This year, we're saying yes to more whimsy, so of course, our next DIY tutorial is going to align with just that! If you're planning a wedding and looking for a detail that's equal parts playful and polished, these DIY wedding-themed temporary tattoos are a chic way to add a little fun to your celebration. The best part? You can make them yourself at home with your Cricut machine!

Designed with timeless wedding motifs like hand-illustrated doves, champagne, wedding cake, and other symbols of love, these tattoos are endlessly adaptable to whatever your wedding theme is. We give you the starting point so you can then tailor to your own big day. (We recommend adding a stylish monogram of the couple's initials, wedding date, or even a beloved pet's face!)

In our tutorial, you'll learn exactly how to create, apply, and style custom temporary tattoos – guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser for your wedding guest entertainment. Bonus: We also share how to set up your own wedding tattoo station along with other uses for printable temporary tattoo paper, so read on!

You Asked, We Answer: Popular Questions on How to Make Temporary Tattoos

Before we get into the tutorial, here are some FAQs that might help you prep your project. We spotted these common questions on online Cricut community groups, so hopefully they'll be helpful to you, too!

Which Cricut machine do I need to make temporary tattoos?

Most any will do! Cricut Joy Xtra, Explore family, Maker family, and Venture all can cut printable tattoo paper. Unfortunately, Cricut Joy is incompatible as it lacks the necessary Print Then Cut sensors.

Is it easy to make DIY temporary tattoos for a wedding?

Absolutely! You technically don't even need an electronic cutting machine as you can just put the printable temporary tattoo paper through your inkjet printer, print images of your choice, and hand cut afterwards. But because we love tidy cuts and easy bulk making for weddings, we're using our Cricut cutting machine for this one.

Do I need special ink to make custom tattoos?

All you need is your normal home inkjet printer. Literally that's it!

How to Make Stylish Temporary Tattoos for Your Wedding

Skill Level: Beginner

PROJECT MATERIALS
• Electronic cutting machine (e.g., Cricut)
• Printable tattoo paper
• Inkjet printer
• Hair dryer (if using Cricut-branded tattoo paper)
• Scraper tool (optional)
• Brayer tool (optional)
• Damp paper towel, sponge, or cloth
• LightGrip or StandardGrip cutting mat
• Cricut TrueControl Knife or craft knife (optional)
• Self-healing mat (optional)
• Our Cricut Design Space project that you can click, bookmark, or make right now!

DESIGN NOTES: We used images designed by Cricut Contributing Artists on Cricut Design Space for this project which means you will need a Cricut Access subscription to make as is. You can also do a one-time purchase for each image you choose to include. Alternatively, you can either illustrate and upload your own or upload different SVG designs from another online marketplace. Choose your own sourcing adventure!

Our project as is has also been specifically designed to be "die cut" (e.g., it cuts all the way through the liner to create individual tattoos) and to fit on both US Letter and A4 Cricut tattoo paper with Cricut's current Print Then Cut dimensions. Everyone can make no matter which size paper you use!

COMPATIBLE CRICUT MACHINES
• Joy Xtra
• Explore family
• Maker family
• Venture



BASE MATERIAL SETTING FOR TATTOO PAPER
Printable Temporary Tattoo Paper
Note: If you don't see tattoo paper as a material option when you go to cut in Design Space, select "Printable Waterproof Sticker Set - Transparent" with More Pressure instead as an alternative.

As with all Cricut wedding crafts that utilize Print Then Cut, we recommend always doing a test print on regular printer paper first to make sure everything looks as you want it before using your more expensive materials. If you haven't done so already or are prompted by Design Space, be sure your machine is also calibrated to ensure accurate cuts around your tattoos.



INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prep your project. Set out all of your materials and prep your computer, tablet, or mobile phone with Cricut Design Space. If using our ready-to-make Design Space project, keep, delete, add, or duplicate the images that are relevant to you and your love story. Use the project's Guide layer(s) to help you visualize how many you can fit on your sheet of tattoo paper.

PRO TIP: If adding or creating new designs for your tattoos beyond our ready-made project, be sure to use the Create Sticker function for each image you upload or choose. Select Die Cut in addition to any desired offset borders. This will tell your machine to cut out each design as you see in our photos.

2. Resize your images (optional). Though everything has already been thoughtfully sized to go on wedding guests' wrists and arms, you can always resize to get more or less on your printable tattoo sheets if desired. Keep in mind that tattoos larger than 2" (5cm) wide or tall might not suit your guests depending on their attire or preferences. Proportion is everything with this one!





