Planning a wedding can feel like a monumental task, especially when you’re taking on the DIY route. While hiring a full-service planner might be out of reach for some couples, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the dream wedding you envision. DIY wedding planning allows you to have full control over every detail, from the flowers to the decor to the timeline. However, with this control comes the responsibility of being organized and intentional with every decision.
If you’re ready to dive into the DIY wedding planning process, it’s important to approach the journey in an organized, step-by-step manner. This guide will take you through six essential steps to help you stay focused, organized, and on track as you plan your dream wedding.
Step 1: Determine Your Budget
Before you get lost in Pinterest boards and daydreams of your big day, the first step is to determine your wedding budget. Establishing a clear budget will help you prioritize where to spend your money, allowing you to make informed decisions about where to splurge and where to save. Here’s how to break it down:
- Total Budget: Start by setting an overall budget for your wedding. This will be the foundation for your entire planning process. Consider your savings, any contributions from family or friends, and any other resources available to you.
- Break it Down: Once you have your total, divide your budget into categories, such as venue, catering, photography, florals, decor, attire, and entertainment. Be realistic about what you can afford in each area.
- Biggest Impact Pieces: Think about what pieces will have the greatest impact on your wedding day. For example, your florals and venue decor may have a large visual impact, while smaller details like favors or custom napkins can be lovely but might not need to take up as large a portion of the budget.
- Repurposing Items: Look for areas where you can save money by repurposing pieces from one part of the event to another. For example, flowers from the ceremony can be moved to the reception area, or decor used during the cocktail hour can be reused for the reception as well. The more you can reuse and repurpose, the more budget-friendly your wedding will be.
Step 2: Decide on Your Aesthetic
Now that you have a budget in place, it’s time to think about the vibe and style of your wedding. Your wedding aesthetic will drive many of the decisions you make during the planning process, from your color scheme to your flowers to your venue selection. Here are some ways to determine your wedding style:
- Think About Your Personal Style: Are you a classic bride who loves timeless elegance? Or do you want something fun and whimsical, like a tropical beach wedding? If you love vintage, a Bridgerton-inspired celebration could be the perfect fit. On the other hand, if you’re more modern, a sleek Palm Beach wedding could be right up your alley.
- Explore Wedding Themes: The aesthetic should align with the type of wedding you’re envisioning. Consider popular themes like rustic, modern, vintage, boho, or garden-inspired. Browse wedding blogs, magazines, or Pinterest to explore different looks and find the one that resonates with you and your partner.
- Venue Inspiration: Your venue is a key piece of the puzzle that will guide your aesthetic choices. A venue with an industrial feel may lend itself to a minimalist style, while a lush garden venue could inspire an organic, romantic design.
Remember, your wedding day should feel like an extension of you and your partner’s personalities. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements that make you feel happy and comfortable.
Step 3: Think About Color Schemes
Color schemes are one of the most fun yet challenging aspects of planning your wedding. Your colors will shape your decor, attire, flowers, and overall atmosphere. Here are some key points to consider when choosing your color palette:
- Bridesmaids Attire: One of the first places to look for color inspiration is your bridesmaids’ dresses. Do you want them in jewel tones, pastels, or neutral shades? The color of their dresses will be a major influence on your overall color scheme.
- Venue Colors: Take note of the existing colors in your venue. Do you have a venue with neutral walls that will allow you to add bold pops of color? Or is your venue already rich in color and texture, requiring a more subdued color scheme to complement the space?
- Statement-Making Colors: Think about the mood you want to create. If you want a romantic and serene atmosphere, soft blush, ivory, or sage greens might be your ideal choices. If you’re after a bold, lively vibe, vibrant hues like fuchsia, royal blue, or deep emerald could make the statement you’re going for.
- Consistency: Keep in mind that your color scheme will need to flow throughout your event, from your stationery and florals to your cake and table settings. Choose colors that can easily be integrated into various elements of your wedding to maintain harmony.
