Do it myself?

Do it yourself-ing can be a great way to cut costs, however there are somethings that without professional training one should just not attempt.

Bridal fashion: You might be able to sew sundresses and purses and make the best Halloween costumes on the block but without the specialized training necessary to work with bridal fabric (satin, silk, velvet, taffeta, chiffon) it is just not a good idea to try and make your own dress. If a one of a kind dress is your aim a better idea is to meet with a seamstress or tailor that does have that training and design your dream dress. However if cost is your concern consider that bridal fabric is EXPENSIVE and if you mess up and have to start over you just wasted all that money. Your best bet is to search sample sales or buy a used dress, particularly if you wear a sample or common size (4, 8, 10, 14, or 16) or something smaller (a size 2 can buy a sample 4 and have it taken in). And in case you were wondering the same applies to bridesmaid fashion, just say no. J Crew has some great affordable dresses as does David's Bridal (among others). You could just give your girls a color (black) and a fabric (cotton) and a length (cocktail) and let them find something that fits their budget and who knows, might already be in their wardrobe.

Bouquets: Again I wouldn't. Flowers need to be dealt with as close to the day as possible and your florist has that kind of time. I doubt you do. Also many popular bridal flowers are fragile and trying to wire them into a bouquet can just damage them (particularly white flowers). However centerpieces that don't involve flowers (lanterns, urns, etc) may be DIY feasible, along with floral accents such as a ring bearer pillow, boutonnieres, flower girl baskets (either DIY the basket ahead of time or buy one and buy petals and refrigerate them until needed), or other small details. Martha Stewart Weddings has some really great ideas for DIY flowers.

Cake: Watch Amazing Wedding Cakes on WETV, Cake Boss on TLC, or Ace of Cakes on Food Network and you will realize that there are a million reasons not to try to bake your own cake. Cakes have to be structurally sound and stand up to the weight of layers so that it doesn't crack. However you can order a basic white fondant cake and then decorate it with flowers that you provide, a DIY topper (make sure it's food safe), or sugar paste/fondant petals that you can make (again I love Martha Stewart for ideas).

Stationary: From the save the dates to the menus at the reception this is one thing that you can do yourself. If you are fairly handy with a computer and have access to a high quality printer look up some templates on line, buy some high quality paper, and have at it. Alternatively, if you have calligraphy skills and a strong hand then print out a template and hand write away.

Favors: DIY away. Who says you can't bag your own Jordan almonds or make candy apples for a fall wedding? Go for it.

Bridesmaid hair/makeup: If you trust your bridesmaids then give them a color palate or some direction and let them do their own hair. Ask them to bring in their tools (one might have a very nice straightener or a heavy duty blow dryer) and bobby pins and let them have at it. Just be sure you (or your mom) inspects them before they walk down the aisle.

Nails: Again if you have a steady hand and you don't want anything too complicated then you should totally do your own nails. One thing though, don't try to do acrylics on your own, turn to a professional for anything more than a file and french manicure. (This also applies to bridesmaids, but I would have them do their nails the night before and look at them at the rehearsal dinner).

The list goes on.... mostly my advice is take your skills into consideration. If your hands shake then don't do your own make up and nails but if you happen to be a florist then why not make your own bouquets. One caveat, if you have an uncle who is a gourmet chef asking him to cater your wedding doesn't count as doing it yourself and it is beyond tacky to expect him to do it pro bono. If he offers to give you a discount or even do it for free (perhaps as a wedding gift) then outstanding but don't ask and don't expect that. He has bills to pay too. The same goes for your sister who is a hair stylist or your future mother in law who is a seamstress. If you plan on DIYing your wedding also take into consideration what you can accomplish alone because while it is your bridesmaids' job to be generally helpful that only applies to the day of the wedding. Don't assume that they will be at your beck and call the entire engagement and that by virtue of being in the wedding that they are obligated to tie programs. They aren't. If your personal relationship is such that you would ask them a favor outside of your wedding then that relationship (best friends, your sister) is the reason they would help DIY not being a bridesmaid. Just don't take advantage of people and think hard about what you can and can't do.
~Adrianna

Special occasion make-up

Too many times I see women who think that because today is their birthday, New Year's, or their wedding that they need to completely alter their look. That is simply not true! If it is your day to day look to slap on some chapstick and go then why should you show up to your wedding looking like Elvira queen of the night? However if you live your life in edgy, contemporary make-up then why would you be comfortable in traditional bridal pinks? I think that your special day make-up should be a more refined or a more exciting version of your day to day look. For instance if you are an au naturale kind of girl then even out your skin tone play up whatever feature you like (subtly of course) be it eyes with some brown/black mascara and light brown eyeliner, or lips with rose lipstick and light gloss. However if you love a glam smokey look for day to day wear then do smokey eyes for your wedding or Easter brunch but maybe avoid glitter. Or for a cocktail or New Year's bash add false eyelashes or an unexpected color to fancy up your look. Day to day I even out my skin, put on chapstick, curl my eyelashes, add brown mascara, and light brown smudged liner. So for a party I add blush, lip gloss, brown, silver, or copper eyeshadow, and sometimes false eyelashes. Someone who wore even less day to day may just wear my day to day look for a party and someone who wears my party look day to day might add more edgy colors on their eyes or a more dramatic smokey look. Girls who love love love their lips may want to keep their eyes simple and rock a retro red lip. Girls with amazing skin or cheekbones can wear a sexy blush and light foundation for a dewy look. And girls like me who love their eyes should play up their peepers with false lashes, eyelash curlers, mascara, and coordinated shadow. Best features aren't limited to your face, women with beautiful elegant hands should get a manicure or perfect hair should show it off! I believe there is something beautiful about every woman's face (and body but that's a different posting) you just have to find it. Don't get caught up in the things you think are imperfections and focus on the features you know are beautiful. And don't you dare say you don't know, think about what people compliment you on, clearly if you are getting married you have a boy (or girl, whatever) ask him what he loves. Or ask your best friend, what is she for if not for these exact situations?
~Adrianna