DIY weddings are such a beautiful option when it comes to planning a wedding. Having handmade details that you created can make your wedding that much more meaningful. Their popularity has definitely risen over the last few years with the current economic climate challenging couples to work within smaller budgets. Brides have not only embraced the challenge of budgetary constraints but thanks to many talented individuals, DIY has even become a category, or dare I say it, a style all its own. It’s a style allowing the creativity and individuality of a bride and groom to personalize their wedding in a unique way that only do-it-yourselfers can capture.

Photo by Katelyn James via Heart Love Weddings

Then, there are those who can look at DIY weddings with all those unique and adorable details that make someone’s day so special, and wish they could do the same, but can’t. Yes, there are many more non-DIYer’s out there than DIYer’s that are looking to save money and who desperately want that handmade look. They basically hate DIY for many reasons, much of which is rooted in the fact that they mostly feel inadequate and envious that they somehow are missing the doing-it-yourself gene. They may in fact have a love/hate relationship with handmade weddings. Maybe you are a distinctly modern bride and think that your wedding and DIY are just not going to get along and should not be used in the same sentence.

Ultimately, a DIY wedding is a very personal choice, which your wedding should be. A do-it-yourself wedding can present you with numerous handmade choices but it also has its challenges. You will have to decide about things that you can or cannot do. What you are willing to do. And, in fact, what you would love to do with the least amount of stress and time.

Considering a DIY wedding? We’ve come up with five reasons that should help you decide whether or not you love it or hate it, and whether or not it’s the right fit for you.

Photo by Dana Duncan Photography/Event Design by Styled By Design via Heart Love Weddings

You Love It: the handmade, sweet details that allow you to express your creative and unique style. DIY weddings are not just for budget conscious couples but are equally important for those that just love to be crafty and handy – plain and simple.

You Hate It: unless you really have a talent for creating handmade stuff, you risk having details that look cheesy, cheap, and not very well done. *Remember, there are many awesome crafty resources like Etsy that allow you to buy the handmade look you were going for without lifting a hand to do-it-yourself. This could be more or less expensive depending on what it is you want, so shop smart.*

You Love It: the cost effective options available especially when it comes to details like invites, flowers, cake, food, and favors.

You Hate It: that very costly mistakes can be made. A project doesn’t work out – it doesn’t look good – you buy all sorts of supplies ahead of time…because they were on sale…because you think of a great idea that you saw on Pinterest…but then decide you can’t do it, or it just won’t work.

Photo by Amanda K Photography via Heart Love Weddings

You Love: the whole planning process and being your own project manager. You love having a calendar full of color coded blocks of time and keeping a schedule. In a nutshell, you are a very organized person.

You Hate: that all of this craftiness requires TIME, lots and lots of it that you do not have or don’t know how to manage. And if you tend to be a disorganized procrastinator (you know who you are), you may end up running out of time. Insert sad trombone.

You Love: control – you are the type of bride that has had a vision for her wedding from day one and believe that you are the only one who can carry it to completion. We give you the nickname of “Crafty Diva” because you thrive on the euphoria of a handcrafted job well done.

You Hate: stress – a DIY wedding can be very stressful unless you are a very organized person who possesses the “crafty” gene. You cannot expect to become a “Crafty Diva” overnight when it is not something that you do on a regular basis. So don’t.

Photo by Jasmine Star via Heart Love Weddings

You Love: the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with family and friends towards a beautiful, meaningful event. They have lots of skill sets to offer you whether it be craft, experience, expertise, simply just picking up supplies, or offering a shoulder to cry on when things go wrong.

You Hate: that you might not have support from family and friends or not enough people in your area to actually help you. You have friends that are offering to help but you really can’t be certain that your wedding will be captured in the way that you always dreamed. Or maybe they don’t possess the crafty gene. Learn this sooner rather than later, relationships may be saved.

Note: I cannot reiterate the importance of really assessing the services that a family member or friend may offer to perform for your wedding. For me, it comes down to priorities. If a certain aspect of your wedding is very important then it is best left to a professional. If your wedding photos are really important to you, then please, hire a professional wedding photographer. If timeliness and stress-free wedding planning is important, then please budget accordingly for a wedding planner/coordinator. Please note, this applies to other elements of your wedding too, like invitations, flowers, cake, venue, etc. Please, take this advice into serious consideration as you do not need to add stress to your wedding planning by having well-meaning friends and family offer to do something that is truly not their forte.

Photo by Katelyn James via Heart Love Weddings

Are you ready to tackle your own DIY wedding? Or have you decided not? Are you looking for some fabulous DIY wedding inspiration? Check out yesterday’s country cowboy wedding that was designed, planned and executed entirely by the bride!!

xoxo