Stress-Free Elegance: Tips for Nearlyweds Planning a DIY Wedding
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, especially if you're a DIY couple who wants to bring your unique vision to life and flex your creativity. But don’t worry—elevating your day while keeping it stress-free is possible with a bit of organization and thoughtful planning. As an Ottawa wedding photographer, I’ve seen how even small preparations can create a huge impact. Here are my top tips to help you stay organized and make your wedding day as elegant and enjoyable as possible.
1. Create a Stunning Flat Lay with These Essentials
Flat lay photos capture the tiny details that make your day uniquely yours. Prepare a shoebox for both partners with these must-have items and keep it near your wedding day outfit so it's accessible and I can just hop into action when I arrive:
- Perfume/cologne
- Invitation suite (include decorative envelopes and RSVP cards!)
- Shoes
- Accessories (jewelry, cufflinks, watches, hairpieces)
- Vows or special letters
- Rings (engagement ring, wedding bands, or family heirlooms)
- Keepsakes (something old/new/borrowed/blue)
- Florals (loose blooms)
- Dress/Suit
Having everything in one spot makes it easy for your photographer to capture those dreamy detail shots without disrupting your morning flow.
2. Plan Your Rehearsal and Set-Up the Night Before
If your venue allows access the night before, take advantage of it! Use this time to rehearse your ceremony and get a head start on decorating. Surround yourself with your wedding party and loved ones—they’ll love lending a hand to bring your vision to life. Not only does this save time on the big day, but it also creates a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere to ease any last-minute nerves. Setting up the morning of causes undo stress!
3. Label Everything in Organized Bins
DIY weddings come with a lot of moving parts. Keep decor and supplies in clearly labeled bins with photos of their contents set up. This eliminates any guesswork for your helpers and ensures that everything has a designated place for setup and tear-down. It’s a simple tip that can save you so much stress!
4. Hire a Vendor for Tear-Down
This might be the best investment you make as a DIY nearlywed. At the end of the night, you and your loved ones won’t want to haul decor or stress about cleaning up before the venue closes. Instead, you should be enjoying your newlywed glow, celebrating over brunch, and flipping through sneak peek photos of your day. A tear-down vendor lets you savor every moment without worrying about logistics.
5. Additional Tips for a Stress-Free Day
- Stick to a Timeline: A well-planned timeline ensures every moment is accounted for while leaving room for spontaneity and fun.
- Delegate Tasks: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Assign trusted loved ones specific roles so you can focus on enjoying your day.
- Pack an Emergency Kit: Include items like stain remover, sewing supplies, safety pins, and pain relievers to handle any minor hiccups.
- Communicate with Vendors: Share your vision and timeline with your vendors so everyone is on the same page.
Your Wedding Should Be as Unique as Your Love Story
Planning a DIY wedding doesn’t mean sacrificing elegance or fun. With a little preparation, your day will be nothing short of magical. As your photographer, I’m here to capture every beautiful detail that your curate and the moments that unfold of you and your guests, so you can relive your day for years to come!!
Ready to plan the wedding of your dreams? Let’s make it stress-free and unforgettable together