A new age of wedding conceptualization is here and it all starts with the couple and their vision!
As the modern wedding has morphed from a simple ceremony and reception at a local chapel – to an event designed to showcase your relationship and visually entertain your friends and relatives in your own unique fashion, DIY has become the way to not only express your individuality – it is also an opportunity to save some bucks – to use to upgrade another important item, to provide cash for something else you want to provide, or to lavish on your honeymoon.
Whatever the reason, DIY creates your own personalized event and features elements that speak to you as a couple. It’s super-hot right now – and I’m all for it!
Do it!
Décor
Obviously, ideas abound on Pinterest – not to mention Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, and even BuzzFeed has gotten in on the action. Just remember – the execution of some of those great ideas may be more difficult and time consuming than you may anticipate.
I say forge ahead when choosing to DIY:
- table numbers, escort cards – handmade, letter pressed
- guest book, welcome table (i.e. polaroid mera welcome table with sign)
- favors – if you have a craft, this is a great way to share it!
- reception games
- signage
Officiating
Having a close friend or close family member act as your officiant, makes the ceremony so much more personal – and less stressful for you! Just be sure that your chosen officiant is comfortable speaking to large groups, can project their voice, and has the appropriate credentials.
Washington State in particular has a pretty open view on who can officiants – all that is needed is a certificate of ordination to perform weddings – available online for as little as $10.95. No county or state license is required.
What a warm and touching way to personalize your ceremony!
The Booze!
If your caterer allows you to use outside liquor I highly encourage looking into it. BevMo! is a great location for all your beverage needs – that is not only affordable but delivers. They can provide all the alcohol you need and the equipment, the only downside is that you are responsible for returning that equipment – but you do get to take home all the alcohol!
Just be sure to double check if your venue or caterer requires a corkage fee. If that fee is low enough you can sometimes find it is actually more affordable to purchase your own – even with the corkage fee – than simply sticking the caterer’s choices. And you’ll get a broader range of choices – who really wants to serve 14 Hands (solid as it might be) – at your most extra special event!
Even though Pinterest will promote DIY in every area of your wedding, my experiences have shown me that there are a few details that are not ideal to DIY. Check back next week for some cautionary tales!
