Mar 13, 20215 min read

How a wedding planner can help with your DIY Wedding

Updated: Mar 14, 2021

Hello my lovelies,

in my last post, I promised my next post would be a tutorial on how to make my gorgeous sunflowers but something I thought you might really like came up and so instead of the tutorial, I have a guest post for you today from the lovely Vikki Richman of Your Wedding Friend UK who is a #wedding #planner based in Bedfordshire.

The latest government announcement suggests that weddings could resume in England by this summer. The first date to be aware of is 12 April because on this date, government hopes to allow weddings of up to 15 people to begin in England. Then, no earlier than 17 May, government would like to increase this number to 30 people at weddings. Bearing all of the above in mind, read Vikki's post to find out more.

The main thing DIY couples struggle with the most is all the last-minute stuff, but this is where a wedding planner can help you in advance with all their advice, knowledge, and wisdom that has been gained through experience and training.

But why would a DIY couple use a wedding planner? Well, here are 5 ways a wedding planner can help you with your DIY wedding.

1. Breaking down the wedding to-do list

From the start, the to-do list can seem huge and unachievable, but with the right support, you can divide and conquer that list. In the last few weeks and days before your wedding day especially, you may suddenly feel like there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it. It is never too late to bring in help, even if that’s just asking someone to spend a couple of hours with you going over a spreadsheet. Wedding planners know what needs to be done and at what point, so we will go through your to-do list and identify anything you might have missed or something that could make things easier for you, or maybe even save you money.

2. Chasing RSVP’s from guests

Every couple has this struggle. Those guests that you feel like you’re forever chasing, especially at the last moment, who for whatever reason feel like they don’t need to tell you they’re coming. You might feel like you have no control over this. Maybe they decided you obviously already know if they’re coming or not or maybe they’re holding off making a decision because of other reasons they don’t want to burden you with. A wedding planner can chase people without worrying about upsetting anyone:

"after all, we’re ‘just doing our job".

We can make it sound like that it’s us asking for our benefit and or because we must have missed a memo. We can also make sure they have any of their own questions answered –that’s the other hidden benefit. We can answer the million questions that you don’t have the time to answer – what should I wear? Where do we park? What time can I get to the hotel, etc etc? The same goes for…

3. Chasing wedding suppliers

Suppliers will also have a whole bunch of questions, especially if they’ve not been to your venue before. They will want to know where they need to be and at what time, where to park and where to set up. Some of them might leave their own questions right to the last minute when you really don’t need the hassle. Having someone on your side with all this information and able to deal with a whole set of other questions that you might not have the answers for, will be such a relief for you. By keeping us up-to-date, we can share that information with all your suppliers, so you only have to deal with one person and do it once. We’ll even handle last-minute changes on the day, so you don’t have to worry and just focus on having a fabulous day.

4. Venue set up

By far the most common problem couples struggle with is setting up all the last-minute bits and pieces on the day, just as you should be focusing on getting ready. Not all venues allow set-ups the day before but if it’s allowed, you might not want friends and family to help you because you want all the decorations you created at home to be a surprise. Or maybe your venue only allow a partial setup in advance. Or maybe you’re using the same room for ceremony and reception and need help with the change round. A wedding planner will co-ordinate the move and will make sure they’re set up to your specifications.

5. Unique to Your Wedding Friend

Whatever the project, chances are it’ll take longer to do than you initially thought. Unlike many wedding planners, as a crafty DIYer myself, I can also help you finish those projects that have got away from you. I know my own limits (I cannot for the life of me knit or crochet!), so I’m not saying I can do an expert job on every possible DIY project, but I pick up things quickly and understand most of the usual wedding DIY’s or at the very least can help you set up a production line method to get the job done. Again, if you have a wayward bridesmaid who is supposed to be helping you on a project, I can be the one to approach them to see how they’re getting on, saving you from potential tantrums and drama.

Your DIY wedding is still yours and still very much DIY, but what we do as wedding planners is make your life that bit easier. We’re happiest when you’re happy, our goal is to help ease your worries so you can relax and enjoy your big day surrounded by loved ones, proud of everything you’ve achieved. My biggest tip though is, being a DIY wedding doesn’t necessarily mean you have had to do EVERYTHING yourself. Just focus on the bits you want to and hand over the boring, annoying, fiddly bits to someone else!

I hope you find Vikki's tips and advice helpful as you plan your wedding day. You can reach out to Vikki via her website or on Instagram and Facebook. She is on all platforms as Your Wedding Friend UK.

On a final note, as you plan your wedding, do bear in mind that you can reach out to artists like me and Vikki to help bring your vision to life. From the bouquet to signages, selfie frames, etc., I am available to help make your big day fabulous.