What are some DIY pre-wedding decorations?

For the engagement party or the hen do, think about what makes people smile. A fabric banner with a message like 'Here comes the bride' or 'The last hurrah' is easy to sew or glue. Use plain cotton and letter stencils, or cut letters from felt and attach them. Hang it across a mantelpiece or a doorway.

Photo booth props are always popular. Cut out moustaches, lips, glasses, and speech bubbles from card, then glue them to wooden skewers. Guests can hold them up for pictures. You can also make a simple backdrop using a sheet or a roll of paper, decorated with paper flowers or tassels.

For table runners, buy a length of calico or hessian and fringe the edges. Add hand-painted dots or stencilled patterns. For signs, use a chalkboard or a piece of wood. Write the event name, the date, or a funny instruction. Keep the wording clear and the design simple. You can reuse these items at the wedding itself, so choose colours that match your main theme.