Not every couple dreams of a huge production with elaborate props; sometimes the most memorable weddings are those filled with personal touches.  As someone who loves brewing beer, making pasta and tackling DIY projects, I know firsthand how satisfying it is to step back and say, “We did that.”  Here are a few ideas to add personality to your Derbyshire wedding while supporting local suppliers.


Brew your own beer or cider favours


What better way to raise a toast than with your very own brew?  Many local breweries in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire offer starter kits or will let you collaborate on a small batch.  Choose seasonal flavours – perhaps an elderflower ale for spring or a spiced cider for autumn – then bottle and label them with your names and wedding date.  Not only is this a talking point, it’s a take home gift your guests will actually enjoy. Want a recommendation? Reach out to Matt at Alter Ego Brewing Company based in Alfreton, I'm sure he'll look after you!


Homemade pasta or pizza bar


If you’re foodies, consider turning your wedding breakfast into a hands on experience.  Set up a pasta or pizza station where guests can assemble their own dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.  Work with your caterer to provide dough and sauces, then let guests pick toppings.  For a more rustic feel, hire a mobile wood fired oven – there are several in the East Midlands – to cook pizzas on site.  It’s interactive, fun and a nod to those cosy nights making dinner together at home.


Calligraphy and signage


Hand lettered signs add charm and cohesion to your décor.  If you have neat handwriting, you can learn basic modern calligraphy with online tutorials and practice on off cuts of plywood or slate.  Alternatively, support a local calligrapher by commissioning pieces.  Use signs for the order of the day, table names (why not name them after favourite Peak District walks?) or a welcome board by the entrance.


Dried flower arrangements and locally grown blooms


For sustainable floral décor, incorporate dried flowers sourced from British growers. Derbyshire is home to several flower farms that offer DIY buckets of blooms during the growing season. Dried flowers, seed heads and grasses look fantastic in autumn and winter and can be prepared months in advance. Pair them with foraged foliage and silk ribbons for bouquets, table runners or chair backs.


Personalised place settings


Create a sense of intimacy by making each guest’s place setting unique.  Ideas include:

  • Homemade jams or chutneys in mini jars, using fruit from your garden or local market.
  • Linocut prints of Derby landmarks used as place cards and favours.
  • Small potted herbs that guests can take home and plant.


DIY projects require time, so start early and enlist help.  Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to mix handmade elements with professional services; the aim is to reflect who you are as a couple.  By working with local artisans and infusing your personalities into the details, you’ll craft a wedding that feels truly yours.