Anyone else doing a lot of DIY projects?? I'm freaking out already!!!!

arf3420

I'm already starting to panic that I'm running out of time to get things done, and the wedding isn't until June!   Anyone else having this issue?  I think I may just be trying to tackle too many time intensive DIY projects - making our own STDs and invites, all handmade favors, sewing 20+ table runners, making a Martha Stewart style envelope guestbook, and a whole lot more that I don't even want to think about right now.  Lol.   I have most of the major stuff out of the way - church, venue, caterer, dress, photographer, hair - so I guess I shouldn't be too worried if the smaller stuff doesn't get finished, but I'll be really sad if they don't.  

Are you all doing a lot of handmade projects?  Have you been able to get a lot done?  How long did things end up taking you?  I think the projects might not actually take that long once I find the time to sit down and actually start working.  Hopefully.  But with working full time and being in my last year of an MBA program, finding time is impossible.  Lol.   I have a mountain of craft supplies sitting on the dining room table staring at me every time I walk past and it's driving me nuts.  And the weekends just keep flying by with the supplies left untouched.  Just had to vent.  :-)

cgyvhu

Any way you can find things cheap rather than DIY them?  It sounds like maybe you have too little time and too many projects!  Like, table runners can be had for cheap at certain online sites or from brides who finished their wedding.  Any maybe you can enlist friends/family to help?

I did my own STDs, designed my own invites and plan to DIY them, made 80 lace-covered votives, and made my birdcage cardbox.  But I don't think I'm going to do much more than that, besides favor boxes.  I did things slowly over my looong engagement, so I never felt that stressed about it.  But things take much longer than I've thought always...the lace candles took me the better part of 2 days when I was holed up during the hurricane.

arf3420

I could find things probably for the same cost or maybe a little more if I didn't DIY, but the main reason for many of the DIY projects is that I wanted things a certain way.  Maybe I'm just too picky.  Lol.  In the case of my table runners, they are actually ending up being way more expensive than buying ones online (about $15 per runner),  and it put me way over budget on my linens.  But I just had to have this certain material.  My colors are aqua and light gray, and I found a gorgeous material that is a light gray background with big artsy looking aqua roses on it.  It matches so well, and ties everything together, so it's definitely worth the time.  I think I may need to enlist the help of my aunt on those though...  I haven't sewed anything since high school...  it's not as easy as I remembered it being!

Maybe I'll have to cut out the guestbook or something and just buy a premade one... cutting and assembling 100 mini envelopes sounds pretty time consuming!  

That's good to know that you found things to take longer than expected.  I wasn't sure which way it would go...  I might need to start adjusting my plans now to cut out a few projects just in case.

arf3420

Forgot to ask... I'm planning on doing a birdcage card holder too.  Where did you find your birdcage?  I read online that other people have found them at Michaels or Joanns, but I haven't seen them there?

cgyvhu

I got my birdcage from a knottie in the boston area who was selling hers - I just stalked the wedding classifieds board (and the trash to treasure board).

I know www.save-on-crafts.com has them, but I didnt want to pay shipping so I just found someone in my area with one.

MRads

When I first started planning, I had SO many ideas for DIY stuff.  Some stuff happened, and other stuff, not so much.  Get what is most important to you done, but the rest of the stuff, don't sweat it.  

Also, like md said, sometimes you can find somebody to do some of your projects for cheaper than you could have done it yourself.  Etsy can be your friend.
 
As for birdcage, I picked mine up at Michaels for $25, and I had a coupon on top of that, so pretty cheap.  I'm getting somebody to make a bow to put on it.  Ill sell it to you cheap after my wedding if you don't find something you like better.

Flowerstar1023

I agree. If you're not on a super duper limited budget, scour etsy for a lot of this stuff. In some cases, it might even be cheaper to get someone else to do some of these things since you'd have upfront costs and might end up with a lot of extra supplies. Good luck! Remember this is supposed to be fun!

hellopals

Pat Catan's has really nice birdcages and are inexpensive. I picked one up for $19.99.

bittymist1

I too am a DIY bride and also a recycle bride. I just got done making my bouquet, a toss bouquet, 3 bridesmaid bouquets, 3 groomsmen bouteneers, the groms and flower boys bouteneers as well. I decided to use artificial flowers for the bridal party and real flowers as reception decorations to save time and money. I am also making my own centerpieces using things other brides used or sold because of a cancelled wedding (craigslist, recycledbride.com, and my fav bravobride.com). DIY brides put alot of personality and love into the things they make to make their special day even better. I am also making my own wedding cake, hair pieces, invites, placement cards, cardbox, 1000 paper cranes, memorial alter, wishing tree, and cookies PHEW!!! It can seem overwhelming but it can be done and utilize friends and family members!!! And if its something that can be bought and you need a break do it...whatever makes it an easier transition for you