diy wedding

Whoever told you that was wrong and needs to mind their own business! To be honest, DIY doesn't always even save money. But if you are a DIY diva and can take care of some of what you need by yourself, you should absolutely do it! Don't listen to their negativity! There is absolutely nothing wrong with rocking some DIY wedding projects!

This particular someone clearly doesn't know what they're talking about. I'm doing quite a few things myself also to save money. That doesn't mean I'm cheap. It means I'm on a budget but still trying to provide the best experience for my partner and my guests that I can. Also, some of those projects are just fun! Don't let the naysayers get you down. Most people actually really love the DIY things because they can see that so much love was put into it.

I am also doing a lot of things DIY. I think our guests don't care because they just want to celebrate with us and they know we don't have a lot of money. They are happy for us that we found each other and they understand and are totally supportive why we wanted to get married fast instead of saving for a big wedding.

I am going for a more minimalistic style with decorations. That's just my personality and what I am drawn to. But it also helps with my DIY projects and keeping the budget in check.

That being said, here are my thoughts.

1) DIY does not have to be cheaper at all. Depending on what you do you can safe money but all the little things you need add up.

2) Don't aim for a super formal black tie event or something like that. To me that wouldn't go with DIY. Choose a theme, a style and a vibe that goes with your budget. DIY can definitely be elegant but is usual a more casual or rustic style.

3) I think who ever said you are just being cheap doesn't factor in how much time you are spending. I think all these personal touches make a wedding unique and special.

4) Don't bite off more than you can chew. Choose DIY projects you can execute well, so everything looks beautiful. People possibly might not even notice.

5) For signs, labels, seating chart, save the dates I used canva.com to design. I love canva and think it is easy to design stationary that looks almost professional.

6) Super important: keep guest experience in mind. Don't skimp on food, drinks, a DJ. Have enough of everything! I think most guests don't care even half as much as brides about decoration, stationary, favors and so on they care about food, drinks, entertainment and music; they want to be comfortable (not standing or waiting forever) and not too hot or too cold.

In my opinion things that are suitable to DIY (depending on your skill and creativity level): flowers, backdrops, center pieces, favors, stationary, other decorations.

A No-No is to expect people (family, bridal party, ...) to help. If they offer that's a different story (but again don't expect too much and make sure they really enjoy helping and don't just offer out of obligation). I am not against friendors at all but many are and you should definitely think about possible implications.

If you DIY a lot you also have to think about set up the day off.

Don't plan to make anything the day of the wedding or the night before!

That's all I can think of right now. It's your wedding and you do you. I don't think of DIY as cheap (mainly I think of it as being stressful) but it can be done cheaply or poorly. Also, good for you that you try to stay within your budget.

I’m also a DIY bride.. I absolutely don’t consider it cheap, I consider it putting a lot of myself and my fh into our special day and making it our own. I feel like it’s costing me more this way to be honest but this is what I wanted.

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Totally agree. Just used 10 times as many words to say the same thing. lol

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Thank you Elle ...some people are so negative ..even if your looking for inspiration

I don't think there is anything wrong with doing certain things yourself. That being said, one major thing I wouldn't do yourself is catering otherwise I think DIYing is fine.

Personally, I think DYIing certain things in a wedding adds your personal touch to it all! I’m doing my bridesmaids bouquets because I needed to save $$$ on flowers. We had a budget of $400 for real flowers & that was used for my bouquet, sweetheart table centerpiece & the cake. I hit Hobby Lobby for my bridesmaids flowers & will hit them again to make an arrangement for the gazebo where the ceremony will be.

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See that's what I'm talking about ...that the only reason I'm doing it is to save money ...We are already at 20,000

Some DIY is cheaper but a majority is not because people do not factor in their time (at minimum wage per hour) and sanity. Unfortunately some people don't like anything and have no filter. Do your best to ignore and avoid them.

I don’t consider all DIY to be “cheap“. However, there are some DIY projects that do result in a cheap looking outcome, if not done well. Everyone isn’t crafty and I think a lack of skill can be a downfall for some DIY projects. So, the best DIY projects are those that don’t scream “homemade”. 😉

I'm also DIYing every element of our wedding aside from catering, bar services, hair & makeup, and flowers. Though I do have a modest budget to work with, the DIY is not because I'm cheap or broke. It's because I'm a total control freak, lol!

I simply don't trust anyone else to execute my vision from table settings, signs, and stationary, to favors, and even the exact songs played and in what order throughout my entire event. (We're creating a few playlists and using the DJ app Pacemaker to mix them, and buying speakers and wireless mics through Amazon). My brother is going to MC because I don't want a stranger playing such a big/interactive role at my wedding.

So, no, you're not cheap Maybe you're just particular!

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Thank you Tori ..you understand where I'm going from

I am a crafter and have a large support group of crafty people.

I can say DIY are not always cheaper depending on what you are planning to do. Though the biggest perk is you do have the ability to get it the way you want it as you pictured it in your head. I'm actually allergic to flowers so I will be DIY all the floral arrangements. If I can't find the colors I want my sister in law will help my dye them as she has experience with dye. This does not stop people from making comments about florist that do silk flower arrangements. I enjoy arranging flowers and do it for the holidays so I don't want someone else to do it.

My Aunt has always said opinions are like butt wholes everyone has one and some of them stink. If doing DIY is going to get you the wedding vision you want and you are happy. Then this is all that matters.

Whomever told you that can kick rocks! They don't know your pockets and they need to mind the business that pays them. Especially if they are not contributing a single dime! I too am DIYing much of my wedding. I am doing it because I want to and I am also doing it because it is what our pockets can afford. Yes, sometimes, DIY can be costly but if you can see it as a cost saver then by all means do what you want and must. You do what makes you happy and what you are cool with. Someone always has something to say. I bet if they were doing their own wedding right now and see how much things really cost they wouldn't be saying that nonsense.

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THISSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! I am also a total control freak and definitely don't entrust anyone else with my vision!

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Right, some people don't get it ....I want to save money and I have a vision that I know i can complete with some DIY projects..I have very good taste . I'm a control freak too ...i like my things to look the way I invision , and who's better to see it thru ME.

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Absolutely! No one better than you honey! If you are confident in your capabilities go on and slay it! I am finding that people are too involved in other people's business...especially in terms of wedding. Everyone THINKS they have a say or influence on what it is that you do. At the end of the day, do what makes you happy! You got this! Your wedding is in a few months and you do not have the time to concern yourself with other's opinions.

Staying in budget isn't cheap. Definitely look on WW for ideas and encouragement


However, DIY precludes you from black tie and probably formal dress codes. Asking for that level of guest attire while DIYing would be cheap.

Whoever is telling you that you're cheap needs to mind their business, or start writing you some checks. If you can do DIY, I say go for it! If you are having a more formal wedding, DIY may be harder to get away with, unfortunately. But if your wedding is more casual, I think it would be more than okay!