If you are engaged you probably have seen loads of “DIY” (Do It Yourself) projects on sites like Pinterest, Martha Stewart Weddings and The Knot. Some of these projects are really cool and can be relatively easy to do yourself – but before you go out and purchase items or take-on projects to do yourself, consider the time you have, and realistically what you can do on your own.
If you are a DIY Bride – check out the Bayside Bride’s DIY Guide with loads of ideas, including how-to’s and some real bride commentary. While you’re there, stop by their Vendor Guide section and check out our listing!
DIY Projects to Consider and What Not to DIY
- Postcard Save-the-Dates – Depending on the formality of your wedding and ultimately how you want the paper products to look (Invitation, Save-the-Date, etc.), this can be a good DIY project. My husband and I had fun with doing our own save-the-dates, it allowed us to be creative and tie-in Washington, DC. The cost was around 75 cents per person, we bought inexpensive DC Postcards featuring various landmarks. Later we tied this into the Reception and had Table Names of our favorite DC Landmarks.
- Favors – There are loads of great ideas for favors. The best favors are food related, because most other items get tossed or left by guests. But food is always a good bet. I suggest something simple and easy to take on – candy bags filled with everyone’s favorites – Hershey kisses, snickers, swedish fish, etc. You can purchase bulk candy at Costco or BJ’s and clear bags at Michael’s – choose candy that match your color scheme – place in a small plastic bag with a cute ribbon and leave one per place setting.
- Alcohol – I would never suggest taking on the job of a caterer or bartender. That being said, it is possible to DIY the Alcohol for the bar, and may save you money. Please make sure that the caterer will provide the mixers, glasses, and most importantly the bartender! And also ask their suggestion for quantities to purchase (based on your guest count). Lastly, do not purchase at a store unless they will allow you to return the unopened items.
- Flower Arrangements – Personally, I would not advise any bride to take-on the job to do their own flowers. Why? Flowers have to be done last minute and the weekend of your wedding you should not be working! That being said – here is a great idea from Bayside Bride to cut costs and semi-DIY – Use the Bridal Party Bouquets for up to Half of the Wedding Tables and Arrangements provided by the Florist for the rest:
- Music – Unless you don’t want dancing at your wedding, DO NOT DIY the music. A great Band or DJ not only provides a nice reception atmosphere with fun music, but they also control the flow of the party. An iPod cannot transition from cocktail hour to the first dance, to dinner, etc. And while friends may be eager to suggest that they help, at the end of the day they will be attending as your guest, not your vendor!
- Wedding Coordination – So you’re on Pinterest and checking Style Me Pretty daily for your Wedding Ideas, but you’re not a professional Wedding Planner. Even if you have the time to do your own planning, doesn’t mean you should (this will be covered during another post). No matter what you do for the planning, if you want a seamless and enjoyable day hire a Wedding Planner, (like me!) to manage and coordinate your Wedding Day!
Questions? Email me anytime – thebrightoccasions@gmail.com –www.thebrightoccasions.com
