Guide to Organising an Affordable DIY Wedding

20-Sep-2023

Weddings are occasions bound to be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories - but they’re also incredibly expensive. While many dream of grand celebrations, it's entirely possible to have a beautiful wedding without spending a fortune. How? It’s simple - by embracing the DIY spirit and adding personal touches! In this guide, we'll explore some creative and affordable ways to organise your DIY wedding, ensuring that your big day is both unique and memorable. Let’s dive in.

Embrace Digital Invitations

Before wedding ceremonies take place, couples can often spend hundreds sending out their wedding invitations. But why spend needlessly on printed invitations when digital alternatives are just as elegant and infinitely more affordable? Sites like Canva or Evite allow you to design custom digital invitations that can be emailed or shared on social media platforms. Plus, not only does this save money, but it's also an eco-friendly choice.

Opt for an Outdoor Setting

Renting a traditional wedding venue can quickly eat up a significant portion of your budget. Consider a couple of budget-friendly alternatives, such as:

Local parks: Many parks permit events at a fraction of the cost of other venues - but make sure to check first with your local council.
Backyards: If you or someone you know has a spacious garden, this can make for the perfect intimate venue.
Community centres: Often overlooked, community centres can be rented for a very reasonable fee, and can be used for both the wedding and after-party.

Remember, the key lies in the decorations and layout. With a bit of creativity, even the most basic venue can be transformed into a wedding wonderland.

Second-hand Decor

Now onto decor! Decorations set the mood for any wedding, but instead of splurging on expensive pieces, consider:

Second-hand shopping: You'd be surprised at the unique and affordable items you can find. From vintage vases to antique lanterns, these can be great decorative pieces.
Borrowing: Reach out to friends and family. Often, they'll have decorations from their events that you can reuse.
DIY: When it comes to DIY wedding decor, Pinterest is your best friend! There are countless DIY wedding decor ideas that are both affordable and easy to execute.

Dress and Attire

While it's tempting to buy a brand new dress or suit for a wedding, there are plenty of other options:

Second-hand stores: Many brides sell their dresses after a single use, and you can find these in near-perfect condition at a fraction of the original price.
Renting: Many shops offer rental options for wedding dresses and suits.
Custom-made: Sometimes, getting a dress or suit tailor-made in certain countries can be more affordable than buying off the rack in the UK.

Food and Beverages

There’s no denying it - feeding potentially hundreds of guests at a wedding can quickly become a huge chunk of your wedding bill. But the culinary aspect of your wedding doesn't need to be extravagant to be delicious:

Potluck-style: To avoid a costly buffet bill, encourage guests to bring a dish; this not only reduces costs but also adds a personal touch to the meal. However, to ensure safety, make sure to inquire about any allergies your guests may have, and ask guests to label dishes with allergens where possible.
DIY buffet: Instead of hiring caterers, buy ingredients in bulk and prepare a simple yet tasty buffet. Consider BBQs, pasta stations, or even taco bars.

Now, when you have a large volume of food, especially if you're doing a DIY buffet, there's the obvious question of where to store it - but don’t fret! Investing in cold room storage can be a smart move: this will ensure that everything stays fresh, especially if you're organising the event in a location without ample refrigeration.

Photography and Videography

Next up is photography: after all, your wedding memories are timeless, and photos and videos capture all of those intimate moments that you'll cherish forever. Instead of hiring a professional, consider these options:

Crowdsourcing: These days, everyone has a camera in their pocket. Ask guests to capture candid moments and share them with a unique wedding hashtag on social media platforms.
Photography students: Many are looking for opportunities to build their portfolios and might offer their services at discounted rates.
DIY photo booths: Create a backdrop, provide props, and let guests take their fun photos. Instant cameras or smartphones with tripods can do the trick.

Floral Arrangements

Flowers can be an expensive part of a wedding, not just for the bride and wedding party but also the floral arrangements used to decorate your venue. Luckily, there are a number of ways to save cash:

Seasonal and local: Choose flowers that are in season and locally available. They'll be significantly cheaper than exotic or out-of-season varieties.
Alternative centrepieces: Think beyond flowers. Use candles, lanterns, or even succulents as centrepieces.
DIY arrangements: Attend a workshop or watch online tutorials to learn the basics of arranging flowers. Buying in bulk and arranging them yourself can save costs.

Entertainment

When it comes to keeping your guests happy at the after-party, you don't need to hire a high-end band or DJ to ensure everyone has a great time:

Curated playlists: Create playlists for different parts of the event, ensuring that you have speakers and a reliable setup to play the music.
Talent within: You might have friends or family members who can sing, play instruments, or DJ - they might be happy to offer their talents as a wedding gift.
Traditional games: If you’re having a summer wedding, consider lawn games like Twister, giant Jenga, or even a dance-off to keep guests entertained.

Personal Touches

Finally, your wedding is a reflection of your journey as a couple, and you can still include elements that tell your story without splurging on fancy trinkets or displays:

Memory lane: Create a photo timeline of your relationship, from when you first met to the proposal.
Custom vows: Write your vows, which can be more meaningful than traditional ones. While this is more common in the USA, you can still do this at a UK wedding.
Handmade favours: Give a small memento that's handmade, like a personalised bookmark, homemade jam, or a scented candle.

Don’t Forget to Ask for Help

Remember, DIY doesn’t mean doing it all by yourself. It’s about personalization and cost-saving. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to friends and family. They'll often be more than willing to help, and their contributions will make the event even more special.

The Bottom Line

Planning an affordable DIY wedding doesn't mean compromising on the magic or significance of the day. With creativity, planning, and the involvement of loved ones, your wedding can be a uniquely personal affair that everyone will remember for years to come. Embrace the journey, cherish the process, and create a day filled with love and unforgettable memories!