4 Big Day DIY Traps You Need to Look Out For

Creating décor details for your wedding can be a really fun, meaningful experience. Not only can it give you a chance to bond and create memories with whoever is helping you make the items—your mom, your bridesmaids, your fiancé—but DIY-ing can give you a real sense of pride. That said, some projects are certainly harder to complete than others: In fact, some DIYs you see on wedding blogs and in magazines might be difficult, if not impossible, to replicate on your own. Before you take on a project, keep these following four wedding DIY traps in mind so you don't end up frustrated and covered in glitter. Photo by Brooke Lark via unsplash The materials to make the item are pricier than buying the item pre-made. Before you embark on a DIY, price out all of the materials you'll need, from the items to make the project to the tools you might need to use. Often, purchasing all of these things can be more expensive than just buying whatever it is pre-made by a crafting pro on a site like Etsy. These expert crafters can often buy materials wholesale and in bulk, plus they already have all the tools they need, making purchasing an already-assembled DIY cheaper in many cases. The project is super messy. Crafting is all about getting your hands dirty, but just how dirty you want to get depends on you. Anytime you're working with glitter, spray glue, and/or paint, you're bound to end up sticky—and your workspace will likely get more than a little messy, too. Evaluate if you really want to vacuum up glitter for the next year before diving in. Making the item will take longer than expected. Especially if you're contemplating making a DIY the month of your wedding, make sure that you're realistic about how many hours it might take you. Remember: Even if the project's instructions claim that the DIY will be completed within an hour, that doesn't mean it will take you that amount of time. If you're not particularly crafty or have a couple false starts, it could take days to get a finished product you're happy with. The project requires some serious crafting skills. It's also crucial to evaluate your crafting abilities before taking on a DIY project. If a project requires a steady hand, the use of power tools, tons of patience, or any skill you don't particularly have, it's likely not worth your time and energy. Many DIYs you see are put together by professionals and then photographed just so—your end result may look very, very different than the inspiration you're trying to copy. Ready to start DIY-ing? We've got more tips and tricks: 15 DIY Wedding Projects That Will Make You Want to Get Your Craft On The Busy Bride's Guide to DIY Resources The Wedding DIY Glossary Every Crafty Couple Needs to Read   Planning a wedding? Get the step-by-step wedding planning guide.