Chapters:
1. Defining Your Vision
- Envisioning Your Dream Wedding
- Themes and Inspirations
- Colors Palette and Mood
- Elements that Define You
- Setting Priorities and Non-Negotiables
- Documenting Your Vision
- Communicating and Aligning
- Exercise: Your Wedding Vision Statement
2. Choosing a Home Celebration (or not)
- Understanding the Scope and Space
- Logistics and Necessities
- Decor and Ambiance
- Pros and Cons of Home Weddings
- Safety, Accessibility, and Cleanup
- The Joy of Home Weddings
3. To Toast or Not to Toast
- Deciding on the Spirits: Alcohol or a Dry Affair
- Pros and Cons of Serving Alcohol
- Pros and Cons of a Dry Wedding
- Making the Decision
4. Navigating Wedding Vendors and DIY Choices
- Understanding Wedding Vendors
- DIY vs. Vendor: Making the Decision
- Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Focusing Your DIY Energy
5. Creating a Budget
- Setting Financial Realities
- Prioritizing Budget Categories
- Researching Average Costs
- Creating a Detailed Spreadsheet
- Contingency Fund
- Allocating Funds Responsibly
- Regularly Reviewing and Adjusting
- Negotiating and Seeking Value
- Exercise: Your Ideal Budget Breakdown
6. Building a Timeline
- Start Early: The Engagement Phase
- Setting Priorities: 12 to 9 Months Before
- Refining Details: 9 to 6 Months Before
- Crafting the Ceremony: 6 to 3 Months Before
- Countdown to the Big Day: 3 Months and Beyond
- Exercise: Your Wedding Timeline Checklist
7. Designing Save-the-Dates
- Purpose and Importance of Save-the-Dates
- Defining Your Save-the-Date Style
- Crafting the Content
- Choosing the Design Medium
- DIY Options and Templates
- Incorporating Your Wedding Colors
- Typography Choices
- Printing and Sending
8. Crafting Invitations & RSVP
- The Significance of Wedding Invitations
- Aligning with Your Vision
- Selecting Invitation Components
- Invitation Wording and Etiquette
- Design Elements and Aesthetic Choices
- Printing and Production
- DIY Invitations
- Sending and Managing RSVPs
9. Creating Ceremony Programs
- The Significance of Ceremony Programs
- Designing Creative Ceremony Programs
- DIY Content and Structure
- Creative Wording and Language
- Design Elements and Aesthetic Choices
- DIY vs. Professional Printing
- Incorporating Rituals and Traditions
- Interactive Elements for Guests
- Exercise: Crafting Your Ceremony Programs
- Distribution and Display
10. Crafting Ceremony Decorations
- The Importance of Ceremony Decorations
- DIY Decor Elements
- Incorporating Personal Touches
- Symbolic Elements
- DIY Floral Arrangements
- Greenery and Foliage Accents
- Lighting Accents
- Fabric and Textile Additions
- Exercise: Crafting Your Ceremony Decorations
- Installation and Display
11. DIY Vows and Readings
- The Significance of Personalized Vows
- DIY Vow Crafting
- Tips for Writing Personalized Vows
- Incorporating Humor and Personality
- DIY Readings Selection
- Creating Meaningful Readings
- Rehearsing Your Vows and Readings
- DIY Keepsakes
- Exercise: Crafting Your Vows and Selecting Readings
- Delivery Tips
12. Wedding & Lawn Games
- Engaging in Play: The Magic of Wedding & Lawn Games
- Setting the Scene for Fun
- Tug-of-War: A Test of Team Spirit
- Cornhole: Aiming for Love
- Giant Jenga: Building Memories
- Other Playful Pursuits
- Making the Most of the Games
13. DIY Reception Decor
- The Essence of Reception Decor
- DIY Decor Elements
- Lighting and Atmosphere
- Personalized Touches
