Myths about DIY

I found this list of myths about DIY wedding decor here and I can relate to some of them. Recently, I was talking to my mom about what kind of a wedding I would want to have. I told her that I wanted something that wasn't expensive or overly fancy. That's just not me. I want a cheap wedding and a more expensive honeymoon. She wasn't exactly thrilled about my inclination toward DIY weddings or my use of the word "cheap". I don't mean I want a cheap looking wedding, I just want the wedding to ultimately be cheap! There is a difference!

So here are the myths I found:
 

Myth #1: Handmade Is Poor Quality
Above and beyond all other things I hear about handmade/DIY weddings, I hear “Handmade is poor quality” the most — and it kills me!
While there are varying degrees of skill and quality control in the crafting world, most artisans and crafters take great pride in their work and put forth their best efforts for their customers.
The diversity of handmade products available to consumers is truly astounding. A creative couple can find nearly any wedding-related item in a plethora of styles available nowhere else in the handmade community. Etsy is a testament to that!
Handmade goods are (often) far superior to mass-produced, machine milled items in both quality and style. Not only is the handmade item getting personal attention and care, it’s the direct result of someone’s skill and craftsmanship. That’s not something a machine can ever give you.


Myth #2: D.I.Y. Equals Disaster
This is, oddly, one of the most common myths I hear from prospective DIYers. This one usually comes courtesy of some of the more fear-mongering wedding industry people who try to dissuade do-it-yourselfers. This myth is a favorite of mine to dispel.
Usually accompanied with stories of tragic consequences (death, physical harm, eternal embarrassment) of handmade weddings gone wrong, the DIY doomsayers maintain that crafty couples are incapable of creating a fun, fabulous wedding without professional intervention.
The fact is that anyone can have a happy, harmonious handcrafted wedding. Pro help is wonderful when a couple has the need, the budget, and can find the right vendor but it’s not an absolute necessity to pull of a fabulous wedding day.
To be fair, DIY isn’t for everyone and, yes, problems may indeed arise. However, the possibility of problems does not a disaster make. (Remember: even professionals make mistakes.)


Myth #3: Handmade Is For Low Budget Brides or Tacky, Tacky, Tacky
With nightmares of favors wrapped in endless balls of tulle, garishly outdated 1990’s décor, and an abundance of doe-eyed children tchotchkes, some couples have expectations that handmade/DIY is well, tacky.
The face of the DIY/handmade wedding has changed dramatically in the last few years. Once relegated to those that had lower-than-national-average budgets, handmade has gained tremendous momentum in all budget ranges. At DIYBride.com, I’ve worked with couples with less than $5,000 to some in the $40,000 – $60,000 range in the last few years. And none were anywhere near tacky.
As more DIY projects are shared in our crafty communities and as couples strive for more individuality, handmade objects are more accepted and appreciated as part of the wedding experience. DIY/handmade weddings are now stylish, unique, fun, and totally representative of the couple.


Myth #4: D.I.Y./Handmade Is Always Less Expensive
One of the biggest myths about going DIY or handmade is that’ll be less expensive than off-the-shelf and pre-packaged options. Not true!
While couples can save big bucks by buying through indie artists or making things themselves, that’s not always the case.
The adage “you get what you pay for” is pretty accurate. You want quality? Be prepared to pay for it. Time and effort, tools and supplies, and skill and expertise all cost money whether you DIY or hire a pro.