DIY Wedding Ideas
To DIY, or not to DIY. That is the question.
Read our DIY wedding ideas for inspiration...and please let us know if you have any DIY wedding ideas you'd like to share!
![Windy City "I Do's" Your Way: 14 BYO Wedding Venues in and around Chicago](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/The-Lodge-at-Katherine-Legge-Memorial-Park-2024_06_27_2024-06-27-211542_qfyw.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=2043ef4ef694b9040f4adb319a61bc56 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/The-Lodge-at-Katherine-Legge-Memorial-Park-2024_06_27_2024-06-27-211542_qfyw.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=c1192021b28e57a1f8e502b2d2b62675 190w)
Windy City "I Do's" Your Way: 14 BYO Wedding Venues in and around Chicago
Imagine exchanging vows in a breathtaking space, with a menu crafted by your chosen caterer, and creating a celebration that feels personal, intimate, and perfectly curated to your favorite flavors. BYO wedding venues in Chicago and its suburbs provide the perfect canvas for your creative vision and taste, allowing you to design a wedding as unique as your love story. Let's raise a glass (of your choice!) to celebrating your love story on your own terms, in the heart of vibrant Windy City.
19 Meaningful Ways To Remember Loved Ones At Your Wedding
If you have a special person (or pet!) that can’t physically be at your wedding, but you still want to acknowledge their presence in spirit, here are 19 unique ways to pay homage to their memory and give them a loving tribute on your big day.
![How To Budget For Your Wedding Bar](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBarCost01-TenthWardDistillingCompany.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=65ec748f05472ce6108fa68f0f8d9280 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBarCost01-TenthWardDistillingCompany.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=5c0304a162d03f443815367b74a07e48 190w)
How To Budget For Your Wedding Bar
Want a sobering experience? Try calculating the cost of your wedding bar. Already feeling dizzy? That's where we swoop in to save the day. From figuring out what you'll pay to picking the perfect bar package, here’s the scoop on how to budget for your booze.
![How To Brand Your Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HowToBrandYourWedding01-GoldenVibesPhoto.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=39bee5197c0bbb8c0eae24c6abb9827f 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HowToBrandYourWedding01-GoldenVibesPhoto.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=c12890a0c64c43e3454450d56985c96a 190w)
How To Brand Your Wedding
Think wedding branding only applies to influencers or couples with big budgets and high-end planners? Think again! We promise this isn’t as fancy as it sounds: Branding your wedding is simply having a set of guidelines to inform the overall look and feel of your event. We show you how to brand your wedding like a boss.
![Get a FREE Wedding Invitation Sample Kit from Minted!](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingInvitationSampleKit-Minted.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=2edc3da2c79be30bf5a216e245671b76 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingInvitationSampleKit-Minted.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=f5a1e41cafd0bf150bc17dae6c3922c5 190w)
Get a FREE Wedding Invitation Sample Kit from Minted!
Finding the perfect invitations just got easier! Minted will send a Wedding Invitation Sample Kit straight to your door with your favorite designs, color swatches, paper types, and so much more. At NO cost to you. Snag one for yourself!
![8 Incredible Dallas Wedding Venues Where BYO and DIY is A-OK!](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/Incredible-Dallas-Wedding-Venues-Where-BYO-and-DIY-is-A-OK.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=7c45b040715a54980e019f1a8a9e12c8 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/Incredible-Dallas-Wedding-Venues-Where-BYO-and-DIY-is-A-OK.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=d083995049a833fdc1fb27d171c3a970 190w)
8 Incredible Dallas Wedding Venues Where BYO and DIY is A-OK!
Dallas is home to so many incredible wedding venues that allow outside catering and vendors if you’re filled with creative spirit and are hoping to have a bit more flexibility when it comes to wedding planning. Here are some of the most fabulous Dallas venues that let you mastermind your event by bringing in your carefully chosen vendors!
![9 Ways To Make Your Virtual Wedding A Bonafide Bash](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/VirtualWeddingMustHaves03-MusicPlaylist.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=b4468f09e542e4ad650636845e365d64 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/VirtualWeddingMustHaves03-MusicPlaylist.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=b51aeef1b2c9eacb25e206d2e5142cb8 190w)
9 Ways To Make Your Virtual Wedding A Bonafide Bash
Yes, you know you need a snappy internet connection along with one or more digital devices to live stream your wedding, but how do you make your virtual wedding a bonafide bash? We've put together a list of 9 things that'll help make your virtual wedding a real party!
![How To Virtually Plan (and Live Stream!) Your Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/VirtualWedding-AevitasWeddings.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=452f88d7c79feda421fd8cf048a15864 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/VirtualWedding-AevitasWeddings.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=1bb2c94d77a38b3b70ab15f6bb97ae47 190w)
How To Virtually Plan (and Live Stream!) Your Wedding
Many engaged couples aren't letting things like a global pandemic or social distance get in their way of getting married. Because love always wins. Here's how to virtually plan every aspect of your wedding. And even live stream the big day!
![How To Create Your Wedding Timeline](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingTimeline01-StephanieWeberPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=0a8e2f8b467d24135cf96a517f8e26fa 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingTimeline01-StephanieWeberPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=d3dac218c6a262d1d9bc133d706d33dd 190w)
How To Create Your Wedding Timeline
No matter what kind of wedding you're having, one thing is for certain: Timing is everything! Here are some questions that will help shape your wedding timeline, as well as a sample timeline to use as a guide as you begin putting together your own.
