DIY brides?

MrsMe

Well-Known Member
We are trying to save as much money as we can but I'm not sure what I really want to do by myself.

What really costs less when you do it by yourself?
If you were or are a DIYer what would you have paid for instead of DIY?
I'm thinking of doing invites and centerpieces by myself so far but I'm afraid of getting overwhelmed by the latter.

Sent from my HTC Evo using Long Hair Care Forum App
 
I have a question for you, have you considered doing makeup and hair
By yourself to save money on the big day? If so, how would you go about it?
 
I have a question for you, have you considered doing makeup and hair
By yourself to save money on the big day? If so, how would you go about it?

Oh, yes! I forgot about that! I'm definitely doing my makeup by myself! :yep: I started working on my canvas (my skin) to make it as smooth and even as possible so that it only needs to be enhanced by the time I get married. I know which colors look good on me but I'm gonna get some help from MUA before that because I want to learn more about contouring, bronzer, etc... Although I've watched videos and done research on these topics, I still need to see it on my skin.
As for my hair (locs), I will do it by myself if I let it down but for an updo I would have to go to a professional. I'll most likely do it by myself because I'm self-conscious about my disappearing edges :sad: and I can control it better like that.

Sent from my HTC Evo using Long Hair Care Forum App
 
The question really is what would you really want to spend some cold hard earned cash on? I would say the things that can be done on your own is makeup, invitations, centerpieces, decorations. Please let me know if I can help you. I am in the Bridal industry and have alot of contacts. My favorite thing is showing brides how to "Pimp Vistaprint", look for cheap accessories on etsy, and don't downplay Craigslist. There are alot of vendors willing to work within your budget and get there business out in the public. Try finding musicians from a local music school etc. You just have to think out of the box to make things cohesive.
 
Another DIY'er in the house! I definitely plan to do alot of things by myself. The bridesmaid's bouquets, ring pillow, programs, invitations. I don't think I can manage the centerpieces on the day of the wedding but I'm open to trying!!!
 
I did all my paper products, made marmalade for favors, and my veil myself. No gonna do anything else myself though.
 
Thank you for answering ladies! I can't wait to see some of your wedding pics. If you don't mind sharing some of your creations after (or before) you are married, I would truly appreciate it.:yep:

Danene5 I would truly appreciate the help! There are a few things that I won't mind spending money on, typically the time-consuming aspects of the wedding or things that I cannot do with my own two hands because I don't have the necessary skills to do them. Other than that, if I can do it on my own for less, then I'm all for it!

jade3 I was worried about setting up the centerpieces too, but the more I think about it, the more I think I can get some help for the day of. I'll definitely recruit some willing family members, but I'm also thinking about using a Day of Wedding Coordinator.

Sent from my HTC Evo using Long Hair Care Forum App
 
Thank you for answering ladies! I can't wait to see some of your wedding pics. If you don't mind sharing some of your creations after (or before) you are married, I would truly appreciate it.:yep:

@Danene5 I would truly appreciate the help! There are a few things that I won't mind spending money on, typically the time-consuming aspects of the wedding or things that I cannot do with my own two hands because I don't have the necessary skills to do them. Other than that, if I can do it on my own for less, then I'm all for it!

@jade3 I was worried about setting up the centerpieces too, but the more I think about it, the more I think I can get some help for the day of. I'll definitely recruit some willing family members, but I'm also thinking about using a Day of Wedding Coordinator.

Sent from my HTC Evo using Long Hair Care Forum App

MrsS- I will I have a few friends who are willing to help me out. I love doing parties for people so I am like why not do my own wedding. Very excited- it will be small intimate and very nice.
 
I am a DIY, I am planning on doing the invitations, programs, center pieces, gifts and hoping to have a small hand in the food.

We are having a buffet style wedding, our theme is the Harlem Renaissance 'Black Hollywood'...our wedding and reception is going to be in one place, I am keeping it simple...trying to decide on the center pieces as floating candles or single red roses in vases and a music note place card holder that will have engagement photos attached.

Even though it is my wedding we are turning it into a family affair - card tables dominos, lots of dancing....

check out www.chocolatebrides.com

Also, google is a great resource for ideas.....
 
I did all my paper products, made marmalade for favors, and my veil myself. No gonna do anything else myself though.

I love the idea of marmalade favors! One of my colors is orange.!! Maybe I'll add a tag or ribbon that says "to the sweet life"

Great idea!!
 
