DIY wedding projects can be a great way to add a personal touch to any wedding, but sometimes they can end up taking more time and effort than they’re worth. In this article, Minnesota wedding professionals share their tips on which DIY projects you might want to consider leaving to the professionals in 2023 so your special day goes off without a hitch!
Introduction: what DIY wedding elements to avoid
It's time to start planning you Minnesota wedding day! You've been dreaming for months, if not years and you want everything to be perfect. But as you start looking into DIY projects, you realize that some things are better left to the professionals.
Here are some Minnesota wedding pros sharing which DIY projects you should leave to the experts:
Venue and coordination - Unless you have a very specific vision in mind, I would recommend leaving the floral design to a professional. Florists know how to choose the right flowers and colors that will complement your wedding style, and we'll make sure they're fresh and beautiful on your big day.
Hair & Makeup - "We have the products that we know last and work the best. We know the trends and what looks best for your facial structure and coloring. We know how to get hair to stay in the elements. We know how to make your makeup and hair look good for photography," Kelsey Giles of Pure Beauty Hair and Makeup said.
Photography and Videography - "A professional is going to know when and how to wait for the moments. DIYers tend to 'spray and pray', meaning they are not filming for a purpose," said Travis Monroe of Monroe Film and Photo.
Music – Unless you have a friend or family member who is a DJ or musician, don’t try to take on this task yourself. Music is such an important part of any wedding reception, so you want to make sure the party stays on task! "Most people don’t have the equipment or expertise to DJ an event. Also DJs are important for keeping the whole celebration on track and on schedule," Shane Johnson, a wedding DJ, said.
One more thing this Minnesota wedding photographer wants you to consider is professionals also carry insurance that will prove so valuable should anything go awry!
Venue selection and day of coordination: wedding DIY no-no
When it comes to your Minnesota wedding, there are some things you should definitely leave to the professionals. Venue selection and decoration is one of them. Sure, you may be able to save a few bucks by DIY-ing your venue, but is it really worth the hassle?
My friends at Pinewood Event Center in Cambridge, Minnesota said: "We strive to make all clients' experiences as stress free as possible, we recommend top notch vendors and want them to be able to (and their families too!!) sit back and enjoy their day," they said.
"There is nothing worse than being consumed with decor, timeline, or little hiccups throughout the day that you miss what the day is about! We want to work as a team with all the vendors involved to make everything on their end as smooth as possible," they said.
Once you've selected the perfect venue, it's time to start thinking about the flow of the day. Again, this is something that you'll want to leave to the professionals. They will know how to best style the space to fit your vision and theme and help the day flow!
Nikita, a day of coordinator, said: "It's a huge weight off your back when you hire a DOC to execute your event details; You're able to see your details come to life and be in the moment with your guests."
Plus, they'll have all the necessary supplies on hand (think: chairs, tables, linens, etc.). Trying to source these items yourself will likely end up being more costly than just hiring a professional from the get-go!
Skip this DIY wedding trend.
Hair and Make up: wedding DIY no-no
When it comes to your wedding day, you want to look and feel your best. That’s why it’s important to leave the hair and makeup to the professionals. DIY hair and makeup can be a disaster waiting to happen. Here are a few reasons why you should not DIY your hair and makeup on your wedding day:
1. You want to look your best on your big day.
2. Hair and makeup is a skilled trade that takes years of practice to perfect.
3. Professionals have the right tools and products to achieve the look you want.
4. DIY hair and makeup can be time-consuming and stressful.
5. It’s one less thing you have to worry about on your wedding day!
Makeup artist Nicole Bell, a freelance Minnesota wedding artist urges brides to stay away from trying to do their own make up. "You'll be looking at your wedding pictures for the rest of your life. It's worth it to hire someone to help you look your best in those pictures!" she said.
Skip this DIY wedding trend
Photography: wedding DIY no-no
When it comes to your 2023 wedding day, you want everything to be perfect. From the dress to the cake, every detail matters. But when it comes to your wedding photos, there is one detail that you definitely don’t want to DIY – the photography.
Your wedding photos will be cherished memories that you will look back on for years to come. They should be beautiful, emotive and capture the spirit of your big day. So, leave the photography to the professionals and enjoy your wedding worry-free!
Some people worry about the cost of the wedding photographer and have the "it's just one day of work, why are they so expensive" thought process. First, this Minnesota wedding photographer can tell you it is well beyond one day of work from booking to delivering of wedding photos; but what I really like to remind people is the photos last forever. The photos are what you have left after the wedding.
