If you are planning a wedding, chances are you’ve stumbled upon countless DIY wedding ideas whether searching for them or not. From the plethora of Pinterest boards dedicated to DIY wedding invitations and centerpieces, to inspiration from Real Weddings featured on theKnot and WeddingWire, there’s no escaping the DIY wedding trend. The key to planning your perfectly personal wedding is to balance special touches you can do yourself with those elements better left to the professionals.
DIY Wedding Do’s:
Do let your personality shine through. Do get crafty, thrifty and creative, if you enjoy it. Do put your stamp on the details if you have the time, patience, skill and desire. Favors, even invitations, some elements of decor, escort cards, and guest books are all fair game. If you have a special skill or talent, by all means incorporate it. Bond with your wedding party and include your future in-laws with DIY projects leading up to the big day.
Visit our Pinterest boards for some terrific DIY wedding inspiration. Following are a few of our favorites:
Don’t let the process of planning and hosting your wedding become a daunting chore. Following are a few important wedding items we think are best left to the pros.
DIY Wedding Don’ts:
Catering (including cake and dessert)
Yes, Aunt Millie may be an incredible cook but unless she owns her own catering company or bakery and has wedding and event experience, leave the food (every bite and sip) to the professionals. Not only is there a liability issue should anyone get sick from deviled eggs sitting in the sun a little too long or a little too much peach schnapps, professional caterers provide so much more than just food. From china, glassware, linens and wait staff to coordination of rentals and cleaning up afterwards, a professional catering team is the backbone of any event. Learn more about Gramercy’s approved full-service caterers.
Music
You may be thinking, “How hard is it to put together a playlist on my iPod and set it to shuffle?” Seems simple, but D.J.s are not just there to play your favorite party songs; they set the vibe for the entire event. According to Renae Strozier from The Daily Meal, “Professional D.J.s do more than play music. They’re a part of your wedding from the ceremony to the last call.” Think of your D.J. or band leader as the conductor for the day’s events. They orchestrate the introductions, the first and last dance, your cake cutting, the toast… so many special moments that you and your guests can miss out on without someone directing the action. Professional musicians and d.j.s come with professional equipment, including microphones for toasts and ceremony officiants, and backup plans (always reassuring).
Photography/Videography
Your wedding is a day you will cherish for the rest of your life, and also something you will want to share with others. You don’t want to look back at wedding photos taken with your guests’ iPhone and call it a day. Professional, high-quality photographs and video allow you to relive the special moments for years to come. If you’re planning an intimate destination wedding or elopement, I especially recommend hiring a professional photographer or videographer. You’ll want to share your ceremony with extended family and friends after the fact. While this isn’t technically a DIY category (I’ve never seen a ”selfie” wedding), many couples enlist a family member or friend who happens to be a budding amateur photographer to capture their wedding photos. A professional photographer and videographer will have professional equipment (catching the theme here?), including the proper lenses and flash and backup in the form of a second shooter when needed.
Planning/Coordinating
This may just be the most important thing to leave to a professional, especially if you are incorporating DIY wedding ideas. You may prefer to handle the legwork yourself. If you’re organized and do your homework, interviewing and contracting your vendors allows you control, creativity and flexibility. But hiring a professional wedding planner allows you that and more. Plus, if those DIY escort cards and wedding favors don’t turn out quite like you envisioned, you can call in the troops. With added experience, they’ll show you options you’ve never imagined, recommend the professionals who will be a best fit and be there on your big day with extra safety pins, breath mints and tricks up their sleeve to avert any crisis.
For some extra help finding someone to take the reigns on any aspect of your wedding day plans, use the list of resources provided on our website. We are always happy to help you here at Gramercy Mansion, so contact us with any questions or concerns.
Tags: DIY wedding, wedding ideas, wedding planning