DIY is a common trend among brides-to-be, and for good reason. DIY projects allow you to create unique, one-of-kind wedding accessories and essentials, and such projects are often cheaper than store bought versions. For instance, one of my brides got married last February, and she printed labels for the bottoms of Hershey kisses. (She bought the paper at Michael’s.) This cute favor idea would have been twice the price if she had ordered the same exact favors from a leading bridal catalogue.
However, DIY projects can have down falls. The biggest one is the amount of time DIY projects can take. You need to factor this time in to your wedding schedule. Since wedding planning is already stressful, it is wise to pick and choose which projects to DIY and which projects to leave to a professional. Taking on too many projects can lead to a very stressed out bride-to-be.
Also, consider the costs and level of expertise required to complete the projects. Believe it or not, some projects can be costly when you have to purchase tons of materials, and the cost increases if you mess up and have to redo the project. Again, taking on projects that will overwhelm you is not a good idea when planning a wedding. Stick to projects that are manageable and enjoyable, and don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for help. (After all, isn’t that what bridesmaids are for?)
Here are just a few possible DIY projects.
Stationery – Thanks to printers and computers, you can create everything from seating cards to invitations to thank you cards. DIY stationery projects allow you to personalize the items with photos and graphics that coordinate with your wedding themes.
Favors – Favors are a wedding keepsake for your guest. Trust me, most guests appreciate a heartfelt, personalized favor over a cheesy catalogue bought nick-knack. A few possibilities include a personalized mixed cd, personalized candy bars, or potted plants.
Centerpieces and Bouquets – Flowers are a wedding tradition, but they aren’t the only option. You can create centerpieces with mason jars, a variety of vases, candles, or even goldfish (yes, I mean it!). The options are endless, and the same is true for bouquets. If you feel talented enough, you can order the flowers from a local florist or grocery store and create your own bouquets, or you can create a bouquet out of silk flowers, wildflowers, or brooches.
We’d love to hear your DIY ideas. Please share your experiences, advice, or questions.