“Weddings are not about spending the least amount of money or the most amount of money, they are about spending good money on the elements that are most important to you and your partner.”
DIY wedding planning has gained immense popularity in recent years. Couples are embracing the challenge of taking charge of every aspect of their special day, resulting in a more personalized and intimate celebration. From creating unique invitations to designing floral arrangements and even handcrafting decorations, the DIY approach allows couples to infuse their personality and style into every detail. While it requires meticulous organization and attention to detail, the process can be immensely rewarding, making the journey towards saying "I do" unforgettable. Whether it's choosing the perfect color palette or sourcing local vendors, DIY wedding planning offers couples the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind celebration that reflects their love story in every element.
Five Tips for Planning Your DIY Wedding
Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially if you've decided to take on the challenge of DIY wedding planning. To make the process seamless and enjoyable, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
ONE. First and foremost, start by creating a detailed timeline and checklist to help you stay organized and on track. Research is key - familiarize yourself with different vendors, compare prices, and read reviews to ensure you choose the best options within your budget. If you have a photographer, feel free to share your timeline with them so they can give you some insight from their perspective.
TWO. It's also crucial to delegate tasks to trusted family and friends who can assist you on the big day. This can be very helpful during formal portraits! Remember to prioritize and focus on the elements that truly matter to you and your partner, while remaining flexible and open to compromise.
THREE. Be sure to create a backup plan for any unforeseen circumstances to ensure your special day goes off without a hitch. With careful planning and a personal touch, your DIY wedding can be a beautiful and memorable celebration of your love. For example, if you’re wanting an outdoor wedding, make plans for an alternate location indoors in the event of inclement weather.
FOUR. Take time to lay out the ceremony and reception area to ensure guests can easily move from place to place. Walk through the setup in your mind and see if guests can move freely about the venue.
FIVE. Take that one step further. You’ve hired a photographer so you obviously want great photos of your wedding day. Take time to look at your setup from a photographers view. For example, is your cake table set up against a wall forcing you to have your back to the camera for cake cutting? Can you position it away from the wall instead or angle it in a corner so there’s room to stand behind the cake so photos can be taken of you cutting the cake together? Step back and take a look at what your photographer - and guests - will see during each part of your wedding day.
DIY wedding planning can be daunting, especially if you haven’t participated in many weddings. Reach out for ideas and suggestions from family and friends that have already had their wedding. I have found that the mothers of the bride and groom are typically great resources! After all, they have been dreaming about your wedding day for YEARS - just as you have.