How to Transform Your Wedding Reception with DIY Eucalyptus Garlands

When a dear friend asked for help with her daughter’s wedding reception, I knew we had to create something truly special. The result was a stunning, elegant wedding reception with DIY garlands. This event was both budget-friendly and full of personal touches. Here’s how we transformed the venue into a magical space using DIY eucalyptus garlands, creamy white decor, and simple yet beautiful accents.

Crafting the DIY Wedding Reception Eucalyptus Garlands

We wanted the tables to feel fresh, natural, and elegant, so we decided to create eucalyptus garlands accented with white roses and baby’s breath.

This DIY project was a labor of love, but the results were worth every minute! We made 13 garlands by creating small bundles of eucalyptus leaves and baby’s breath, which we then wired together.

Each bundle was carefully laid on a 9-foot-long piece of twine and secured to form a continuous garland. Once at the reception, we added the finishing touch—white roses that we had previously placed in water tubes to keep them fresh.

Setting the Table

The tables were the true centerpiece of the reception, so we took great care in dressing them up. We started by laying down creamy white gauzy table runners, which added a soft, romantic feel. Next, we layered the eucalyptus garlands over the runners, creating a lush, green base.

To add a touch of sparkle, we placed tall gold candlesticks with battery-operated tapered candles, large gold square candle holders with bigger candles, and votive candles throughout the garlands.

We also added framed photos of the bride and groom, giving the decor a personal and sentimental touch.

Decorating the Chandeliers and Aisle

The chandeliers were adorned with faux eucalyptus garlands to tie the ceiling decor into the table settings. The result was breathtaking, with the garlands gracefully draping around the three large chandeliers, creating an elegant overhead display. All thanks to my amazing hubby for doing this!

For the ceremony, the bride’s family ordered a stunning arched garland, which served as the backdrop for the bride and groom. We lined the aisle with faux white rose petals and a few lanterns, creating a romantic and whimsical path for the bride to walk down.

The whole scene looked absolutely magical.

Creating a Delicious Display

For the food, we prepared mini charcuterie cups, similar to the ones I made for my niece’s baby shower here. Each cup included skewered salami, clumps of grapes, two blocks of cheese, and two donut holes. To weigh down the cups and add a bit of sweetness, we included small cups of candied almonds at the bottom. Here are the charcuterie cups and skewers to order from Amazon.

We served these on white 2-tiered square trays, surrounded by garlands and white roses for a beautiful presentation. Additionally, we had two large metal bins filled with different flavored popcorn, complete with metal scoops for easy serving.

For the centerpiece, I used a large wooden bucket filled with white roses, baby’s breath, and eucalyptus. It was a simple yet striking focal point for the food table.

The Wedding Cake and Finishing Touches

The wedding cake was a vision of simplicity and elegance. We added a few white roses and small fresh flowers to the top and second layer, then surrounded the cake with more eucalyptus and roses.

Above the cake, metal arches were adorned with garlands, baby’s breath, and roses, creating a picture-perfect display.

I’m so grateful for the help I had from my daughter Emily, her friend Haylee, my sister, and of course, my amazing hubby. Together, we pulled off a reception that was not only beautiful but also full of love and personal touches. Seeing everything come together was truly rewarding, and I couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out!