A Guide by Nate Feldman

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