![How To Have A Summer Camp Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SummerCampWedding01-CanoeRide.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=e4c266ce857743d4465fb3a873400a08 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SummerCampWedding01-CanoeRide.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=8fc985c741517ca0edd88f0ef8230509 190w)
How To Have A Summer Camp Wedding
There's a reason camp weddings are becoming so popular: They often last a full weekend, which means more time to hang with your closest friends and family…and they're also in a stunning rustic location—perfect for nature-loving couples. If you're thinking of hosting a camp wedding, here are some tips from my perfectly-imperfect wedding to yours.
![18 Fetching Wedding Ideas for Dog Lovers](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/DogWedding-MagnoliaPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=55d64d295575f63ba224062cd9a69972 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/DogWedding-MagnoliaPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=ed8f3c872fc25323d1b3bcd28e167713 190w)
18 Fetching Wedding Ideas for Dog Lovers
We've all seen those precious pictures of puppy ring bearers and Dogs of Honor, but sometimes it's just not possible to include your dog in the actual wedding! If you can't bring your pooch to the party, here are 18 pawsitively awesome ways to incorporate your dog(s) into the big day—without having them physically present.
![23 Ways To Infuse LGBTQ+ Pride Throughout Your Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/LGBTQWeddingIdeas-AmberRobinson.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=0c8505f22e51895eebe38a6d256de522 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/LGBTQWeddingIdeas-AmberRobinson.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=433ab182edfcb828e50de6c8d928e069 190w)
23 Ways To Infuse LGBTQ+ Pride Throughout Your Wedding
Love is love, just like weddings are weddings. But if you're looking to put your LGBTQ+ pride on full display, here are 23 vibrant ways to work it into your big day!
![Rehearsal Dinners at Home](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/RehearsalDinnersAtHome01-NeubekPhotographers.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=e43d324dddaca3f6730075dbe66e7cf3 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/RehearsalDinnersAtHome01-NeubekPhotographers.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=84f71c614224a50da04ac622c8c78151 190w)
Rehearsal Dinners at Home
Make your rehearsal dinner guests really feel at home. Hosting your rehearsal dinner at home (yours or that of a very nice relative or friend!) can be a great option if you’re on a tight budget or simply want a warm, intimate environment where your nearest and dearest can connect with each other.
![19 of the Funniest Wedding Signs We've Ever Seen](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/FunnyWeddingSigns-JamesSimmonsPhotography.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=8bbc32bc7cad1cc46888394141b1b0fc 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/FunnyWeddingSigns-JamesSimmonsPhotography.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=64b1612f1d68e2209c3c07659a690f14 190w)
19 of the Funniest Wedding Signs We've Ever Seen
We're all about injecting a little humor into the big day, and one of our favorite ways to do it is with a punny wedding sign. Need some inspo? Check out 19 of the funniest wedding signs we've ever seen.
![15 Non-Alcoholic Wedding Bar Ideas](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBarIdeas-ArikaJordanPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=dd4ee3686f581d4c71e6e58a0a55a8aa 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBarIdeas-ArikaJordanPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=730b18f1a3c5c11169db5a423d7e77db 190w)
15 Non-Alcoholic Wedding Bar Ideas
While your typical cocktail-serving bar is always a good time, why not shake things up a bit with these non-alcoholic alternatives? From fruit juice to flavored popcorn, check out these 15 ideas for interactive wedding stations!
![37 Ways To Save Money On Your Wedding](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SaveMoneyOnWedding-KaitieBrainerdPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=5f338c4955d66b1d92d35040a68c002c 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SaveMoneyOnWedding-KaitieBrainerdPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=1a167b617639f25c658a1b87ef6b822e 190w)
37 Ways To Save Money On Your Wedding
Here are 37 ways to save money on your wedding—without sacrificing style! We list our best cheap wedding ideas so you can have a champagne wedding on a beer budget.
![15 Swoon-worthy Small Wedding Ideas](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SmallWeddingIdeas-HyattCarmelHighlands.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=81879a279076ad25fc5f24a970b15a1e 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/SmallWeddingIdeas-HyattCarmelHighlands.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=d007df958145913d5fd0b9a54186eaa0 190w)
15 Swoon-worthy Small Wedding Ideas
Small weddings provide a bit more wiggle room with the budget, which allows ample opportunity to get creative. To prove it, here's a compilation of swoon-worthy ideas for a small wedding that you'll no doubt want to steal.
![6 Ideas for your Industrial Wedding Arch](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/IndustrialWeddingArches-MaggieBradshawPhoto.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=cefd7a7382719fd554ec5ea503de3621 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/IndustrialWeddingArches-MaggieBradshawPhoto.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=ce976be46079f97107146370b7e40a1c 190w)
6 Ideas for your Industrial Wedding Arch
One element that will take your industrial venue from drab to fab? A killer wedding ceremony arch. So we've put together 6 ideas—and lots of photos—to help inspire yours.
![9 Gorgeous Garden Wedding Ideas](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/GardenWeddingIdeas-AliciaSwedenborg.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=a52684942ea9fbfbc7d76b214868820c 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/GardenWeddingIdeas-AliciaSwedenborg.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=dec5ad41c4167b37789b223cf9400dbe 190w)
9 Gorgeous Garden Wedding Ideas
With colorful flowers and verdant foliage as the backdrop, it's no wonder garden weddings are so romantic. To help inspire your botanic vision and make your big day unique to you, here are 9 gorgeous garden wedding ideas.
![7 Ideas for your Outdoor Wedding Arch](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/OutdoorWeddingArches-VictorSizemore.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=00f30cbc9bc6e0e62915bbaffbdf936f 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/OutdoorWeddingArches-VictorSizemore.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=c934ece7bf6aa48ec910048d78b98549 190w)
7 Ideas for your Outdoor Wedding Arch
When you get married in the great outdoors, Mother Nature is basically your floral designer. But one décor item you may want to splurge on? A killer wedding ceremony arch. We've put together 7 ideas (and 22 gorgeous photos!) to help inspire yours.
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