"When choosing a wedding photographer please look beyond the cost and think about what a wedding photographer does on a wedding day," Keighla of Fresh Face Photography said. "A wedding photographer sets the day of timeline, keeps things on track, is in constant contact with the bride and groom and attending to their needs, putting out little fires everywhere AND taking photos."
So even if you have a relative with a fancy camera - they likely don't know much about flattering posing, wedding day time management, various lighting situations and location scouting.
Professional wedding photographers understand what makes a good photo and know how to capture all the special moments of your big day and the little ones in between. They’ll also make sure that everyone looks their best in the photos, with flattering poses and lighting.
A professional photographer will also be experienced in dealing with any unforeseen issues that arise on the wedding day - from making sure everyone is lined up for group shots to troubleshooting if a flash doesn’t work.
So, don't DIY this one! Invest in an experienced photographer who will give you images you can treasure forever.
Skip this DIY wedding trend.
Videography: wedding DIY no-no
There are some things that are just better left to the professionals, and videography is one of them. Sure, you could ask a friend or family member to capture your Minnesota wedding day on video, but do you really want to entrust those memories to someone who isn't a trained professional?
Videographers have the knowledge and equipment to properly capture your wedding day on film, ensuring that you'll be able to relive those cherished moments for years to come.
Minnesota wedding videographer Matt Lehman of The Coalition Creative said: "Most couples have video as a last priority and have the mindset that they'll have a videographer if there’s leftover budget. The truth is video and photo are 2 of the most important investments of your whole day! The cake will get eaten, dress worn, venue used for 1 night. Photo and video are the only services that live on after your wedding and preserve your day forever!"
"There needs to be an intention behind the shot. Also, a professional is going to know how to react when things are not in perfect conditions for filming," said Travis Monroe of Monroe Film and Photo.
Skip this DIY wedding trend.
Music and Entertainment: wedding DIY no-no
As you begin planning your 2023 Minnesota wedding, you may be tempted to take on some DIY projects to save money. However, there are some things that are best left to the professionals.
Music and Entertainment - Your wedding entertainment is one of the most important aspects of your big day. Leave it to the professionals who know how to keep your guests entertained all night long!
"A DIY DJ can not replicate the true atmosphere of a "dance floor." The flow of music, uncertainty of "next" song, a feel of reading the room," Minnesota DJ Steve Ly said.
Shane Johnson, also a Minnesota wedding DJ, added: "My main standout comes from preparation. I try to really understand my clients needs and wants. I walk them through everything day of as well as on the phone call. I like to instill confidence with my clients."
Skip this DIY wedding trend.
Benefits of Working with a Professional
When it comes to your wedding day, you want everything to be perfect. That’s why working with a professional can be so beneficial! Here are just a few benefits of working with a professional wedding vendor:
1. They have the experience and knowledge to help make your day perfect.
2. They can provide peace of mind by taking care of all the details.
3. They have access to resources and vendors that you may not.
4. They can save you time and money by helping you avoid costly mistakes.
5. They will ensure that your wedding day is stress-free and fun!
Tips for Hiring the Right Professionals
When it comes to your Minnesota wedding, there are some things you just shouldn’t DIY. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, so you want everything to be perfect. Here are some tips for hiring the right professionals to help make your special day even more amazing:
1. Do your research: There are a lot of Minnesota wedding vendors out there, so take some time to do your research and find the ones that are the best fit for you. Read online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends, and browse through vendor portfolios to get an idea of their style and what they can offer.
2. Set a budget: Once you know what kind of services you need, set a budget for each one. This will help narrow down your options and ensure that you don’t overspend on any one vendor.
3. Meet in person: Once you’ve found a few vendors you’re interested in working with, schedule consultations so you can meet them in person and get a feel for their personalities. This is also a great opportunity to ask them any questions you may have and discuss your vision for the big day.
4. Get it in writing: Once you’ve decided on the vendors you want to work with, be sure to get everything in writing! This includes contracts, pricing, and what services they will be providing on the day of the wedding. This will protect both
Conclusion
DIY projects can be a great way to save money and add personal touches to your wedding, but there are some projects that are best left in the hands of professionals.
We hope this article has given you a better idea of which projects should remain DIY and which ones should be handled by experienced wedding pros. With the help of these experts, you will have peace of mind knowing that your wedding day is sure to go off without a hitch.