DIY Wedding

Being a DIY Bride

I completely understand why women want to be "Do It Yourself" Brides.  The cost of weddings just keeps going up and over the top.  So, why not save a lot of money by using "home made" items in your wedding?

If you aspire to be a DIY Bride, here are some simple guidelines:

1) Only do those things that you have the ability to do.  Here's an example:  One of the cute DIY items that has been around for a while is the wedding signs that are chalkboards.  Cute, shabby chic or rustic, these signs require that you or someone you know is able to write legibly.  Don't try to create your own wedding signs if your handwriting is lousy.

theknot.com



2)  Only do those things that use quality materials.  The end result can only be as good as the materials you use when you make something.  It may be tempting to buy the cheapest ribbon or plastic beads instead of crystals, but when you are finished, no matter how artistic your rendition may be, it will look like what it is; a cheap, handmade item.

3)  Only do those things that you will not regret. Make sure that if you decide to create a bouquet of paper flowers or carry a clutch you made from left-over fabric and stick-on bling that you won't be regretting it on your wedding day--wondering if spending another $100 would have made you happier.

wedding-splendor.com


4)  Make sure you have figured the time it will take to DIY.  I have made this mistake as a professional planner--only for me it meant that I didn't charge enough for the work I was doing.  The only way to know for sure that you have time to do it yourself, is to actually purchase the materials for making one item, make that item and time how long it takes.  Then you can multiply.  Do you really have the time?

5)  Only do those things that will stand the test of time.  This is a difficult part of wedding planning.  (Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring someone to do it for you.)  The design of your wedding, from your dress to the centerpieces, your florals, even your invitations are things that endure in photographs and keepsake boxes.    Always ask yourself, will I have to explain this or make apologies on my 25th Wedding Anniversary?