  • I did all of my paper products myself. I bought 2 DIY kits on ebay for less than $100 that included invitations, programs, RSVP cards and place cards. I used leftover invitation paper to create the number cards for each table.
  • Flowers were a low priority for me, so I wasn't willing to spend a lot of money on them. I bought calla lilies from Costco. I did the bouquet for myself and my sister, and my MIL did everything else (bouts, corsages, etc.).
  • I skipped floral centerpieces at the reception and instead used small table mirrors provided by the venue, fresh rose petals and lanterns from Ikea with tea lights. People actually fought over those $5 lanterns at the end of the reception.
  • When I got married a few years ago, the big thing on The Knot was to have a wedding monogram. I designed one for us, and then printed it out on all of our favors and painted it on the runner for our sweetheart table.
 
Thanks ladies! Off to do some reading at the links you sent me.

Sent from my HTC Evo using Long Hair Care Forum App
 
We are doing a few DIY projects. We are doing our centerpieces. We are doing terrariums with plants, river rock, and moss. We made save the date cards using a promotional stationary kit from target. We are applying for a one day liquor license and bringing in our liquor. This saved us a ton of money. We used a graphic designer for the invitations and bought the materials. It saved us a ton of money and everything is custom made. We are also doing welcome bags by using tote bags, brochures, and items from costo.
 
I basically am doing everything for the wedding except for 2 favors and the food. I made our save the date magnets, invitations, RSVP cards, printed out the addressed RSVP and invitation envelopes, coasters as favors with our pictures on them, centerpieces, and a few of the bridal party gifts. I'll probably end up making our bouquets too which is fine b/c when Michael's had a sale...I went a little nuts :look:
 
I did my favors, invites ,save the dates and veil. I would definitely suggest doing the veil yourself. Veils are easily 100-400 bucks in my area. Personally I would advise you not to do makeup yourself unless you are really skilled or plan to have the bare and natural look. You want a MU look that is going to photograph well. Plus paying someone isn't really expensive.
 
Ladies who are doing your own makeup for your wedding PLEASE CONTACT ME...pm me.
I can help you/teach you how to do your own makeup for your wedding day. No stress, and Easy!
 
I made my invites, rsvps, favors, programs, centerpieces, guestbook, aisle decor, aisle runner, and pomader balls for the flower girls. I think thats it. It was fun and saved us money.
 
I was a DIY-er.

My husband and I bought invitations from Target, printed them out, dyed them orange (my wedding's theme color), added an orange ribbon at the top of the invitations, and sent them out.

His family did the flower arrangements for us. We actually got the ferns from my father-in-law's garden.

We got the flowers (calla lilies) from a wholesale flower store in Miami.

We got the vases and rocks for the vases from Michael's.

One of my bridesmaids did my makeup.

My hair was in braids, which were done two days before the wedding. On the day of the wedding, DH's stepmother & her friend put the braids in a french roll. They also placed a calla lily and baby's breath in the braids.

My father-in-law drove me to the wedding because there was no need for a limo.

We bought photo frames from Walmart & put the table numbers in them.

I did my bridesmaids' gift bags courtesy of Walmart and Dollar Tree.

We didn't have a DJ or band because I just wanted to listen to songs I like, so we burned music on blank CDs.
 
I definitely plan on being DIY. It's in my nature anyway. Not to mention, my mother is very creative so I plan on using her for help as well.
 
For the ladies who sew, would you ever consider making your dress yourself? I've started getting quite good at sewing and was thinking if this was something I could do.


I will definetly be doing my hair and make up myself.
 
not sure what I really want to do by myself. I'm afraid of getting overwhelmed by the latter.

You're preachin' to the choir, suga. I absolutely get off on DIY (any project). What starts off as a way to save money skyrockets to just plain ole fun . . :lachen: I just purchased the fabric for my marriage dress (about $40 . . . silky jacquard)
V1182-vi.jpg


and I'm going to make my bouquet (scaled down to fit my dress and venue - County Clerk's office)

4628-vi.jpg


So far I've spent about $15 (incl. eBay shipping) on the silk flowers. If I had more time, I'd make the pump shoes in matching fabric. :lachen:

Don't be afraid; enjoy it all. This is a once thing and you will have memories for a lifetime. There is great satisfaction in self-sufficiency and pride in doing your thing your way.

Best wishes for a blessed union.

Namaste,

Lovin' Locks
 
I sew but I decided making my dress will be too much so I made my veil. I loved how it turned out.

For the ladies who sew, would you ever consider making your dress yourself? I've started getting quite good at sewing and was thinking if this was something I could do.


I will definetly be doing my hair and make up myself.
 
Yeah I DIYed all my paper products, favors (marmalade) and made my veil. I enjoyed doing it though and loved how it turned out. Also I collected milk vases over a period of time for my center pieces
 
I am a DIY Bride...
I designed and created my Save the Date magnets and cards, I am working on my tears of joy packets, I plan to make my BM's bouquets....I also plan to make my programs, invitations and table numbers etc. My mom is very crafty so she is handling ALL ceremony and reception decor. My FI's uncle is a retired caterer...he will be catering our reception. :-)
 
Back
Top