3. Now Make. Once your tattoo designs are finished, click Make, select "Mirror" (as your tattoos need to be printed in reverse), and follow the on-screen instructions. It's advisable to 'Turn Off Bleed' as well as it's not needed for this particular project. Your printer will be prompted to print from Design Space, so all you need to do is insert the tattoo paper into your printer so that it prints on the blank, unbranded side. (See your printer's manual for further details if needed.)

Once your tattoos are printed, allow to dry completely and then apply your clear protective film sheet that came with your printable tattoo sheets! This film sheet has an adhesive on it that makes sure your tattoos transfer to your skin. If using Cricut-branded tattoo paper, before you apply this film, you may need to blow dry your tattoo paper for 2-3 minutes using a hair dryer.

APPLICATION TIP: To help you apply your clear protective film sheet cleanly on your printed tattoos, flip your film sheet so the white liner side is up. On a self-healing cutting mat, use a TrueControl knife or craft knife to cut a thin strip from the top of the sheet. Cut just enough through the white liner layer only and then remove this paper strip so that there is a clear, sticky strip revealed. Place this sticky strip at the very top of your printed tattoo sheet and fold some of the backing liner to help you apply.

Slowly peel the white liner away (from underneath) as you smooth it down the tattoo sheet. Use your scraper tool or hands to remove any bubbles if needed. It doesn't matter if the film is completely straight or if some sticky adhesive is hanging off the edges as you will still get clean cuts as long as the film covers all of your designs. To protect your Cricut machine cutting mat, rub off or trim any adhesive from the hanging film before the next step.

4. Cut. Place your glossy tattoo sheet set on a LightGrip or StandardGrip cutting mat and use a brayer or your hands to smooth out any air bubbles. Double check its mat position matches what's seen on your screen for accurate cuts. Follow on-screen instructions to get it cut! Peel away your individual tattoos from the cutting mat when done.







5. Do a test tattoo before the big day. To make sure your guests have an easy application, try one yourself! Choose a tattoo, remove its protective plastic layer, and place face down on your skin. Using a damp cloth, sponge, or paper towel, dab and soak until the design is completely transfered. Avoid rubbing against clothing or accessories for 30 minutes after applying for best results. To remove the tattoo from your skin, just gently wash off with mild soap. These would be important instructions to include on your tattoo station sign!

How to Set Up a Wedding Tattoo Station

A temporary tattoo station is a playful and memorable way to delight guests, but a little planning goes a long way! So after you've made your tattoos, organize the setup.

Our top advice from working real weddings in the past:

➤ Choose a convenient spot at the cocktail hour or reception and request a sturdy table and a couple of chairs. Enlist the help of your venue or wedding coordinator!
➤ Gather all the essentials: your tattoos, paper towels, water, and a small garbage bin. For crowd hygiene, we recommend putting water in a spray bottle that guests will then spray onto their paper towel to dab accordingly.
➤ Add simple signage with instructions and after-care tips.
➤ Style the station so it feels intentional and reflects your event. You can add a small floral centerpiece or table linen that coordinates with your overall wedding theme.

Other Uses for Tattoo Paper

Temporary tattoo paper isn't just for skin! This special water slide-like sticker can add a personalized touch to all kinds of wedding details! You can apply printable designs to textured fabric favor bags, LED waxy candles, wood signage, glass vases, or ceramic decor for a unique look. These DIY accents can help elevate your wedding decor with supplies you already have!

All in all, wedding details don't have to be complicated to feel customized. Whether guests wear them for the evening or tuck them into their purses for later, themed temporary tattoos are a small detail that adds charm and a little fun to any celebration.

WRITTEN BY

Chelsea Barton

Founder & Wedding DIY Expert

A former wedding photographer, the founder of Tidewater and Tulle, and author of Cricut Weddings, Chelsea Barton has been helping couples bring their dream weddings to life through creative, approachable ideas since 2009. Her insight and work have been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Southern Living, and other top publications around the world. She combines editorial expertise and real-world insight to inspire meaningful celebrations.

TUTORIAL CREDITS
Photography and DIY Tutorial: Chelsea Barton

Editor's Note: Specially curated by us, the above product links may be partner-connected and purchasing through these links means we get a small commission from those brands that helps support this website. You can find our full affiliate disclosure policy here on Tidewater and Tulle.

Whether you spell them donuts or doughnuts, these sweet treats are having a serious wedding moment. From TikTok clips of lush donut walls to Pinterest boards overflowing with frosted rings, "wedding donuts" have skyrocketed in popularity lately — and for good reason. They're budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and instantly photogenic. Whether you love the idea of replacing cake altogether or simply want to share a fun late-night snack with your guests, donuts are firm crowd favorites for any modern wedding.

