After 20 years in the wedding decorating business you might think that I’m completely against all things DIY when it comes to your wedding decor, but I honestly believe that there is a time and a place for it and when done well it can be an important aspect of the wedding.
The Do’s:
3 Things: I recommend to choose just 3 things to focus all of your DIY energy into. Don’t overwhelm yourself by taking on all of the details yourself. Maybe you’re great with a Cricuit, then DIY your welcome sign (that’s one). Maybe you’re great at folding napkins (that’s two). Maybe you’re great at steaming tablecloths (that’s three). Notice how only one of these DIY’s needs to be done on the actual wedding day. While I recommend choosing 3 things to DIY, I only recommend choosing 1 that has to be done on wedding day. If all of them can be done in advance that’s even better.
Personal Touches: These are what make your wedding just that, YOUR WEDDING. So choose a DIY project that has sentimental value or that you can share with a loved one. In any case choose a DIY that means something special to you and your fiance. One of her brides and her mother embroidered their table numbers and they we’re the cutest things ever!
Enlist Help: Add a few hours to your bridal shower day and enlist your bridesmaids, your aunts, your friends and all the people who love you for a little bit of extra help. I promise you they’ll enjoy it just as much as you do!
The Don’ts:
Mix and Match: Please don’t mix and match your decor pieces with your decorator. This is for several reasons. It’s very difficult to determine who’s is who’s at the end of the night. It actually ends us being more expensive because your decorator will likely charge you for setting up your personal decor for you (and that’s usually at a more expensive rate.) And the most important, the overall look ends up being disconnected and incohesive.
Downgrade: Please don’t go cheap on your DIY purchases. Instead of tulle, purchase chiffon or gauze. Instead of the cheap candles, purchase long burning ones. Instead of purchasing table cloths that come folded in a bag, rent the linens and put them on yourself. There’s hundreds of areas to penny pinch on decor, but be sure to keep the integrity of the overall look in mind.
Plan on recouping costs: Facebook marketplace can be a great resource, but set your expectations low. You will likely only recoup 20% of your DIY purchases back and that doesn’t factor in the time, effort, and energy to do so. Also, it’s very unlikely that your local wedding rental companies will purchase your decor either (especially if you didn’t choose to use that company for your own wedding.)
Happy Planning!