Should You Buy or DIY? 5 Tips to Help You Decide

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With a wedding just six months away I’m debating what to DIY and what to dedicate what’s left of my budget to. While sites like Pinterest can make the most complicated projects seem “totally doable,” we’ve all seen the Pinterest fail memes…

Here are a few of my considerations when I decide whether to DIY or buy.

1.What is the actual cost of doing it yourself?Oftentimes the total cost of materials and supplies can end up being as much as, if not more than, the readymade version. Be realistic about what the total cost will be and if the savings is truly worth it.

2.What is your time worth?While we all need leisure activities, dedicating twenty plus hours to cutting and gluing a project together may just tip the scale in the actual cost category. If you are short on free time, you might be better off just spending the money.

3.Will you be satisfied with the outcome?Some projects are easier to replicate than others. If you are willing to go for a similar look, or choose something that is meant to look a little imperfect, you are less likely to find yourself disappointed with the end result.

4.Do you enjoy it?If craft time is your way of unwinding, great! Put on a movie and get to work. On the other hand, if the very thought of whittling your hours away Martha Stewart-style puts your teeth on edge, you may want to just buy.

5.Do you have the space?This tends to be my biggest problem. Storing craft supplies can take up a lot of space, and finding room to work can be tough at times. This is a good one to consider before surrendering your only table to the latest project and eating your dinners on the sofa.