But here's the challenge: how do you actually display them? While the donut wall has become the go-to classic, couples today are experimenting with towers, stands, backdrops, bars, favors, and even interactive stations. We've written this droolworthy guide to give you all the info you need to pull together the most creative wedding donut setup, share food safety must-knows, and to help you decide which look is best for your celebration. So donut stop now, go see all the a-dough-rable ideas! (Could this even be a proper donut guide without some puns?! Definitely not.)




Photo: Alea Lovely and Michelle Edgemont Design via Aisle Society

Why Wedding Donuts Are Trending

• Instagram appeal: Rows of frosted pastries double as décor and photo opp moments for your guests.
• Scalability: Easily catered for small and large crowds, from intimate gatherings to grand ballrooms.
• Budget-friendly: Often less expensive than traditional tiered cakes, but also affordable enough to be able to offer as a bonus wedding day snack if you do cake as well.
• Guest favorite: Since the 2010s when they officially came onto the wedding scene, donuts aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
• Customizable: Seasonal flavors, vegan or gluten-free options, creative glazes, and thematic colors fit every wedding style.

10 Wedding Donut Display Ideas

Photo: Neil GT Photography from this destination beach wedding on Tidewater and Tulle

1. The Classic Donut Wall

Pegboard or custom-built walls create a striking vertical backdrop that doubles as dessert and décor. Wanting multiple flavors? This Virginian couple had classic glazed donuts on their donut wall and then maple bacon on a nearby platter for their cozy January wedding.

Pro Tip: If you're DIYing your own doughnut wall, make sure your dowels are appropriately proportioned to the size of your donuts' center holes so they don't slip or tear.

Photo: Maria Grace from these wedding dessert ideas on Tidewater and Tulle

2. Tiered Doughnut Stands

Think of a cake stand, but stacked high with donuts. These towers bring height to your dessert table without needing a full wall. Who wouldn't love cascading and overflowing donuts! These stands commonly come in wood or acrylic depending your style preference.


Photo: Marianne Taylor from these wedding doughnut display inspiration

3. Styled Plates & Platters

Simple yet elegant, arrange donuts on tiered trays, wooden boards, or glass plates. Perfect for intimate weddings where less really is more. For styling, consider chiffon or gauzy table runners, non-toxic flowers, and various dish heights to give a beautiful wow factor.


Photo: Wild Wood Wedding // purchase this DIY tabletop wedding donut wall on Etsy

4. Tabletop Donut Display

Having a dessert table with lots of variety? Include donuts on their own mini wall that sits alongside all of the other treats. This kind of display is also perfect if you want gluten-free or vegan options for your guests.

For gluten-free guests, do keep these separate from the traditional donuts to avoid cross-contamination. Their own tabletop display with labeled "gluten-free" signage will be appreciated by those who require it.


Photo: Plum Grove Design // purchase these personalized donut favor bags on Etsy

5. Donut Favors

Guests pick their favorite donut from your table and place it in their own personalized dessert bag to bring home. It's a favor that will definitely be well-loved and not be left behind! Wondering how to display these edible favors? This couple had ten white wooden donut stands for their "Love is Sweet" dessert table!


Photo: Pepper Nix and Maglebys Catering

6. Mini Donut Shooters

Pair donut holes or mini ring doughnuts with tiny milk bottles or shot glasses for a playful bite-and-sip presentation. Donut shooters are a guaranteed late night crowd-pleaser for a little extra sugar boost when dancing!


Photo: Brianna Wilbur from this Philadelphia greenhouse wedding via Style Me Pretty

7. Donut "Cakes" & Stacks

If you're not a cake kind of person, stack donuts into a tiered tower to mimic a wedding cake instead. Add fresh non-toxic or silk flowers or a topper for a sweet nod to tradition while putting your own personal spin to a familiar favorite. We also love this couple's stacked wedding donut cake decorated with flowers that included a bonus cutting cake as their topper.


Photo: Hannah Louise from this autumn barn wedding inspiration on Tidewater and Tulle

8. Themed Donut Displays

Rustic crates, mirrored trays, wood slice tiers, acrylic stands, or neon signs... The sky's the limit with how you tailor your donut setup to your wedding aesthetic! This is where you can really let your theme shine by creating an ambiance for your desserts.


[Photo: Maria Grace from this boho backyard wedding on Tidewater and Tulle

9. Donut-Decorated Cakes

Have the best of both worlds – because why not! Incorporate mini donuts on your actual wedding cake as decoration. We can never say no to this super sweet mashup.


