How to DIY Your Wedding

Whether you’re looking to save a few dollars or flex your creativity muscles, we’ve got the best tips and tricks.
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Make it in the makerspace
If you’ve wondered what a DIY bride’s paradise looks like, it’s the MakerSpace at the Main Library of The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. This state-of-the-art collection boasts sewing machines, laser cutters, 3D printers, an audio recording booth, photography and video equipment, button makers, vinyl printers, and more—all available for free public usage. Main Library employee Lea Shull used the MakerSpace to make 500 buttons and several large vinyl signs for her wedding last June. “I saved a ton of money, and the equipment is all really easy to use,” she says. If you’re not the crafty type, take heart. Shull says she was very new to the craft world, but the staff was “extremely helpful” and “really passionate” about helping her navigate the equipment. Her best advice? “Go for it!” she says, but also make reservations to use the equipment, and don’t wait until the last minute. The MakerSpace is open and staffed seven days a week.
cincinnatilibrary.org/makerspace, (513) 369-6900


budget-friendly bloomsGrab some gals and throw a floral-assembling party at The Flowerman for a fraction of the cost of hiring the pros. From bridal party bouquets to centerpieces, The Flowerman provides basic materials, step-by-step instructions, and even DIY Floral Coaches (for free!) to help you achieve some serious flower power.
70A Westpark Rd., Dayton, 45459, flowermanflowers.com, (937) 433-8610


DIY DoS and Don’tsDO know your limits. If you’re not already craft-savvy, now isn’t the time to learn woodworking.
DO enlist a few partners-in-craft to help. The value of an assembly line cannot be overstated.
DO create a timeline and give yourself deadlines.
DO simplify. If you want to DIY as much as possible, then forgo the less-essential details and save your energy for bigger projects.

DON’T assume the DIY route will be cheaper. Raw materials can be just as expensive as purchasing pre-made items.
DON’T attempt to make the food or dessert. Food prep is time-sensitive, and you don’t want to be frosting cupcakes at 2 a.m. the night before your wedding.
DON’T add new DIY projects the week before your wedding. No matter how cute it looks on Pinterest.
DON’T try to DIY everything. Pick a few projects you’re confident you can tackle, and leave the rest
to professionals.

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