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The do-it-yourself option
Balance practical and sentimental, but keep your sanity
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  Glass block centerpieces were home-made by bride and groom for an outdoor wedding
 Photo by Tom Sapp
   An old-fashioned “do-it-yourself” wedding is still a reality for some couples who have tight-knit extended families or other robust support networks.
    For most, though, professional services are a must to make their weddings happen. But a typical wedding remains a mix of “do-it-yourself” and professional help.
    Couples who want to put their own personal stamp on their nuptials, or who are trying to balance time against money, should listen to both heart and head.
    Do you, or close family members, have a special skill you want to showcase?
  • If you love floral design, you can buy cut flowers or use blooms from your garden to make your own arrangements.
  • If you’re artistic, you may prefer to design your own invitations or programs.
  • A mother with a knack for dressmaking might make you a gift of a gown.
    But beware of some major pitfalls, too. First, you don’t want to impose too heavy a burden on friends, relatives -- or yourselves. While your wedding is important to them, they may not be able to afford spending many dozens of hours on wedding-related projects.
    And the last thing a bride needs is to be toiling away in the last hours before her wedding day making favors, or baking, or sewing. Don’t take on unnecessary stress!
    The most practical projects for a D.I.Y. approach are those that can be finished ahead of time and have a long shelf life. Those won’t keep you or your family busy during the ceremony or reception.
    The people closest to you should be able to enjoy themselves as your guests, not cooking and serving food.
    Our best advice: Do only what you can afford in terms of both money AND time.

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