Photo: Yasmin Sarai, Blushing Joy Events, and Donut Savant from this winter wedding via Ruffled

10. Donut Variations

Mix in giant statement donuts, uniquely shaped doughnuts, mini bite-sized versions, or even donut-themed cookies for visual contrast. Who said donuts had to be actual donuts? No one! So write your own wedding rules and celebrate the tasty pastry that we all so love in any way you like.


Photo: Wendy Laurel from this Hawaiian beach wedding inspiration via Style Me Pretty

Food Safety & Practical Tips

• Use food-safe materials: If you're DIYing your donut display, be sure your paint/stain/varnish is food-safe if it will touch your donuts. If not, consider using greaseproof paper underneath the donuts to protect both display and your food. For finishing wooden walls, look for mineral oils or beeswax labeled as food-safe.

• Freshness matters: Donuts are best the same day; plan bakery pickup or delivery close to your wedding time. Ask your donut baker for the best advice for your timeline.

• Avoid heat & humidity: Keep them out of direct sun to prevent melting or stickiness.

• Hygiene counts: Provide tongs or greaseproof wax paper squares, especially for walls or shared platters. For allergen-friendly donuts, keep these tools separate to avoid cross contamination.

• Plan for refills: Have extra donuts on standby so your caterer or planner can discreetly restock as the evening goes on.

• Transport with care: If you build a donut wall, test its sturdiness before moving it to the venue. For tall backdrop walls, use weights at the back if needed.


[Photo: Rebecca Yale from this dessert table ideas via Martha Stewart

Budget & Planning Considerations

When it comes to planning your wedding donut display, the costs are often pleasantly surprising depending on where you live. A donut spread for around 100 guests can often be less than the price for a traditional tiered cake, making donuts a sweet way to stretch your dessert budget. Depending on your DIY skills and timeline, you might also choose to build your own display, or if you don't have the storage space or time to create, opt to rent a stand or wall from a wedding rentals or hire company. Either approach can work beautifully. And don't forget the fun of customization! Seasonal flavors, like spiced apple cider donuts in the fall or lemon-glazed treats in spring, can also elevate your setup and excite your guests.

Popular Wedding Doughnut Flavors

We did our homework and searched through Reddit and Google trends! We saw that these are the top 5 flavors couples are hungry for right now. Are you considering any of these for your big day?

• Pistachio (with Rose, Lemon, Matcha, Salted Caramel, etc)
• Classic Glazed (or Simple Sugar Coatings)
• Filled Donuts (Jam, Custard, Jelly or Fruit Filling)
• Maple / Maple-Bacon (or Sweet & Savory Mixes)
• Seasonal Flavor Variants (e.g., Lemon, Blueberry, etc)


Photo: Maria Grace from these wedding dessert ideas on Tidewater and Tulle

Troubleshooting FAQs

How many doughnuts do I need for 100 guests?

It's always best to ask your donut maker what they recommend as they know their flavors and sizes best, but generally, plan for 1 to 2 donuts per person. Even more if it's your only dessert.

Will donuts replace my wedding cake?

They can! Some couples skip cake altogether; others pair donuts with a small cutting cake or other tasty small dessert bites.

I'm DIYing my donut display. How do I stop donuts from sliding off a wall?

Usually most donut displays have a slight tilt or lean to them to help with the gravity of hanging donuts so they don't slip off. But if your display isn't at a tilt, use dowels with a slight upward angle.


Photo: Clover Lane Wedding Co // purchase this DIY doughnut sign template on Etsy

Wedding Donuts Aren’t Just a Trend

For over a decade now, these yummy desserts have earned their place as a firm wedding favorite. They’re a versatile, joyful way to share something sweet and portable with your guests. Whether you’re dreaming of a show-stopping wall, a simple platter, or an interactive donut bar, there’s a display to fit every couple's vibe. With these ideas and tips, we hope you're well on your way to planning the donut setup that your guests will remember long after the last sprinkle is gone!

WRITTEN BY

Chelsea Barton

Founder & Wedding DIY Expert

A former wedding photographer and the founder of Tidewater and Tulle, Chelsea Barton has been helping couples bring their dream weddings to life through creative, approachable ideas since 2009. Her insight and work have been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Southern Living, and other top publications around the world. She combines editorial expertise and real-world insight to inspire meaningful celebrations.

Editor's Note: Specially curated by us, the above product links may be partner-connected and purchasing through these links means we get a small commission from those brands that helps support this website. You can find our full affiliate disclosure policy here on Tidewater and Tulle.