So, you are thinking about having a DIY wedding?  I had a very DIY wedding, and I can tell you from experience that is is a lot of hard work.  Deciding to have a DIY wedding is not a decision that you should take lightly.  The more items you DIY, the more time you will spend on your wedding, and the more physical space it will take up in your life too!  My husband and I had boxes upon boxes of decorations, cake stands, food, beverages, etc. in our house leading up to the wedding.  We filled up his pickup truck and the back of a large SUV to get everything to the venue!

But DIY weddings can be very rewarding too!  For us, we were able to have the super personalized wedding we wanted at a price within our budget.  So here are some things to consider when choosing to go the DIY route for your wedding.

Why do you want to DIY your wedding?

This is one of the most important questions.  Are you DIY’ing your wedding to save money?  Or because you absolutely love crafting?  Or because you want to spend more quality time with your close family and friends leading up to the wedding?  Maybe it is to bring your personality into the wedding?  Your motivating factor is an important one to identify, because it will help you keep your eye on the prize when things get tough.

• To Save Money – Yes, it is true.  A DIY wedding can save a lot of money.  But it is also A LOT of hard work.  If you are not skilled in crafting or party planning, DIY may be more of a headache than it is worth.  You can always try other options to save money like having a smaller wedding with a large informal reception at a later date or hiring frendors (friends as vendors) to shave some costs.  Or, you can look into non-traditional wedding venues, attire, catering, etc.
• You Love Crafting – Yes, sister!  Craft on!  But be careful not to overextend yourself.  You don’t want to do all of the things if you don’t have the time or help to do so.  In the end all things will be alright, rather than a few things being amazing!  Also, know your crafting limits.  Maybe you are a machine with a needle and thread but the art of designing stationary is beyond your reach.  Know what you are good at and kill that for your wedding!
• Spending Time Together – DIY weddings will generally bring you together with your loved ones.  Whether this is extra coffee dates with your sister who will be singing while you walk down the aisle or full on crafting parties with your friends and family.  It takes a community to pull of a DIY wedding.
• To Personalize Your Wedding – Yaaaaaas!  I love personal touches in weddings!  Be sure to choose a few fun projects to do for the wedding.  Don’t overwhelm yourself thinking you have to make everything yourself.  You can find a lot of lovely vendors that create custom items for your wedding too!

 

How much time do you have?

How much time do you have to dedicate to your DIY wedding projects?  Anything DIY is not only going to take longer than purchasing the item, but it will take longer than you expect.  Especially if you are trying a new project for the first time.  Be realistic with the time you have to devote to DIY projects.  Enlist the help of your friends and family to accomplish the projects.  And as a rule of thumb, double the amount of time you think a project will take.  If you get done quicker, you just have more time to date your future spouse!  Be reasonable with the projects you take on, and delegate or purchase the rest.  You will thank me later!

You don’t have to DIY all the things.

Having a DIY wedding does not mean you have to DIY  every single item at the wedding.  Focus on the strengths of your future spouse, yourself, and your friends and family.  DIY what really brings you and those close to you passion and hire someone passionate about everything else.  Maybe your best friend worked at a florist shop in high school and wants to help with bouquets.  Maybe your husband love woodworking and wants to build an arch for you to get married under.  Or maybe your grandma used to sew wedding dresses and so you want her to sew yours!  (This was totally me!!!)  Awesome!  Then hire someone to do the rest!

Another thing you may want to DIY are things to personalize the wedding.  I have seen all kinds of ideas with just pictures of the couple from photo trees to table markers.  Another easy thing to personalize is your wedding favors.  I have seen his and her candy packets, jam the couple made, or s’mores packets for a bonfire!

 

Only you and your future spouse will know what is right for your wedding.  I hope that these points help you to choose what is going to work for you.  Whether you DIY just the favors or almost your entire wedding, know that it was the right option for you!  Want more tips for creating an amazing wedding day?  Click here for more Wedding Tips!