gilbert Photography
Incorporate the theme of "tying the knot" into a DIY rope backdrop. A garland of greenery will lend a bit of whimsy to the scenery.
From: An Elaborate Rustic Wedding at the Farm at Eagles Ridge in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Bonus: Backdrop DIYs
12. DIY Yarn Tassels
The Wedding Scoop
We love fringe in every shape and form, especially this yarn DIY. We've already walked you through a tissue paper tassel project, but here's a new one for a rustic spin on this trendy décor.
Get the DIY at The Wedding Scoop
13. Color Block Post-Its
Courtesy Poppytalk
Operating on a tight budget? A few packages of colorful Post-It notes in different sizes will create a modern color block backdrop that will make every single selfie "pop."
Get the DIY from Poppytalk
14. Washi Tape Design
Brit + Co
We love this temporary wallpaper idea. Not only can it be used for an accent wall in your newlywed nest, but we also see it bringing a reception lounge area to life, or creating the perfect backdrop for a photo booth station.
Get the DIY from Brit + Co
15. Hanging Flowers
Sugar & Cloth
Flowers aren't just for tables. Suspend some from the ceiling to turn a dessert table into a major photo moment or to create a boho garden vibe for a selfie backdrop.
Get the DIY from Sugar & Cloth
Get more reception inspiration here.
Find a photo booth for your wedding here.
