Planning an event sounds easy. We don't need rocket science to be able to pull off a celebration. However, if we lack the time, commitment and the necessary skills and creativity to produce and execute what needs to be done, it can also easily end up being a disaster. More so if we wanted something more than simple, such as instagramable decors, food, couture, etc. It's not just about DIY elements and decorations, we also need a keen eye in the search for credible suppliers within our budgets. One wrong supplier could easily affect the whole plan.
On the other hand, if a plan was successfully done, the feeling of fulfillment is beyond priceless! Who doesn't love having their dream event with the least possible cost? In addition, the learning experience could also be enjoyable. A lot of wedding and event planners are born from discovering their passions in DIY events. To those truly creative ones, you would discover that your own creations might even be better than those professionally produced.
To event beginners who are attempting to DIY your dream celebrations, here are four places that I personally used and believe to be the best sites for shopping DIY goods:
1. Shopee & Lazada
The options are endless. From raw materials to finished products, there's just so much to see and choose from among the thousands of sellers. Name it, they have it: from couture to accessories, to decors, to invitations, down to the glue, glitters, beads and art materials. It's the on-hand Divisoria, and prices are at times even cheaper than our favorite Divi. I only became a Shopee addict and realized the importance of these shopping sites when I started planning my wedding. I would not have appreciated the convenience these sites provide if not for my event.
In addition, I could buy everything in just a few clicks, and expect to receive them in a few days, all in the comfort of my home.
What I bought: A lot of raw materials for decorating my wedding favors and packaging my invitations. To name a few: (Bubble machine, bubble solution, bubble blowers - you guessed it! It's for our post-ceremony exit), foam roses, sticker labels, fabric glue, (test tubes, craft starfishes, craft shells - for my beach themed message-in-a-test tube invitation), barefoot sandals for bridesmaids, bubble wraps, and a whole lot more I can't even remember!
What you need:
Time & Skill - to do research! Remember that not all suppliers are credible. Some are fake, scammers and substandard suppliers. You also need to scour reviews and previous buyers to check for quality and service. You also have to check if they do proper packaging, as your orders might be damaged from shipping couriers due to poor handling.
2. Social Media (FB / IG)
If I can't find what I'm looking for in Shopee or Lazada, I resort to looking for them in social media. This is most applicable if I'm after locally based with quality output. Some of the suppliers that are not possible to find in Shopee or Lazada are here, such as catering, venues, coordinators, photo/video, stylists, HMUA, etc. It's our modern-day yellow pages directory! If you are after preloved items, hundreds of them can be found here too.
What I sourced: Photo/Video team, Custom Shoes, Bride and Groom Couture, Catering, Venue and Accommodation, Gifts, Wedding and Bridal accessories
What you need:
Time & Skill - the same as #1. Anything that has to do with coming from online sources needs to be triple checked, since anybody can easily post and advertise anything without the necessary validation. I have also elaborated what you need to look in my previous article here.
3. Divisoria
The tangible counterpart of Shopee and Lazada. There are times I wanted to see and feel the actual items first before purchasing. There were also suppliers that I needed to discuss details first, such as personalized orders. At times, there were prices in Shoppe or Lazada that I felt I could get cheaper in Divi. These are the instances where I still resorted to braving the heat and crowd to look for my ideal suppliers.
What I bought / hired: Printed fans, earrings for bridesmaids, sunglasses and sunvisors (for guests), gown and suit fabrics, entourage gown designer, burlap cloth, pouches, flower crowns, kraft boxes, jute strings, suspenders, slippers, etc.!
What you need:
Time - to scour Divisoria and it's surrounding areas most especially if you are not yet familiar with Divi! So much time is needed and for sure, you can't buy everything you need in just a day. You will also be looking and comparing one vendor to another if you're after the best deal.
Skill - to haggle for price. Since you made the effort to go all the way to Divi already, make the most of it by getting everything in the best possible price.
Energy - lots of it. You will be on your feet most of the day. You will be battling against the heat, crowd, traffic, and thieves! You would not only look out for vendors, but also the items in your possession. Dress simply and comfortably! If you're buying clothes, dress in something that can be easily removed or worn, or even better, worn over, because most stalls have no fitting rooms.
4. Bridal and Event Fairs
Lowest price offers for a number of the best suppliers in the industry! This is something at times, even FB, IG or Divisoria can't beat, especially if you're after established suppliers. What's better is you can also see and discuss with them in person before making any commitment. Fairs are also a chance to get to know good and start-up suppliers with lesser online presence. You can also discover what's new and trending, and other fresh ideas and inspirations for your event that you can't just randomly come across online.
Who I hired: Our wedding coordinator! It pretty much sky-rocketed from there. Since we hired a team that is credible and experienced, they were also the one who recommended our officiant, HMUA, host, florist and stylist, all excellent suppliers within our budget!
What you need:
Time - like scouring for online suppliers and Divi vendors, it's pretty much the same in fairs if you want to capture all suppliers and choose the best one of the bunch. You might not need to spend that much time though if you already have a target supplier, and just want to attend the fair to avail of the fair discount. Who says you can't do that?!
Energy - It's a lot of walk, and a lot of saliva looking and talking with a lot of people. You will also be bombarded with brochures, so make sure you bring a pen and a nice folder filer to keep them all organized, or simply a bag to bring with you while you go with your search.
Money - unbelievably the most forgotten! Fair offers are usually valid only during the fair and availed only if you've already paid a sort of reservation or downpayment. Bring blank checks and the amount of money you are looking to spend on your target suppliers. If you are hiring major suppliers, make sure to have a couple of thousands with you.
If you've been to these, then you are one certified DIY budget shopper! May your dream event be even more successful and fruitful.
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