Step 4: Plan the Stems (Florals)
Florals are an essential component of any wedding and can make a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of your event. The flowers you choose will shape your wedding’s vibe, from romantic roses to tropical palms. Here’s how to approach your floral planning:
- Create a Pinterest Board: Start by creating a Pinterest board or gathering inspiration photos from magazines, blogs, and websites. Look for common flowers that appear throughout the images you’re drawn to. These will give you clues about what types of blooms fit your aesthetic.
- Seasonal Considerations: Be mindful of the time of year you’re getting married. Choosing flowers that are in season will save you money and ensure that they are fresh and readily available. Consider the availability of flowers like peonies, dahlias, or garden roses, depending on your wedding’s date.
- Signature Flowers: Think about using a few signature blooms that match your color scheme and vibe. For example, if you’re going for a rustic wedding, you might choose sunflowers, lavender, or eucalyptus. For a more elegant look, consider hydrangeas, orchids, or garden roses.
- Consider the Scale: Florals should enhance the venue and decor without overwhelming them. Determine how much floral coverage you want. Do you want a flower-filled ceremony arch, or are you leaning toward minimalist floral arrangements with greenery?
Step 5: Make a List and Be Realistic
With your budget, aesthetic, color scheme, and floral ideas in place, it’s time to start making a list of everything you’ll need to execute your dream wedding. Here’s how to ensure you don’t miss any important details:
- Create a Checklist: Start by listing all of the decor items you need—centerpieces, tablecloths, signs, linens, chair covers, etc. Then, list the flowers needed for each part of the ceremony and reception.
- Repurpose Items: As you plan, look for items that can be reused throughout the day. For instance, ceremony flowers can often be moved to the reception, but be realistic about the time required to transfer them. Flowers cannot go directly from the ceremony to the cocktail hour or from cocktail hour to the reception if there isn’t enough time to properly move them without damage.
- Plan for Logistics: Moving floral pieces from one space to another requires proper coordination. If you want flowers repurposed, ensure you have a plan for getting them moved efficiently. Have a team member or a professional in place to help with this task.
- Be Flexible: Understand that DIY weddings often come with the need for flexibility. Things may not go as perfectly as you envision, and that’s okay. Having a clear plan will help you troubleshoot and stay on track.
Step 6: Source Your Flowers
One of the biggest challenges in planning a DIY wedding is sourcing the right flowers. While stores like Trader Joe’s or Costco can be great for some floral needs, they may not always carry the specific blooms you need, or they might not offer the variety or quality required for a wedding. That’s where custom wholesale-to-consumer flower sourcing comes in.
- Custom Wholesale Flower Sites: There are several online platforms where you can order flowers directly from the wholesaler, often at a fraction of the price you’d pay at a traditional florist. Sites like The Bouqs or Florabundance offer beautiful, farm-fresh flowers shipped directly to your door. These sites allow you to choose specific flowers and quantities, giving you more control over your selection.
- Consult a Floral Expert: If you’re unsure about which flowers will work best for your budget or aesthetic, companies like Bespoke Blooms can help. Bespoke Blooms offers custom flower sourcing and design services, guiding you in selecting the perfect blooms for your wedding day. You can book a consultation to discuss your flower needs and have a team of experts help curate a bouquet and decor plan that fits your style and budget.
- Timing and Delivery: When sourcing flowers directly, be mindful of delivery times and how long the flowers will last. Most wholesalers ship flowers a few days in advance of your event, but some flowers may require special care to keep them fresh. Be sure to have a plan for when your flowers arrive and how they’ll be stored leading up to the big day.
Final Thoughts
Starting your DIY wedding planning process can seem overwhelming, but by breaking down the process into manageable steps, you can approach it with confidence. Determine your budget, define your aesthetic, choose a color palette, plan your florals, make sure you have a solid list, and source your flowers wisely. While DIY weddings can take time and effort, the end result will be a celebration that reflects your unique love story—one that you can cherish for a lifetime. Happy planning!
