Handmade Details Can Elevate a Wedding
As weddings become even more astronomically expensive, lots of couples are turning to DIY versions. These weddings can match the elegance of a more luxurious one without costing the same as a down payment for a house. From crafting your own decorations to going with family-style catering, here are 20 tips for hosting a DIY wedding.
1. Set a Realistic Budget
Start your DIY wedding planning by establishing a detailed and realistic budget. From attire and flowers to music, list every possible expense. Don't forget to include a contingency fund for unexpected costs, and use a spreadsheet to track spending.
Jeremy Wong Weddings on Unsplash
2. Choose a Manageable Venue
Choose a venue that aligns with your wedding goals. This will minimize the need for additional decor or rentals. Some solid DIY venues include barns, backyards, and community halls.
3. Create a Wedding Planning Timeline
A great DIY tip is to break your wedding prep into phases in a timeline that leads up to the big day. It's best to start about 12 months ahead, if possible. Make sure you allocate enough time for the bigger tasks, like booking vendors and shopping for a wedding dress.
4. Enlist a Reliable Wedding Party
A reliable wedding party can supply the support that every DIY wedding needs. Enlist the help of friends and family who are dependable and who can take ownership of specific tasks.
5. Simplify Your Decor Theme
Go with a cohesive and stunning theme that's also simple to execute. Opt for two to three primary colors and a unifying style. Options include rustic chic or minimalism. DIY elements like homemade centerpieces and string lights can work wonders.
6. DIY Invitations and Stationery
You can save a lot of money by creating your own wedding invitations, place cards, and signage. Use free online tools like Canva, which offers professional-looking templates. You can also print in bulk to save on costs.
7. Potluck or Family-Style Catering
Food costs are one of the biggest wedding expenses, so it's best to get creative. You can go with a potluck where close family and friends contribute dishes, or hire a caterer to prepare a buffet-style dinner.
8. Rent or Borrow Decor and Furniture
Instead of buying new decor and furniture for your wedding, try to borrow or rent linens, chairs, and tables from family, friends, or local community centers. Another option is to head to some thrift stores to see what you can find.
9. Use Local and Seasonal Flowers
Local florists and farmers' markets offer affordable, in-season flowers and flower arrangements. You can also buy flowers and arrange them yourself. Using seasonal flowers will add freshness to your wedding.
10. DIY Your Playlist or Hire a Friend to DJ
Forget the expensive wedding band, and instead curate your own playlist or hire a friend to DJ the party. If you want to do it yourself, make sure you have a mix of upbeat, romantic, and slow-dance songs.
11. Focus on Lighting for Ambience
Good lighting can add elegance and ambience to any venue. Consider using fairy lights, lanterns, and candles to set the mood. String lights across outdoor spaces can create a magical, dream-like effect.
12. Assign a Day-of Coordinator
After planning everything yourself, you'll still need to designate one person to handle all the duties that come with a wedding. Ask a friend with exceptional organizational skills to handle vendor arrivals, timeline management, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
13. Test Your Setup in Advance
Rehearse every aspect of your wedding to establish the flow and to mitigate surprises on your wedding day. Test the sound system and run a few rehearsals for walking down the aisle, to ensure that everything runs as it should.
14. Personalize with Handmade Details
Handmade touches can add charm to a wedding. Create custom signage and favors that speak to who you are as a couple. You can also personalize candles and a guest book.
15. Plan for Weather Contingencies
Outdoor weddings are stressful, as there's always a chance that the weather won't cooperate. You need to have a backup plan, such as tents or umbrellas. By preparing, you will ensure that your day goes off without a hitch, rain or shine.
16. Rent a Quality Sound System
A good sound system for vows, speeches, and music will elevate the wedding and avoid any frustrations. Rent professional-grade speakers and microphones, and don't rely on Bluetooth devices.
17. Create a Cleanup Plan
DIY weddings don't end after the last guest goes home. You need a crew to clean up the venue, and it's a big job. Designate a small team of friends and family to handle breakdown and garbage removal. A structured cleanup plan will leave the venue spotless and avoid any last-minute issues.
18. Capture Memories Creatively
You can hire a photographer for the ceremony, but for the reception, encourage your guests to take photos and then upload them to a shared album. This will let you capture the evening from different perspectives and in various styles.
19. Simplify the Menu and Bar Options
If you want to go with a catered meal instead of a potluck or buffet, make sure you select a simple menu that doesn't skimp on flavor and presentation. Some fun options include a taco bar or barbecue. You also want to offer only a limited drink menu at the bar. For example, offering guests only beer, wine, and a signature cocktail is perfectly acceptable.
20. Stay Present
DIY weddings are hard work, but remember that it's still your special day and you need to enjoy it. Take some time to pause, breathe, and look around. Also, don't be scared to delegate responsibilities.
