I’m always looking for a deal. Now, don’t get me wrong, this girl loves to shop, but nearly everything I buy is on sale. I love sales! I can’t imagine spending full price on something that is expensive – let alone spending a boatload of money on one day. Granted we’re talking about my wedding day and, yes, it marks the beginning of my life together with my husband, but still, one day…

Before really diving into wedding planning, I had a goal in mind: have a gorgeous wedding without burning a hole in my pocket. I knew the only way to achieve that vision was to put my creative skills to work!

Step one: Categorize and Organize. Begin by making a list of the major necessities of a wedding, for instance: wedding dress, bridesmaid’s dresses, bridesmaid’s gifts, venue, rentals, hair and make-up, save-the-dates, invitations, photography, flowers, favors, cake, centerpieces, etc. After that, decide where to spend your money and which areas you can DIY-it! For example, I am a graphic designer, so I knew I would want to make my invitations myself. Afterwards, start finding ideas that fall under the specific categories. Lists always make things easier.

Step two: Brainstorming. Start researching DIY projects! A helpful tool (that I totally wish was around when I was planning my wedding) is Pinterest. If you don’t already have an account, get one! It’s free and really helps to organize all your great DIY finds into categories. Here’s a list of my other favorite DIY websites:
• Pinterest
• Martha Stewart Weddings
• DIY Wedding
• Wedding magazines!

Step three: Word of mouth. Start talking to friends – both married and unmarried. You never know whom you will stumble upon with a great idea or advice. They may even suggest someone or something that they found to be useful and inexpensive. Some of your friends might even have hidden talents you never knew about. Ask around! If you’re friends are awesome, like mine, they may even offer their talents at your wedding! My husband’s close friends performed our first dance song for us. And our very own Krista Jones photographed my wedding!

My wedding pictures were very important to me and I knew I wanted to find a photographer that produced excellent work without having to pay an arm and a leg. I totally trusted Krista and asked if she would be interest in shooting my wedding (I was her first wedding!). Now look at her – she’s fantastic and a very sought-after wedding photographer!

As for more Confessions of a DIY bride, stay tuned! I’ve got “tips of the trade” like you wouldn’t believe and will be continuing this series well into the New Year! In the meantime, keep checking our DIY Section and my very own wedding here.