The DIY bride Do’s and Don’ts

Hello Wedding Watchers!

Let’s get down to business! Now I love a good DIY project, especially when it’s event related.  Do weddings cost a lot? Yeah they do. We’d all like to save somewhere during our wedding process.  But is everyone a DIY bride?  Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts every bride should consider before they decide to do DIY projects for their big day!

Do’s:

Do: Hire an event/wedding coordinator… duh! No I’m not just saying this because I’m a planner, but planning a wedding is a big deal.  You want perfection, attention to detail and to not worry about a thing right? That’s what we’re here for!  I don’t think that a lot of brides realize how expensive a wedding can be and the costs of everything.  They become overwhelmed with it almost immediately, and planning is then labeled as a stressful thing, and becomes more like work rather than something fun.  Now some people find absolute joy doing it and that’s fantastic! But if you’re someone who knows they can’t handle it, consider. Long story short, do yourself a favor and hire a planner! Even if it’s for the day of the wedding. Sit back, relax and enjoy! We handle the rest!

Do: Add personal touches.  This is a DO DIY project I’m all about!  Your wedding day is a special day no doubt, so why not add a personal touch? Now this can range from larger projects like bridesmaid bouquets, favors etc. or smaller projects like special cufflinks or a special piece of jewelry.  It’s a great feeling to know that you did something, even if you didn’t specifically make it,  that you’ll remember forever on one of the biggest days of your life. Whether or not you’re a DIY type of person, take time (way before the wedding) to add your own personal touch, whatever it may be.

Personalized Flute charms

Do: Consider the costs and time of DIY projects! A DIY project is suppose to save you money.  Utilizing Pinterest is fun, but don’t try to recreate something, and spend crazy money to do it.  Find something that is small and inexpensive or something that is going to save you money because you did it yourself. Nothing is worse than coming home and telling your fiancé that you spent $300 on your project but it doesn’t matter because you made it, and saved $50. Yikes. If that’s the case, leave it for the professional and spend your $50.  Time. Time is precious.  With all that goes on (work, life in general) do you truly have the time to do a project? If you do, awesome! If you don’t think you do, and still want to do a project, great! Please, please don’t wait until the last minute to do a project. Carve out enough time to do the project. They take time, things can go wrong, or the stores around you may not have what you need because it’s seasonal. Two weeks before the wedding is too late. PS: I did my own bridesmaid bouquets for $150. I would have spent $450 if the florist would have done them. Saved $300! Score!

DIY bouquets $150-$175 to make

Don’t: Do your own centerpieces. This is a no no.  Some things must be left to the professionals.  To be honest, that’s something that I wanted to do, but thought better of it.  It sounds good, right? You’re going to have these spectacular centerpieces and you made them. That’s a nice thought, but unrealistic.  There are many things to consider if you want to take on this enormous project. Ask yourself: 1. What will be the cost of all of this? Depending on your style this could run you a pretty penny.  If you’re doing small centerpieces, you may be ok with vases from the dollar store. Flowers, whether they are faux or real, cost money. There are a lot of tables to cover. Also consider your design. If you are someone who wants larger centerpieces, are you going to buy large vases or candelabra’s?  Those could cost you a minimum of $60 a piece. 2. When will you have time to set up? Are you going to do it the night before? You can’t. You have to be at a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Most importantly, you have to be relaxing. That isn’t something you want to be worried about either.  Don’t send friends or family members.  They should be with you at the rehearsal and dinner. They don’t want the added stress either. 3. How are these things getting there?? Florist are equipped to take your centerpieces to your venue, so let them.  All you need is the added stress of something breaking or coming apart.  Tips: If you have all of it figured out and still want to do it and transport it all, check out yard sales, online too.  A lot of people want to get rid of their wedding decor. For cheap fresh flowers, produce junction is awesome!! All of the center pieces and bouquets that I made from my last styled shoot, cost me $50!

Don’t: Rely on Pinterest.  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Pinterest, but I use it for inspiration, and you should too.  I didn’t even know about Pinterest when I was planning my own wedding.  Kind of glad that I didn’t, because I guarantee my wedding would have been completely different.  Sometimes too many ideas are not the best thing.  It could be difficult to narrow down.  Pinterest worthy pictures are on there for a reason. They’re intricate, lavish etc.  If you want to copy a bouquet from there because it is exactly what you had in mind, fine, just leave it to the florist to put it together.  Save yourself the time and energy.

Don’t: Be afraid to ask for help.  I get it, you want the credit for the work, but there is nothing wrong asking.  Rally your mother, MIL, or bridesmaids.  They are here to help and more than likely, they want to help.  Taking on a project whether it’s big or small, can still be a lot to handle.  Put your pride to the side, call up your team and make it a girls night! (Seriously, who doesn’t like a girls night?)  Also don’t be afraid to speak up and tell them exactly how you want your DIY project to look.

Well that’s all I have for you!  Moral of the story: Relax and hire an event planner! LOL Lot’s of luck on your DIY projects!! Until next time Wedding Watchers!

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