Backyard DIY Wedding Ideas
Matt and Hillary’s DIY backyard wedding holds a special place in my heart, as it was the very first wedding I had the honor of photographing on my own. Matt and Hillary weren’t just a couple to me; they were friends, chosen family, and fellow members of the intentional community we were all part of. When they asked me to capture their wedding day, I was overjoyed but uncertain if my schedule would allow it. After some initial challenges with timing and availability, everything aligned perfectly, and I’m so grateful it did.
Matt and Hillary share the easiest and most harmonious kind of love—harmonious in every sense. As talented sound healers, they create and share music that brings peace and joy to those seeking healing and connection. A particularly moving moment from their wedding was when they sang a song together during the ceremony, offering their guests a glimpse into their shared passion and deep bond.
DIY Everything
One of the most remarkable aspects of their wedding was how our intentional community came together to make the day unforgettable. Living in a community means pooling talents, time, and effort to support each other. Almost every element of Matt and Hillary’s wedding was DIY, created with love by those closest to them. The music, DJ, planning, cake, decor, food, hair and makeup, setup and breakdown, officiating, musical performances, photography, and videography were all handled by community members. Even the ceremony space was handmade by all of us in the community to serve as a sacred place for such weddings. It was a beautiful demonstration of collective effort and care, reflecting the values that brought us all together in the first place.
Tips for Incorporating Talents and Time of Friends and Family
If you’re planning a DIY wedding and want to involve your loved ones, here are some tips to make the most of their talents and time:
Identify Skills and Talents Early: Reach out to friends and family to discover their unique skills. Whether it’s baking, crafting, music, photography, or event planning, knowing what everyone can offer will help you delegate effectively.
Make Assignments Clear: Once you know who’s helping with what, create a detailed plan with clear assignments and deadlines. This ensures that everyone knows their role and feels confident about their contributions.
Host Planning Sessions: Bring everyone together for planning sessions to brainstorm ideas and ensure a cohesive vision for your day. Collaboration can spark creativity and strengthen relationships.
Provide Resources: If you’re asking someone to take on a task, make sure they have the tools or resources they need to succeed. For example, provide ingredients for baking or supplies for crafting.
Show Appreciation: Acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of your loved ones. Small gestures like thank-you notes, shoutouts during the reception, or a special gift can go a long way in expressing your gratitude.
Embrace Imperfection: Remember, the beauty of a DIY wedding lies in its authenticity. Things may not be perfect, but they will be full of love and meaning.
A DIY wedding is more than just a way to save money; it’s an opportunity to create a celebration that reflects your love story, personality, and values. By incorporating the talents and time of your friends and family, you can make your wedding day uniquely meaningful and memorable. Matt and Hillary’s wedding—my very first as a photographer—is the perfect example of how a DIY approach can make a wedding magical.
DIY Wedding Ideas: Inspired by Matt and Hillary’s Celebration
Here are some creative DIY ideas inspired by their celebration:
1. Community-Supported Setup
Just like Matt and Hillary’s community came together to set up and break down their event, enlist friends and family to lend a hand. Not only does this save on costs, but it also brings everyone closer in the days leading up to your wedding.
2. Live Music by Loved Ones
Matt and Hillary, both talented sound healers, sang a beautiful song during their ceremony. If you or your loved ones are musically inclined, incorporate live performances into your day. It adds a deeply personal and memorable touch.
3. Handmade Decorations
Use simple materials like mason jars, fairy lights, or recycled items to craft your own decorations. For Matt and Hillary’s wedding, members of the community created beautiful centerpieces, handmade beeswax candles, picked flowers from their gardens, and made décor that reflected their personalities and values.
4. DIY Photo Booth
Set up a fun photo booth area with a simple backdrop, props, and a camera with a timer. This is an easy way to entertain guests and capture candid moments.
5. Culinary Contributions
For Matt and Hillary’s wedding, the food and cake were made by members of the community. Ask friends or family to contribute their favorite dishes, creating a potluck-style menu that’s both meaningful and delicious.
6. Personalized Guest Book Alternatives
Consider a creative guest book, like a fingerprint tree, a photo album, or a jar for written messages. These unique options make wonderful keepsakes.
7. DIY Wedding Favors
Craft thoughtful favors like homemade candles, jars of jam, or small plants. Customize them with tags or labels that match your wedding theme. Matt and Hillary gave their guests handmade lavender essence sprays that were a thoughtful and heartfelt gift that everyone could enjoy.
A Celebration of Love and Community
Matt and Hillary’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration of their love; it was a celebration of collaboration and creativity. Their story reminds us that a wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant to be extraordinary. By involving your loved ones and embracing the beauty of imperfection, you can create an authentic, heartfelt, and unforgettable day.
Let these ideas inspire your own DIY wedding journey. If you had your own DIY wedding, tell us what you did in the comments to inspire others. Remember, it’s the love and effort that you and your community pour into the day that truly makes it special. Happy planning!
