DIY Wedding Guide

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Planner Vs. No Planner

Wedding planner is not practical or possible for you and your spouse, consider hiring a day-of coordinator. They keep you on track, execute your vision, manage the budget meticulously and execute day-of coordination so you can be present with your partner. Rather than help you plan throughout the entire process, they will help coordinate everything you have put together yourself. This allows you to sit back and relax and enjoy your wedding day as much as possible.

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Mood Board

We’re firm believers that every couple should create a wedding mood board when wedding planning. They help guide decisions and keep your holistic vision in mind while also visually describing your desires to your wedding team. They’re especially handy when DIYing items at your wedding because they serve as inspiration. Have you found a centerpiece that you want to recreate?  Tackling these items will be much easier when you have images to refer to.

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Recruit Help From Your Wedding Party and Family Members

For the sake of your sanity, ask for help. Your wedding party and family members are there to make your special day just that–special! Get together and make DIY projects fun with movies, snacks, and wine. This way you’re crossing things off of your list quicker and making them more enjoyable for yourself.

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Consider Thrift Stores

Weddings, while of the most memorable days of your life, are also incredibly wasteful. Unwanted décor gets tossed time and time again. Not only is this a waste of money, but it’s also harmful to our planet. For a more sustainable and budget-friendly option, consider sourcing items from thrift stores, your home, or apps like Facebook Marketplace and Offer Up. You’ll be surprised by the stunning vases and artwork you can find secondhand.

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Play To Your Strengths

While it may be tempting to DIY everything you need, it will quickly become a big waste of your time and money if something goes wrong. Of course, you can pay a world-class vendor to correct mistakes at the last minute. Then you’ll be met with stress and another bill you didn’t plan for. Focus on your strengths—whether they are sewing, baking, drawing, calligraphy, floral design, etc. The same goes for the family and friends that you include in your projects as well.

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Invitations

While invitations are a small part of your special day, they can be expensive. Who knew that paper and printing costs could add up so fast? Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to invites and stationery. Often, the most cost-efficient option is to do your own designing and printing.  If you don’t consider yourself a graphic design pro, online options such as Minted or Shutterfly offer gorgeous templates at reasonable prices. They both frequently offer discounts as well.

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Lighting

One thing that can really take a wedding up a notch is custom lighting–which doesn’t come cheap. Everything from the bulbs you use to where your candles are placed can make or break your wedding. Sound dramatic? It’s not. Wedding lighting will help people see where they’re going and light the wedding photos you’ll cherish forever. With proper lighting, you can keep the party going even after the sun sets.

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Signs

Having various wedding signs posted around your wedding is helpful for your guests. Wedding signs can communicate your ceremony schedule, direct parking, welcome guests, or showcase a specialty cocktail.  You can create your own DIY signs using wood, glass, old window panes, or chalkboard–to name a few. Try your hand out! If you’re not comfortable, try using stencils. You can also use decals using a Cricut machine. This takes away the guesswork of hand-painting.

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Centerpieces

Centerpieces are one of the most visual parts of your wedding reception. They are also one of the most challenging because there are so many of them. If making dozens of floral arrangements overwhelms you, there are many different options for centerpieces. There’s no rule that says centerpieces have to be flowers, after all! Include items that are special to you and your spouse, such as books, mismatched glassware, lamps, lanterns, or geometric table décor.