Homemade Wedding: Becoming a DIY Bride
Guest Post by: Heather Heininger an Indianapolis Bride

With the economy still doing a nose dive, budgets are getting very tight. And not just the daily Starbucks budget, but wedding budgets as well. As most people know, weddings can be very expensive. After you buy the dress and undergarments, the tux, the wedding bands, the favors, the programs, pay the photographer and florist, oh, and can’t forget the DJ…let’s face it. You’re wedding budget is bursting at the seams and you still have more things to purchase.

But where can you cut back? Not the photographer. After all, these pictures will be some of the only visual memories you have from your wedding, especially with how fast paced weddings are for those involved. You could cut back on the number of hours your DJ will play music. But why cut out the dancing? Here’s an idea… why not make your decorations, your invites, or even your floral arrangements on your own?

A great way to cut back on the amount of money spent is to become a “DIY Bride”. Do it yourself. No one knows what you want for your wedding better than you: the bride. Or, better yet, ask your friends, family, and bridesmaids to see if you can find someone who would be willing to help you. You never know, maybe one of your bridesmaids is secretly a silk floral designer. Or maybe your aunt is great in the craft department and can help you with decorations. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or assistance. Your family and bridesmaids won’t balk at the idea. Instead, they’ll pounce at it.

I am personally making my own Pomanders, or kissing balls, to stand in place of pew bows. Instead of purchasing them pre-made or making them from real rose blooms, I’m using ribbon (bought on clearance), silk rosebuds (bought in bulk for a discounted price), and Styrofoam balls (already in the house). In addition to the Pomanders, I am also making my own invitations. Yes, it takes time. But more importantly it saves money and makes the wedding uniquely my own. I can almost guarantee that no one will be able to purchase the exact wedding invitations that I have designed.

When you buy something for your wedding, don’t shop at just one store. Always shop around. You don’t just have to go to the wedding boutiques You can also shop at the craft and party stores. Some craft stores (such as the Flower Factory in Greenwood) have a complete sections dedicated to weddings. Party stores also generally have a similar section set aside for weddings.

Why buy pre-made when you can make it? Not only is it cheaper in the majority of cases, but it is also a wonderful chance to spend time with your bridesmaids, friends, and family while still getting exactly what you, the bride, wants.

Interested in DIY Weddings?

Check out this book….