We blame Instagram!

Planning an event and raced to Instagram for ideas? Thanks to social media we can access millions of styling ideas for literally ANY theme. It's here, in this moment, when you realise your true calling in life - yep, you were suppose to be an event stylist! The Residences are popular garden venues in Centennial Park and some of our favourite events in the past 4 years have been 100% DIY.

It's time to talk honestly about planning DIY garden events. . .

Don't get us wrong, we #love DIY events. This is the ultimate chance to do things 100% your way and stretch any budget. Add a personal touch and dial up the details. If you're a DIY first timer planning an event, read on.

The one thing to keep in mind is DIY garden events often require more time and work than initially planned for. Here's our handy tips for a perfect DIY garden event.

1. Minimise Your Suppliers

As a general rule, all suppliers charge delivery fees for bump in and bump out. These charges start to add up. Where possible keep the number of suppliers to a select few. Ask can the marquee supplier provide tables and chairs as well? Can the florist provide table props and décor etc. Save money, time and enjoy liaising with fewer people.

Every event is unique but there is a simple formula to follow.

2. Only DIY What You Love

You need food + drinks + decorations + music. If you've opted for a blank canvas venue there's + furniture as well. Our tip to save time and stress is only DIY things you love to do...or things you can pass to talented friends and family! Go for it. Make the place cards and welcome sign and leave the other things up to the professionals. Think twice before hanging a DIY hanging flower installation for the first time in your life! It will take more time than you think.

3. What You Set Up, You Pack Up!

Leading up to the event, the adrenaline soars. You’re functioning on little sleep. The night before friends and family are there helping to set up. Post event, it's a little different. You're exhausted and the support team has dwindled. Venues who permit DIY events require you to pack up, whatever you set up. If the last thing you feel like doing is taking down 150 metres of fairy lights, be sure to outsource certain tasks to a stylist, supplier or have a bump out plan that allocates people to tasks. Keep happy vibes flowing after the event.

4. Pick 3 Things That Matter Most

Budgets only stretch so far. Before you get sucked into the vortex of Instagram and Pinterest decide on what matters most. What are the 3 things you MUST HAVE to make it a memorable night? Giving up the blue velvet lounges and ottomans under the verandah is never easy, but there will be great food, music and table décor or whatever you value most to make it a fabulous night.

5. Have A Budget For Staff

DIY venues offer endless choices but do require a little more consideration for ‘behind the scenes’ on the night. There is nothing worse than seeing a your guests queuing at the bar for top up of bubbles.

Our advice.

Always have ample budget for staff at your event.

There are resourceful ideas that allow guests to help themselves, while minimising the number of staff you need at the event. We like the idea of a non-alcoholic drink stand, or pre-poured drink station for arrival. This is an easy way to kick off a celebratory vibe from the moment guests arrive. And, frees up staff to serve welcome canapes before the bar official opens!

Honest DIY Event Tips