Pinterest is a bride’s best friend and sometimes her worst foe. There are so many ideas and how-to videos available that you can feel you are an unstoppable, crafting force for good and financial savviness. But if the Netflix original DIY baking competition Nailed It has taught us anything, it is that everything looks easier on the internet. Don’t loose heart my crafty, penny-saving Sallies. There are great tutorials out there and some that you can actually do yourself. I've saved you the crucial search time by pinning the most useful, unique and mod ideas available. Here are five things worth the time and effort to DIY for your wedding. 

Before you begin to pin, A Few DIY Tips

DIY can save you money and make your day so very personal. It is cute and fun, but don’t let it become stressful. Start with a small list and work your way up only if you find more time than you thought. If you go big and then realize you can’t do as much as you hoped, you may spend twice as much because now you need these items in a hurry.  Also, double the amount of time any project says it will take, because, let’s be honest, we aren’t professional crafters.  We are brides with hopes and dreams of beauty on a budget.  Good luck and stay tuned for a follow-up to this blog detailing “5 things Not to DIY at Your Wedding, Let's Leave it to the Professionals Ladies!”

1.    Bridal Party Gifts

This is a great way to show your friends and family how much you love them without going broke and/or adding more stress. A “bar-in-a-jar” (a personal favorite) or commemorative hangers are super fun and doable, but have you thought of a scented sleeping mask or a cute animal jewelry dish? I hadn’t either. Check out this Pinterest board for ideas and how-to’s.  

2.    Décor

Yes, chalkboard signs are in and fun, but there are other great ways to point people in the right direction and add your personal touch. The décor says you as a couple, and says it at the table, in the signs, by the desserts and even as the guests take their seats. Make it as individual as you. Inexpensive picture frames, glass markers and balloons are just a few items to think about. My favorite decoration, kites. Colorful, fun and full of whimsy. Don’t limit yourself to flowers and vases. Books, teapots, and the vintage mason jar can make your tables pop and sparkle on a budget. Also, there are décor rental companies where you can rent instead of purchasing your vision. Check out Encore Events or Trebella Events to find pieces to complete your look. And if you are considering having games, Party Party Event Rentals rents everything from corn hole to dunking booths. Have guests step up to Water the Wedding Party as they take turns in the dunking booth. Fun. Funny. Priceless. I’ve combed Pinterest to help you start the idea ball rolling. 

3.    Flower Girl/Ring Bearer Accessories

The smallest members of your party are also playing a giant role and their accessories can make you wince if bought pre-made. They are there to bring smiles to your guests, so let them enjoy the big day too. Learn from me. My ring bearer, in moment of exhaustion, punted the pillow up the aisle and my flower girl laid down and cried halfway to the altar. They can feel too much pressure to look cute and pretty. Dress your little guy or girl as Ring Security carrying a small safe made from a lunch box. Buggies and wagons are also a great plan. Scroll through these quick ways to save and create cute complements to those cute smiles.

4.    Wedding Guest Favors

Bookmarks, hot chocolate kits, coffee mugs, photo frames; Holy Moly Pinterest! Tons of favor suggestions bombard and confuse any wedding researcher. Take time to decide a theme for your day.  Small potted succulents or seeds support a theme of "Let it grow", individual bottles of champagne invite the guests to keep the party going. Make sure to keep it simple and streamlined. Anything too big or bulky, guests won't want to take it home and you will end up with a huge leftover and wasted budget. I’ve picked out memorable, yet cost-effective choices that make sense and have style.

5.    Guestbook

The days of the book and pen are long gone. Globe signing, finger painting, family tree making are how to remember your guests after the day is complete.  Let’s snap some polaroid’s or build memories by signing Jenga pieces. Wedding guests feel included in the marriage, not just the wedding by participating in these new activities. You get to bring a piece of the day home with you in these ideas brought together here.

Time to go out and get crafting.  Let us know if you come across other DIY wedding ideas that made your day spectacular and unique.