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DIY, or Do It Yourself,  is everywhere! There are blogs, books and even entire television networks dedicated to the growing trend. However, much like most important things in life, your wedding may be a project better left to the professionals. After all, this is the biggest day and most important party of your life, why not make sure you get it done correctly?

Here is a list (and some photos) of areas where DIY should be avoided, as these are better left to the experts.

Planning

While the cost of a planner can start at around $1,500, your planner will have contacts and relationships with all the vendors in town that will make for a much less hectic planning process than if you were to forge this process alone or have a friend or family member take care of it for you. A planner can also be there on your big day to ensure that all the loose ends are tied up in neat little bows and that you are not disturbed while relaxing and preparing to say your vows.  Moms, aunts and best friends may be great at planning parties and helping you stay organized throughout the planning process, but will they be able to take a time-out from their other duties that day to assist with every little hiccup that comes your way?  Your guests, moms and best friends included, should be able to enjoy themselves on your big day and partake in all of the special moments that happen and not be running around making sure place cards are alphabetized or candles are lit.

Florals

We have all probably all seen enough Pinterest “How-Tos”  and DIY shows to think that we are semi-professional florists, but the reality is, we are not! A professional florist can help tie the entire look of your day together into one cohesive whole making it look more like this-

than this.

Another added bonus is that it keeps your friends and family from scurrying around making arrangements and bouquets on the day of the wedding if you choose to use real flowers instead of silk.

Hair & Makeup

No one wants to look like a completely different person on the day they say “I Do”, but there are some great benefits of having a pro pamper you for your big moment. First, you will want to have photo ready makeup that will  have an optimum outcome for all those up close and personal photos you’ll be taking all night. Also, you need your makeup to be in it for the long haul. For crying, laughing, dancing and anything else you can throw at it, your makeup should be able to withstand and still look fabulous at the end of the evening. Finally your hair, is just as important to stand the test of time as your makeup. You will want to dace the night away, shake hands and kiss babies, all while looking just as fresh as when you first walked down the aisle.  Plus, a professional Hair Stylist or Make-Up Artist knows the tips and tools to use to stand up to the elements (hell, humid Florida weather and an always breezy Key West day) without feeling like like you have make-up caked on your face or like your hair is matted to your head with hairspray.

Photography

Your best friend/mom’s coworker’s kid/cousin is starting out as a photographer, and offers to do your pictures at either no cost or an extremely reduced rate. This sounds SO tempting at the time, after all your are spending thousands of dollars on nearly everything else wouldn’t it be nice to just have this area for less? If you take no other piece of advice hear this, photography is the ONE thing that you will have to remember from your day! When all the candles are blown out and the cake is eaten, when all of the gifts are put away and thanks yous written, the only thing you will have to look back and reminisce your wedding day will be the photos (video if you so choose). Make sure you have seen and are in LOVE with the photography and the photographer! It’s important that you are comfortable in front of them for them to catch those special candid moments.

When Too Much DIY is Really TOO Much

When it comes to DIY projects, it is ok to incorporate some things into your wedding, but please take our advice, and know when to say when!  Everyone wants to be able to out their personal touch on their special day, and with the creation and popularity of Pinterest, it makes that much easier to add your own touch of creativity.  That being said, it also doesn’t mean that you need to re-create everything you see and try to incorporate it into your wedding.  Some DIY projects are great additions to your wedding (Save The Dates, Seating Chart or Table Numbers, etc.) and some are not.  What we are trying to say is, pick 1-2 projects that you can take on and turn them into a top-notch DIY project and leave the other things to the experts.  After all, what can more challenging and stressful to deal with on your big day:  a box (or 80) of broken glassware and smashed centerpieces and bouquets with no time (or budget) to replace OR a beautifully set reception space with wrinkle-free linens and matching candle holders and centerpieces perfectly set by your planner?