So, you’re excited about your wedding and wanting to DIY all the things? Maybe take a step back and consider first that maybe it’s not the best idea to take things out of the very capable hands of the professionals and overwhelm yourself. Of course, you can do a few things yourself here or there. If you want to sew some bunting or make some candles, no one is stopping you but remember, there’s no shortage of things to do when planning a wedding… from the vows to shopping for wedding favours, to cake tastings and finding the perfect accessories… So here’s which DIY projects we strongly urge you to avoid:
Photography and Videography
This is one we definitely recommend leaving to the pros. As tempting as it may be to save a few bucks (well, a LOT), trust us, this is the one opportunity you can’t take back… your day will never come around again in exactly the same way, so you will never get the same chance at documenting it. A professional will make sure no important moment is missed. You can’t say the same for the amateur photography student you’re considering hiring, or the 20 disposable cameras you’re buying for your guests. It’s just not the same as a pro – who are well worth the spend. If you can’t afford a photographer or videographer, consider having them shoot the wedding for a shorter time (a shorter package for example, 4 hours instead of 8 hours)!
Food
This is one of those things you really shouldn’t be concerning yourself with on your wedding day. Not only will you not want to be sticking your head into the kitchen every 5 minutes, nor should you have to. Plus, no one wants the stress of potential food poisoning risks that come along with not being a professional caterer. Leave this one someone who knows exactly what they are doing in the kitchen and get out there and enjoy your wedding day. Same goes for your friends and family. They shouldn’t have to spend the day worried about whether or not everyone is fed- they should be enjoying it with you!
Florals
It’s your wedding day. You need to get up at 4am to go to the flower market. Oops, you forgot to go to floristry school and learn how to actually arrange flowers… so I guess we’re just winging it? Sure, that works. But now you have rose thorns in your hands and they’re bleeding. And you forgot to buy floral tape. I guess this random bunch of flowers will do….? Yeah, don’t let that scenario be you. If you suddenly feel the urge to learn how to arrange flowers after getting a quote for your favourite florist, work with them to make your vision come to life at a lower cost. Maybe it means less arrangements, smaller bouquets, more seasonal blooms, some faux flowers or another florist, but try to avoid convincing yourself that you’re a florist. Because unless you ARE a florist, you’re not a florist, if you feel me.
The dress
If you’re a bride and you want to wear a wedding dress, for the love of all things, please don’t make your own dress unless you literally are a fashion designer. There are so many ways this could go wrong. Stick with a proper wedding dress designer or a wedding dress boutique and have it professionally altered. Don’t let yourself, cousin Jack, mum or nonna lay their hands on it. It’s just too much pressure and stress unless you’re a pro. The last thing you want is someone who’s out of practice accidentally removing a strap, taking it in two inches too many or removing the train you paid $1000 to have added.
Makeup
Okay so it’s your wedding day, you should be getting pampered, not freaking out, trying to make sure your eyeliner is even or making sure your lash glue is going to stand the test of time. You should be sipping champagne and enjoying this moment with your bridesmaids. Unless you’re a pro and NO ONE is capable of doing your makeup the way you like it, then just pay someone to cover this one for you.
