It’s Great to DIY Elements of Your Wedding – But Remember These Key Areas to Avoid Additional Fees or Frustrated Venues
DIY weddings can be incredibly personal and a fun way to infuse your unique style into the celebration. Whether it’s designing your own wedding favors, creating your own décor, or even planning your own schedule, adding your own touch can make the event feel more meaningful. However, while DIYing parts of your wedding is fantastic, there are a few key areas to keep in mind to avoid unexpected fees, unnecessary stress, or frustrated venues.
1. Plan for an Efficient Tear-Down
Having your friends and family help set up is an excellent way to save time and money, but don't forget that they’ll need to be there to tear down at the end of the night as well. Venues typically require that everything is cleaned up and packed away within an hour or two after the event to allow their staff to finish their duties and leave at a reasonable time. If your friends and family aren’t equipped to handle the tear-down, you might face additional fees or frustration from the venue’s staff, who will be asked to stay later than planned.
Most venue staff are not responsible for cleaning up or packing down. They have their own duties to complete, and it’s not fair to expect them to take on extra work, especially if you haven’t coordinated an effective tear-down plan.
Pro Tip: Ensure you have a dedicated team or hire a vendor for tear-down, so everything is packed up on time and your wedding day ends on a smooth note. This will also save you from the headache of worrying about the details at the end of your celebration.
2. Designate an Emergency Contact
In the whirlwind of wedding day preparations, the last thing you want is to be the point person for all questions or issues that arise. That’s where an emergency contact comes in. Choose someone – usually a wedding coordinator or a trusted friend or family member – who is familiar with the entire wedding plan. This person should know the timeline, the list of vendors, the day-of details, and anything else that may come up.
Why is this so important? Venues often reach out to a designated contact if they need clarifications, vendor updates, or have any issues. If the venue’s only contact is you, it can quickly become overwhelming and stressful, taking away from the enjoyment of your day.
Pro Tip: Be sure to have someone ready to answer questions and handle any emergencies so you can focus on enjoying your wedding prep, rather than being the go-to person for every logistical issue. This will help ensure a stress-free day, knowing that someone else is in control of the details.
DIYing your wedding can add a personal touch, but it’s essential to think ahead and avoid potential pitfalls. Be sure to have a well-organized tear-down plan to avoid additional fees and keep your venue’s staff happy. Also, having a designated emergency contact will allow you to relax and focus on your big day, knowing that someone else is in charge of the logistics. By being mindful of these areas, you’ll have a smoother, more enjoyable wedding experience for everyone involved.
