DIY

DIY stands for "Do It Yourself" and the vast amount of projects brides are doing themselves to add more of a personal touch and/or save money in their budget.

Although not guaranteed to be cheaper than hiring a professional, DIY projects ensure an event will be completely unique, and allow couples to have greater control over various elements of the wedding and reception.

1 DIY Projects
2 Tips
3 Popular DIY Materials
4 Templates
5 Weddingbee Posts

DIY Projects

Tasks increasingly taken on by the couple or their families include:

Flower-arranging and making bouquets and boutonnières, using real or silk flowers
Design, printing, and assembly of wedding invitations
Design, printing, and assembly of other paper goods, including Save the Dates, wedding programs, table cards, and place cards/escort cards
Creating or accessorizing decor items - table linens, centerpieces, candle holders, etc.
Creating wedding website
Creating photo albums
Making attendants' attire or accessories - dresses, sashes, jewelry, etc.
Creating guest book or "wishing bowl."
Making a card box for the gift table
Decorating a wedding cake

Tips

The number of DIY projects you take on is up to you; be realistic about the amount of time you'll have to work on the projects, as well as your own abilities. The period leading up to a wedding can be stressful enough without forcing yourself to learn a new skill on top of it all.
Involve the extra hands of close friends and family. If your wedding party is nearby, they will likely be glad to help. Offer food and drink, and make a party around each task!
Get started early. If there is something you know you want to do yourself, get started on it as soon as you can. Just make sure you don't get ahead of the details you will share with guests.
Take a class or check out books on the subject to feel more confident in acquiring a skill you need. Many paper stores are offering classes on how to make your own invitations. Bakeries may offer a cake decorating class. There are plenty of books on flower-arranging, specifically for wedding flowers.
Enlist the help of friends who have experience in these type of projects. A graphic designer friend might be glad to help put together the look of your invitations, a seamstress friend might be glad to help you find the right materials and patterns for the bridesmaid dresses, etc.