When is it safe to D.I.Y? We talk to a lot of D.I.Y. savvy brides who want to do everything for their wedding themselves whether on a budget or not. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing that you made something for your own wedding, but at what cost and where should you draw the line and let the professionals come in? Here are some tips for knowing when it’s time to be pampered by professionals and when it’s good to do your own thing.
-Do’s
1. Favors
There are so many fun ideas that can work as favors for your wedding! Try creating a favor that doubles as an escort card! Simple boxes filled with your favorite local treat can be assembled quickly and look very chic as an example.
2. Guestbook
You can easily have too much fun making one of these and use it as an opportunity to show some personality! If you are into scrapbooking, create a book with pictures of both of you and pictures with you and guests. The areas for guests to leave a message can be intertwined with the photos, making this a great keepsake and fun for your guests to look through! Another guestbook idea is to have a computer set up for people to write messages to you. You can then design a book with photos uploaded from a web cam and have it printed with shutterfly or Kinkos.
3. Fun Details
Try making paper flowers to decorate your cake with. Design your table numbers by incorporating fun things such as photos or pretty picture frames with a design you created inside of them. Spice up votive candle holders with washi tape (www.cutetape.com).
These DIY table number frames are adorable!! (via weddinggirl blog)
Check out blogs such as http://www.diybride.com/ and http://mydiyweddingday.com/ for endless D.I.Y inspiration!
-Don’ts
1. Cake
This is the number one don’t. Unless your friend or sister is a professional, then don’t go down that scary road. If someone is great at making birthday cakes or entertaining, it doesn’t mean that they are great at wedding cakes. Just like a painter is great at painting, but perhaps not at sculpting. We have heard horror stories from brides whose friends used a friend for their wedding cake and it wasn’t structurally sound. Before they knew it, the cake was on the ground. Also, don’t bake the cake yourself. You don’t want to spend the night before your wedding worrying about your cake.
2. Invitations
For the Ceremony and Reception, let a professional handle this aspect for you. It will save you many a paper cut and time. Also, have the company who is handling your invitations handle your escort cards as well. However, if you are having a brunch the day after or a rehearsal dinner, you can find many great kits that you can spice up to make your own invitations.
3. Centerpieces
The biggest thing here is to cut down on your wedding day stress! A professional will be sure you are worry-free the day of your big event. Playing with live flowers and trying to replicate something in a magazine can lead to tears. Let the flower pros do their magic with an idea board and inspiration provided by you.
Leave the cake to the pros. (image by The Susquehanna Photographic)
