Calling all DIY brides/grooms

This past weekend, it was our ceremony here at home,

(We "eloped" in Texas in July)

and there were some things I learned from working in the wedding industry

for the past year and half that you can absolutely DIY

and then there are some things you just can not DIY.

Warning: if you are crafty, you will succeed on your first try,

if you are not crafty, do not get discouraged, it may take a try or two!!

Here is my list and explanations; 

DIY

Invitations- there are so many websites that you can use to make invitations, you can get fancy on Zazzle or keep it low key at Walmart

Place cards- once again, you can use a website like Zazzle for your paper place cards or you can think out of the box, some ideas I have seen are mason jars, calligraphy on mirrors, names on mini pumpkins, etc

Centerpieces- depending on what you would like as your centerpiece, some pretty cool DIY ones I have seen are books stacked on top of each other with a small vase and a fake flower, lanterns with LED candles and tree stumps, engagement photos in elegant frames, etc

Flowers- this isn't a completely DIY task but you can buy already made bouquets at Michael's craft store all you have to do is rewrap it to have the nice ribbon on it (if that is what you would like)

Favors- edible favors are in right now, which is really simple because you can order large amounts of candy online, buy some vases and some candy bags and that is all, but I have seen other cute ideas such as jars of honey that had a sticker with the bride and groom's name, s'mores, mason jars with stickers or cake inside or coffee beans, caramel in a mason jar with an apple, small frames if you have a photo booth, etc

Aisle Runner- you can buy a 100 foot aisle runner and petals at Michael's craft store, and you can design it yourself, the picture above is my aisle runner, I bought the runner at Michael's and I used a hot glue gun and glued some photo copies of our boot camp letters

DIYNOTS

Transportation- it is just too difficult and there are too many logistics to get you and your whole bridal party to all the places you need to be on the day of

Photography- you do not want to be taking your wedding pictures, that is a 100% no!

Cake (unless you are a baker)- if you are not a baker, there is no way you will have time or the patience to make a cake a day or two before the big day

Food & beverage- I have been to weddings when they have provided the food, but the bride and groom did not make the food, reliable family members did; mother, sister, grandmother, etc.

Decorate venue- this can happen, but it is just too hectic the day of, you have makeup, hair, photos to be taking beforehand and this can just add unnecessary stress, if the venue lets you decorate the night before and you are persistent on doing it yourself, then by all means, do it

There are so many options and ideas available on Google, Etsy, and the most obvious, Pinterest.

But try to keep your ideas aligned,

if you have found a centerpiece you like, find 2-3 pictures of that centerpiece,

figure out how you may make it (or if you choose to pay someone)

and then move on.

I have realized that a person can get carried away on the internet, finding ideas they love

and then the ideas are all over the place.

Hopefully, this was helpful to some of you!

If anyone has any other DIY tips for weddings, let me know! :)

XO, J