- DIY Signage and Directionals
- Thematic Decor Elements
- DIY Table Favors
- Crafting a Dance Floor Atmosphere
- Exercise: Designing Your Reception Decor
- Execution and Coordination
14. Centerpieces and Table Settings
- The Essence of Reception Decor
- Budget-Friendly Centerpiece Ideas
- Creative Table Setting Ideas
- Incorporating Natural Elements
- Budget-Friendly Florals
- DIY Decorative Elements
- Tips for Budget Management
- Exercise: Crafting Your Centerpieces and Table Settings
- Execution and Coordination
15. DIY Photo Booth and Guestbook
- Setting Up Your DIY Photo Booth
- Creating Your Unique Guestbook
- Encourage Guest Participation
- Post-Wedding Handling
16. Handmade Favors
- Choosing Favor Themes
- Handmade Favor Ideas
- DIY Favor Packaging
- Considerations for DIY Favors
- Incorporating DIY Favors into the Wedding
- Execution and Coordination
17. Homemade Cuisine, Drinks, and Signature Cocktails
- The Essence of Homemade Cuisine and Drinks
- Crafting Your Homemade Menu
- DIY Drinks and Signature Cocktails
- Designing Signature Cocktails
- Planning Your Homemade Menu
- DIY Culinary Favors
- Execution and Coordination
- Incorporating DIY Favors into the Wedding
- Encourage Guest Participation
- Post-Wedding Handling
18. DIY Wedding Cake and Desserts
- The Sweet Essence of DIY Wedding Cakes and Desserts
- Baking Your Wedding Cake
- Decorating Your Wedding Cake
- DIY Wedding Cake Ideas
- Crafting Other Sweet Treats
- Presentation and Display
- DIY Cake-Cutting Ceremony
- Exercise: Designing Your DIY Wedding Cake and Desserts
- Execution and Coordination
19. DIY Attire and Accessories
- The Essence of DIY Attire and Accessories
- Crafting Your Bridal Gown
- DIY Groom's Attire
- Personalized Accessories
- DIY Shoe Embellishments
- Coordinated Accessories for the Wedding Party
- Execution and Coordination
- Exercise: Designing and Planning Your DIY Attire and Accessories
20. DIY Bridal Bouquets and Boutonnieres
- Creating your own bridal bouquets and boutonnieres
- Choosing the Perfect Blooms
- Gathering Materials
- DIY Bridal Bouquet Step-by-Step
- DIY Boutonniere
- Personalization Tips for Bouquets and Boutonnieres
- Preparing for the Wedding Day
21. Personalizing Jewelry and Accessories
- Crafted Bridal Jewelry
- Groom's Personalized Accessories
- Coordinating Bridal Party Accessories
- DIY Shoe Embellishments
- Coordinated Accessories for the Wedding Party
- Sentimental Touches
- Exercise: Designing and Planning Your Personalized Accessories
22. Capturing the Moments
- Planning Ahead
- Gear Essentials
- Capturing Candid Moments
- Portraits and Group Shots
- Editing and Post-Production
- Collaborating with Friends and Family
- Additional Tips for DIY Success
23. Creating a DIY Photo Booth
- Selecting a Photo Booth Location
- DIY Photo Booth Backdrops
- Props and Accessories
- Setting Up the Camera
- DIY Photo Booth Themes
- Capturing the Moments
- Maintenance and Assistance
- DIY Photo Booth Success Tips
24. Practical Tips and Tricks
- Logistics and Planning Hacks
- Vendor Coordination
- Guest Management
- Budget Strategies
- Weather-Proofing
- Crisis Management
- Personal Wellness
25. Stress-Relief Strategies
- Mindful Planning
- Prioritizing Self-Care
- Building a Support System
- Embracing Imperfections
- Time Management Techniques
- Mind-Body Connection
- Celebrating Small Wins
26. Writing a Heartfelt Thank You Note
- Notes for Guests
- Notes for Gifts
- Example Notes