When it comes to wedding DIY, most brides don’t have a clue as to what they are getting into! For those who have never touched DIY before, we’ve asked Alison from Chameleon Stationery to give us her tips for wedding DIY newbies…
Hi Alison, you’re probably a DIY veteran at this stage! What is it that you like most about Wedding DIY?
Yea I can always be found with craft glue and brush in hand. It’s really nothing new to see me making a mess.
I’m a real magpie. I’ll hold on to bits and pieces if I think they will come in useful for a crafting project in the future.
Not that I would recommend that others do the same… hoarding is bad kids!
Anyway I guess to get back to your question; for me, the most important thing about wedding D.I.Y. is asking for help.
Ironically, I think it’s impossible to complete Do-It-Yourself wedding projects without asking for the help/time/effort from close friends and family. n(Anybody who intends to embrace DIY had better check their control freak at the door!)
Wedding D.I.Y. is a great opportunity to get everyone on both sides involved. The projects will add excitement and anticipation in the build-up to the big day, working on projects for the imminent celebration “in the flesh”, makes the wedding more realistic not something distant in a land far, far, away. These projects, in time, will become memories stitched into the fabric of the wedding, becoming keepsakes and family heirlooms.
Image Credit: Bottle Hurricane Vase via Top Dreamer, Blue Backdrop via Wedding Inspirations, Floating Candle Wine Glass centrepiece via nsmbl
Where do you think brides fall down the most when it comes to taking on DIY?
There are a few key things that catch brides out when it comes to taking on D.I.Y. wedding projects. My advice is:
– Select the craft project that you are best suited.
Are you handy in the kitchen? Good with fabric/sewing? Or have an eye for decor, styling interiors? Shortlist projects you can undertake based on your combined skills such as: homemade favors, style a D.I.Y. photo-booth or make felted decorations for a wish tree.
– Ask for help. Do you have a close friend or family member who has a special skill?
Be patient with anyone who is offering to help. They will be nervous of not living up to your expectations or their efforts not being good enough.
Put their mind at ease early on in the project. However, don’t pressurize them (into doing it) if they are really uncomfortable undertaking the task.
– D.I.Y. is not a last minute project.
Plan your projects well in advance. Make a mock-up to see if there is any unseen pitfalls in the project, before you commit to the task.
– Get your groom involved. Don’t misunderstand his eagerness to keep you content as disinterest in the wedding plans. He does genuinely want to support you and keep you as stress-free as possible during the planning.
Do you need to be an arts and crafts expert to get a pretty and personal touch to your wedding?
No you certainly don’t need to be an expert! I’m living proof of that.
If this is the first time to attempt D.I.Y. there are loads of craft projects that are simple to achieve.
With the help of the internet it is even easier to get your hands on craft tools and pre-made decorative items, just add a little imagination for pretty results.
I would advise people considering D.I.Y. projects to think carefully about their plans for the day. Think about your chosen venues and how guests will use the reception spaces throughout the day. I think the most successful projects are the ones that will add major visual impact (for you and your guests to enjoy) on the day. This in turn will also create much needed talking points, helping guests break the ice. Don’t commit to doing anymore than 3-4 projects.
Some simple projects include:
-Buy large chipboard letters to spell out initials or LOVE/JOY etc. Paint in bright acrylics or decorate with glitter. These can be used to decorate mantelpieces, in seating areas or dessert display/ bar etc..
Image Credit: Easy Glitter Letters via Bayside Bride, DIY Sparkle Initials via Your Favorite Girlfriend, Glitter Letters by Make Life Lovely via Green Tea Design
-Candles, Candles, Candles. Candles always look great and create a cosy, welcoming light in any season. To avoid any fire hazards, the hotel should be able to supply or hire suitable glassware or even cheaper, wine glasses in various sizes. Very simple. Very effective.
Image Credit: Flowers and Wine Glass Candlestick via The Wedding of my Dreams, Sunflower Wine Glass Candlestick via Pinterest, Wine Glass Candle Lamp by Charles and Marie via Mrs Design Her.
– A lot of venues supply an easel and large framed mirror for seating plan. To add a special finishing touch. Print the seating plans on individual table cards and trim with gem brads and organza ribbon. Super simple. You can stick the table cards onto pearlescent backing board (cut 10mm larger in dimension than printed table cards) to create a bold border. Mount the finished cards onto mirror with blu tack.
Image Credit: Dyno Label Seating Plan via www.lucysaysido.com, D.I.Y. Mirror Seating Plan via www.ukbride.co.uk and Silver ornate framed seating plan via www.wantthatwedding.co.uk
– Create a photo-opportunity. Everyone loves taking photos at weddings. Dedicate a small space to create a D.I.Y. “photo-booth”. You don’t have to buy fancy frames and props. Create a simple backdrop that will eliminate boring backgrounds from all your guests photos. Dip Dye a large cotton sheet in pastel shades for a super on trend ombre effect backdrop. The sheet can be hung using cheap curtain rails or net curtain wire and a few screws.
Image Credit: Handwritten Backdrop 1 via Hey Look and Handwritten Backdrop 2 via Green Wedding Shoes
If you look around, the internet can be an endless source of inspiration for wedding DIY, do you have any favourite DIY sites?
The simple answer has to be Martha Stewart! She is the queen of D.I.Y. crafting. Every major D.I.Y. trend you see in the various wedding blogs comes from her or is an interpretation of her ideas. I can find her instructions a little over complicated sometimes but you can adapt an easier method to create the same effect.
Pinterest is a great source for various D.I.Y. projects of all shapes and sizes. It’s probably one of the most valuable crafting websites because users worldwide have collected ideas from all over, into one spot. And you can create your own mood-board from shortlisted projects. But beware! Hours of your life disappear before your computer monitor… It’s highly addictive.
If a bride is looking to save money by DIYing their day, what is the one tip you would give them starting out?
The one thing I’d have to say is that D.I.Y.ing their day does not guarantee saving a lot of money. In most cases the savings are marginal.
Ultimately the savings you make come down to the type of wedding you are planning. For example, if you are planning a glamourous NYE bash, the D.I.Y. projects undertaken will have to have a very high standard of finish to reflect your theme; whereas a shabby chic/boho garden tipi is much better suited to fun D.I.Y. projects where the overall styling is far more relaxed, personal and quirky.
The hard truth is that yes, it is possible to make your budget go further, but you will have to work hard, and make difficult decisions, keeping in mind, at all times, that you need to stick to a set budget. The most important thing is to take help from everywhere and anyone who offers it.
Instead I would encourage a bride or bridegroom to D.I.Y so that they can make unique personal touches to their wedding, and instead to look at any possible savings as a bonus!
