Ed Note: Today we are lucky to have Karry Castillo from Uniquely Yours Wedding and Event Specialist stop by EAD. Karry was kind enough to share a planner’s perspective of DIY!
Over the past few weeks Elizabeth Anne has featured a diverse selection of DIY projects from brides all over the country, beautiful projects that infuse style and personality into the wedding day. I must confess, however, that as wedding planners anytime a client tells us that she is considering some DIY projects for her wedding, we hold our breath in apprehension. We see so many weddings and for many brides, DIY is seen as a way to save money resulting in items that can border on the tacky side – picture tulle wrapped candies and paper wedding bells. DIY doesn’t mean cheap, as many of you well know. Given the costs of supplies such as paper and embellishments, ink, and the time you put in designing your creation, you can often spend far more than you would if you had selected a stock product.
What DIY projects do afford clients is an outlet for custom design, personal expression, and a unique styling that unifies the look of your entire wedding from your save the dates to your last dance and departure. We have seen so many wonderful items that truly bring a sense of the lifestyle, interests, and personality of our clients to the overall wedding design that are creatively and tastefully done. Some of those projects that have really stood out involve the invitation and stationary suites, programs, and reception “table stories”.
One of our recent clients featured her grandmother’s custom artwork on her programs and escort cards. The artwork was inspired by the bride’s engagement party floral design which was also carried out through all the wedding day florals.
Ties to the Florida citrus industry were highlighted throughout the spring wedding of another recent client. Her family’s roots ran deep through Florida citrus country and this background served as the inspiration for her day. She created her save the date cards to resemble vintage Florida citrus labels and postcards. The programs were fans printed with vintage citrus crate graphics and she also designed her seating chart with the same graphic.
Another client created “table stories” for her guests to enjoy during the reception. Each table featured a custom printed card that included information about the bride and groom, their personal stories, how they met, their engagement, and future plans. The cards were designed to complement the overall décor scheme and were a unique concept that the guests really enjoyed.
One of our current clients is considering ways to feature her Egyptian culture and aesthetic into her wedding design. One option that we are working on is creating an Egyptian papyrus scroll that may be used for either her invitation or program. This scroll will be created using authentic reed papyrus from Egypt. We are excited about the unique possibilities this particular wedding presents the client in terms of integrating her culture as well as that of her fiancé into the overall wedding vision.
If you are considering your own DIY projects for your wedding, think about the overall look and feel you are trying to achieve. Take into account things that inspire you and reflect your interests and lifestyles. Just about anything can serve as inspiration. And keep reading wedding blogs such as Elizabeth Anne Designs, wonderful sources for creative options and design ideas. Once your creativity is sparked, the possibilities are endless.
{All photos via Cannonfire Photography}