Having Pinterest Pin worthy elements at your wedding not only gives you social media bragging rights, it creates wonderful memories.
The question is, do you DIY or hire it done?
Pinterest and YouTube are filled with inspiration and awesome tutorials, but we all know getting an idea well executed can be expensive and a lot more difficult than it looks. I seem to prove this theory over and over again!
It\’s easy to get excited by so many fabulous ideas that are just a click away. Wedding blogs, Instagram and Pinterest can fuel our imaginations and set us into an idea frenzy. This can lead to either becoming immobilized with overwhelm, or making ourselves (and everyone around us) crazy.
It’s worth saying….Sometimes more is just…more.
HELPFUL HINT: Having and using a strong editing eye (and a good friend as a sounding board) is important when undertaking wedding DIY projects.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good story board and idea book. They help us define our style and hopefully, identify which elements will provide the ambiance and beautiful photo op we desire. However, a wise bride knows…
Not every idea is wedding worthy.
Unless you’re a seasoned DIY’er, it’s smart to be honest about your crafting abilities. I have a tendency to say “I can do that!” And, I can. I just don’t execute all my ideas or projects beautifully (and frankly sometimes they\’re woefully sad). I get really excited when they turn out like the picture on Pinterest or the idea I had in my head.
Deciding which ideas (or parts of ideas) we should do, and which ones (or parts of them) we should pay a professional to do….to achieve the outcome that is wedding memory worthy… can prove the most challenging.
Sometimes eliminating a couple (or ten) of your DIY ideas and choosing instead to hire a PRO to do one or two special projects is the best decision. It will provide the effect you’re looking for with a lot less stress… AND the results will be more in line with your Pinterest board \”saves\”, trust me!
HELPFUL HINT: Most times it’s far less expensive (and emotionally less traumatic) to pay a PRO.
This is a good time to mention that if you\’re looking to hire a professional, ask to see examples of their work that\’s similar to what you\’re having them create. Not everyone\’s style matches ours. Also, find out if they will be delivering the project to the venue, or to you, and if there are extra fees for delivery and set-up. Don\’t forget to consider the weather and finally, make sure your other vendors are aware of this creative element, where it will be placed, and how it might impact them.
Happy Vendors, Happy Wedding!
I’m a sucker for a beautifully executed sign, especially rustic signs or chalk boards. They can set the tone at the entry of your ceremony and add that extra umph at your reception.
Check this one out.
Guests appreciate \”instruction\” signage like what\’s written on the wood plank above. Letting guests know the blankets are for their use during the ceremony and \”only one per couple\” helps eliminate questions.
Attending weddings can be out of some guests comfort zone, having helpful signs eliminates some of the stress.
Now, let’s consider a couple of simple DIY examples.
Signs with Frames
This type of project seems pretty straight forward; find an old (or new) frame, paint a smooth surface with chalkboard paint, add the bow (or other adornments).
However, unless you’re a talented calligrapher (especially with chalk), it’s best to hire out writing the message. The writing is what makes the sign special.
Here\’s a few practical tips & considerations: Don’t forget about a stand or some other way to prop up the sign. Also, know how each sign will be secured in case of mishaps from tipsy (or clumsy guests or servers), or against the natural elements such as wind.
HELPFUL HINT: There’s always a mishap waiting to happen.
Pinterest worthy projects take time to get right, so start early and plan them out from start to finish (this also means knowing what you’ll do with them before and after the event).
For instance, I made these big flowers for my first book signing event:
Here was my inspiration picture:
The inspiration flowers are a little better than mine, but I was pleased with my results. It’s tough to duplicate what you see in a photo. Finding the right supplies always provides a challenge. Then of course, there’s the talent aspect.
I was very fortunate that my husband was a BIG help with this project, as he is for all my other projects!
Here\’s a few things I didn’t think about prior to starting the project:
- Where do I store them as I make them?
- How do I transport them to the event space without wrecking them?
- How do I get them to stay standing on different surfaces (or any surface!)?
- How much time will it take to install them?
- What do I do with them after the event?
They were BIG and fragile!
I agreed to donate my flowers to the gallery that hosted my event. I must admit, I was sad to see them go. They took a long time to make and I thought they were dreamy.
One last tip. When planning any creative or DIY project for your event, I suggest always adding a bit more time and dollars to your budget. If you have extra money or time afterwards that’s a bonus!
HELPFUL HINT: These projects always take longer and normally cost more money than you thought.
Happy planning! Can’t wait to see some of your projects.