DIY Weddings
Kyra McLaughlin Photography
The Truth About DIY Weddings: From a Florist & Designer’s Perspective
There’s something magical about a DIY wedding. The personal touches. The heirloom linens. The hand-dyed napkins and thrifted candlesticks. It’s romantic, resourceful, and deeply sentimental—but as a floral designer who has walked through many “do-it-yourself” journeys with couples, I’m here to share a few insider truths, tips, and tricks to help you make it truly unforgettable… and not completely overwhelming.
1. Your Vision Needs a Blueprint
It’s easy to get swept up in Pinterest boards and Instagram reels, but what makes a DIY wedding shine is intentionality. Before diving in, map out your style, color palette, and the mood you want your guests to feel. Whether it’s “wildflower garden romance” or “minimalist forest elegance,” having a clear creative direction will help you avoid decision fatigue and mismatched elements.
💡 Designer tip: Create a visual mood board with 5-6 images that represent your vibe—florals, table settings, lighting, even fabric textures. This is your compass.
2. Florals Are Not Just Pretty—They’re Powerful
Flowers hold energy. They anchor your ceremony, tell a story on your tablescapes, and wrap your bridal party in beauty. But designing with florals isn’t just arranging—it’s timing, hydration, mechanics, and a little flower witchcraft.
If you’re DIY-ing your flowers:
• Order 1–2 days before your event.
• Have a cool, dark place to store them.
• Learn a few basic mechanics: chicken wire is your best friend, and floral tape is gold.
• Choose hardy blooms like roses, carnations, mums, eucalyptus, and zinnias.
🌿 Florist’s advice: Splurge on a professional bouquet, boutonniere, and ceremony install. These focal pieces will be in every photo and set the tone for the day.
3. Design Is in the Details
Tablecloths, signage, candle holders, floral placement, escort cards—all these details create rhythm and flow. DIY weddings often fall short when “design fatigue” sets in. You’ve baked the cupcakes, made the favors, and now you’re expected to design a tablescape at 10pm the night before? Trust me, it shows.
✨ Pro tip: Ask a designer to curate a “style plan” or mood-based checklist for you, or consider hiring day-of help just for styling.
4. Nature Is the Best Decorator
As a naturalist and herbalist, I always lean into what’s in season, what’s growing locally, and what elements of the earth can be woven into your celebration. Foraging for accents like wild grasses, herbs, moss, and branches brings texture and soul into the space—and it’s sustainable too.
🌸 Ritual suggestion: Bundle herbs like rosemary or lavender for table markers or favors. They’re fragrant, symbolic, and deeply grounding.
5. You Don’t Have to Do It All Yourself
DIY doesn’t mean “do it alone.” Lean on your community. Let your aunt grow dahlias, your friend handwrite your signage, and your local florist design your arch. Curating a team of creatives—paid or volunteered—will allow you to be present and joyful on your wedding day.
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Final Thought:
DIY weddings are beautiful because they’re personal. But beauty also lives in simplicity. Honor your time, your energy, and your vision. And if you need a designer who gets your earthy, heartfelt, heritage-rooted dreams—I’m here for you.
With love and lavender,
[Marissa / The Floral Hive]