Lots of brides-to-be decide on a DIY wedding these days. Not just because it can be cheaper, but because it gives them more control over the proceedings as well as the chance to showcase their creative skills.
It could be anything from making their own table runners to designing their own floral arrangements, but brides are deciding to personalise more and more aspects of their big day rather than leaving it to cliché – and chance.
There’s an upside and a downside to this decision, however, so let’s look at the pluses and minuses of taking your biggest day into your own hands.
Starting with the bad news first…
One of the reasons to use vendors and planners is to take the stress out of it all! It’s already a huge logistical undertaking, so why make things even worse by having to carve out more time to design your own invitations? Be very careful before you embark on this journey as it may be more time-consuming then you imagine and then you might also find out that you’re not the design genius you thought you were.
You may also have to get your mum, your aunties, your bridesmaids and their reluctant other halves in to wrap 400 lots of sugared almonds in tulle, or to handwrite invitations. You might think this makes for a fun evening in on the red wine, but here’s a hint; it’s not. Play to everyone’s strengths when it comes to DIY. If you’re a dab hand with an art knife and a glue gun, then go right ahead on your own. If you know Aunt Marge is mal-coordinated and has a rare blood type, just ask her to write out a few place markers and keep anything sharp out of her reach.
There is actually an upside
If you’re a genuinely crafty type, then you can save a small fortune and have a wedding that’s a real talking point for years. Many people prefer this low-key approach to a gaudy, expensive affair that means they spend half of their house deposit savings on one day.
A DIY wedding is also a great way to show off your personality and creativity. You might have a theme that you want to adhere to or have a celebrant that brings your humanist beliefs to a whole new crowd.
Best of all, a DIY wedding is even more about you than a regular event. You’ve thought up the details and made them happen, you’ve been able to show off your handiwork to your guests and so they’ll want to keep your favours and your invitations because you made them for them!
