DIY Wedding Tips
Before, During and after your Big Day!
I’m not going to lie DIY weddings can be hard work but believe me...
...they are so worth it!
Generally speaking, when choosing a
blank canvas for your wedding there will be fewer restrictions than if you were
using a wedding venue and of course they are really good fun to organise!
Don’t worry if you aren’t a naturally organised person, DIY weddings are totally achievable for everyone ...
...so I say GO FOR IT!
In my opinion there is no better advice than from someone who has been there and done it! Asking people that have been through the DIY wedding planning experience can really help in making sure your special day is perfect.
Last year I was lucky enough to co-ordinate Sammy and Caine’s beautiful marquee wedding at Sopley Lake. When I wrote to ask them what their top tips might be, they replied with some absolute corkers which just had to be shared in their own blog!
So, here to help you are Sammy and Caine's top DIY wedding planning tips....
Before your Wedding Day
- Think about utilising skills of your friends and families. It saves money, is more personalised and it is a lovely way to bring others in to part of your day.
- Try to go local where you can with suppliers. Trust your instinct when speaking to people and considering whether to hire them...if you click, get them booked in!
- If there is the option to speak to people who have used the same place before then DO! They have been there, done it and gained valuable experience. (This is how we discovered a silent disco could get around the live noise curfew of 11!)
- Hire an 'On the Day' wedding co-ordinator because they will guide you through and make you think about SO many hidden details and options.
- Everything DIY will probably take double the time you expect. With enough notice, friends and family can be fabulous at collecting items ready to DIY but it can take a while!
- Know that the set up will require a TEAM and that not everyone who says they'll help will necessarily turn up.
- Remember that within reason YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT! Have fun with this and scrap traditional elements you don't like. This could range from having an alternative toast drink such as Passoa and lemonade, wearing summer wedges instead of 'proper' wedding shoes to having your very own quiz!
- Allow for a buffer fund - there will be lots of hidden costs no matter how much you think you've got everything covered!
- If there is a venue you love but cannot get officially married at then consider the option of getting legally married a few days before – it creates a longer wedding period.
On your Big Day
- Ensure the photographer and videographer snap and record the details you worked so hard to create.
- Have a little hub of handy items somewhere (pens, scissors, tape. etc) easily accessible and ensure key people know. It can be hidden in plain sight in a vintage suitcase for example!
- If you have hired an 'On the Day' wedding co-ordinator, sit back and relax while they're being fabulous, but do think about who will be the main port of call when they leave.
- Sit back and take in the achievement
of managing the feat of creating your day.
The Next Day!
- If there is an option to have it packed down by someone else, take it. Clearing up sucks. Leftover sweet treats are a good tool for hooking people in to stay and help though!
The Following Months
- Keep a selection of your DIY decor to enjoy around the home and garden. We have bunting and places table sign in our garden and various candle holders, blankets etc. dotted around our house!
- Write a list of all the thank yous while they are fresh in your head and do them as quickly as possible. It will mean they'll be more personalised because you'll remember all the little details.
- DIY wedding fairs and Facebook wedding sites are your best friend for selling items on after. Although it can be hard work taking things to a wedding fair, you can sell a lot very quickly.
Totally brilliant tips and some fantastic advice!
A big thank you to Sammy and Caine for taking the time to write all of these fabulous tips to share with you all.
Remember if you are considering a
DIY wedding or you are in the planning stages of your journey then you aren’t
on your own. With so many wonderful
local wedding suppliers that are extremely experienced in weddings they will
all have your back and be able to advise you along the way.
Afterall, that is what a wedding is all about...right?!
If you need any help or have any questions then check out my website and please don’t hesitate to get in touch...I am always here for some wedding chat!
Lots of Love
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