The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the wedding industry incredibly hard. This month, Avenue T brings you some tips and tricks to implement if you want the feel of a lavish, but intimate wedding, without having to go bankrupt.
The planning
The first, and most important, step for any DIY wedding you’ve decided to take on, is having a clear outline ready for everything you need. This includes lists, photos, calculations, and information gathered from reliable sources. The planning process should begin a good 6-8 months before the actual event.
Let’s break it down further:
Budget:
Know how much you’re willing to spend. The entire point of taking on this project is to make sure we don’t go overboard with the spending. Make a budget plan, preferably one that includes details on the allocation on each aspect, and STICK TO IT. You’ll be surprised to know how much can be done in an inexpensive manner, if you stay determined not to cross the limit.
Theme:
Having a specific theme in mind can help you look for everything you need. Every wedding we see nowadays is grander than the last, with more interesting and exciting elements to look at. It’s important to remember that too many ideas can ruin the aesthetic you’re going for. Pick a theme -- just one, that calls to you and matches your/ your partner’s personalities -- and then allow yourself to spiral down a Pinterest hole for all the inspo you need.
Photo: Rahnuma Hossain
Weather & location:
A common but rookie mistake we make when planning an event is not being mindful of when and where the event is to take place. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding during monsoon, you might want to reconsider. Or, for a guest list that exceeds 500, the venue you pick has to be able to accommodate them all. Many a times, not keeping these factors in mind can force you to go over budget, while the same can be avoided if a little bit of research is done beforehand.
Sourcing materials:
You have that Pinterest board with all the inspiration photos pinned. You need, say, an old lantern to make a centrepiece, or maybe a vintage chandelier to rent. But where can you find these components that will make the wedding one that stands out? The solution is simple: Make whatever small elements you need yourself -- like paper flowers or posters. If you have a more elaborate plan, source materials like mirrors or vases that other people you know have used for their events, and set them up in the way you want. For the larger components, scrounge wholesale markets for what you need, or get it made. The price will probably be halved if it’s customized. Anything can be made to look a way that fits your style, as long as you put in some of the work.
The execution
And that’s the planning done. Now you have the time to wonder: Who is going to help you pull this off? Will you, single-handedly, tackle this entire project and lose your mind in the process? Are you sure you want 72 separate accounts of mental breakdowns for yourself?
We’ll answer that for you -- no. This is where your squad comes in. The bridesmaids, the cousins, the friends dearer than life -- appoint them all to make the event a success. When you have a reliable group of people working alongside you, you don’t have to fret over every tiny detail. They’ll know what you want, and can get it done accordingly. The important thing to note here is that you cannot possibly do everything alone. Maybe the perfectionist in you will be itching to run around and get things done with your very own hands, but trust your squad. Delegate. You’ll see that the work gets done much faster, with fewer panic attacks; what’s more, you actually get to enjoy this process!
With the wedding scene in Dhaka getting more and more competitive, a crucial factor being forgotten is the sole purpose of the wedding itself. It’s a sacred celebration of the love that two people share; an elaborate announcement of their vows to, officially, come together. Make sure that the days leading up to the wedding aren’t so stressful that they cloud the happy memories. Make sure to have as much fun as you can -- because it will be one of the most important events of your life, if you let it!
