Get in touch

view our rentals

07
06

meet shan

05

Read The Blog

04

hear from clients

03

See the work

02

What to expect

01

browse topics

Welcome to The Drake Society Journal, a curated archive of design inspiration, architectural insight, and the refined artistry behind our most sophisticated celebrations.

Journal

drake society

Welcome to the

s
d

Planning your own wedding is exciting, empowering… and let’s be honest, a little overwhelming. As a DIY bride, you’re not just dreaming—you’re executing. You’re curating every detail, every texture, every moment.

But here’s the truth most people won’t tell you: DIY doesn’t mean doing everything alone. The most stunning “DIY” weddings are actually powered by smart support, elevated rentals, and intentional design choices.

That’s where strategy—and the right partners—come in.

Start With Your Vision (Not Pinterest Overload)

Before you rent, buy, or craft anything, define your vibe:

  • Romantic garden party?
  • Modern black-tie elegance?
  • Soft, neutral luxury?
  • Bold and editorial?

DIY brides often get stuck trying to recreate 10 different Pinterest boards. Instead, focus on one cohesive aesthetic and build from there.

Pro tip: Choose 2–3 core colors and 1 standout texture (like velvet, satin, or glass).

Rent the Statement Pieces (Trust Me on This)

Here’s where DIY brides either save big—or accidentally cheapen their entire look.

Instead of buying everything, invest in key rental pieces that elevate the entire space:

  • Statement chairs
  • Charger plates
  • Linen textures
  • Specialty tables
  • Bar setups

This is where The Drake Social Club Design House and Specialty Rentals comes in.

Rather than spending money on items you’ll never use again, you can:

  • Access luxury-quality inventory
  • Mix and match designer pieces
  • Create a high-end aesthetic without the high-end price of ownership

Translation: You DIY the vision—we supply the wow factor.

Focus Your DIY Energy Where It Matters

Not everything needs to be handmade.

The smartest DIY brides prioritize:

  • Welcome signs & stationery
  • Personalized favors
  • Small décor accents
  • Seating charts

And they outsource or rent:

  • Tables & chairs
  • Linens
  • Large décor installations
  • Bars & lounge setups

Why? Because large-scale elements are what guests notice first.

Pair your personal touches with elevated rentals from The Drake Social Club Design House and Specialty Rentals and suddenly your wedding feels professionally styled—even if you did most of it yourself.

Design Like a Pro (Even If You’re Not One)

A few insider tricks:

  • Layering is everything: charger plate + dinner plate + napkin fold = instant luxury
  • Height variation: mix low florals with taller centerpieces
  • Consistency: repeat colors and materials across tables

Even something as simple as swapping basic chairs for ghost chairs or gold-accented seating can completely transform your space.

Create a “Moment” Space

Want your wedding to feel unforgettable?

Design one standout area:

  • A styled bar
  • A champagne wall
  • A sweetheart table
  • A lounge vignette

These spaces become:

  • Photo backdrops
  • Guest gathering zones
  • Social media highlights

And yes—this is another perfect opportunity to lean on The Drake Social Club Design House and Specialty Rentals for curated, high-impact pieces that look custom but require zero stress.

The Secret to a Successful DIY Wedding

It’s not about doing everything yourself.

It’s about:
✔ Knowing where to invest
✔ Knowing where to simplify
✔ Knowing when to bring in experts

DIY doesn’t mean alone. It means intentional.


Final Thought

You deserve a wedding that feels like you—elevated, intentional, and unforgettable.

So go ahead:

  • Craft the details you love
  • Personalize the experience
  • Own your vision

And when it’s time to bring that vision to life at a luxury level, let The Drake Social Club handle the pieces that make everything feel polished, cohesive, and truly breathtaking.


Christine & Mike's elegant Wedding 

casey & braden's vintage Wedding

emily & Jonathan's garden Wedding

heather & jared's french inspired Wedding

Love Stories

Favorite

Join our community for access into the world of The Drake Social Club. Receive our exclusive guide—20 intentional design details—directly to your inbox.

Free Guide

designing events since 2023

My first memory of design is the realization that a room’s atmosphere is a living thing, shaped by the quiet harmony of shadow, light, and the deliberate weight of a linen napkin. I learned early on that when you curate sensory details with precision, you aren't just decorating a space—you are choreographing an emotion.

I Focus on timeless aesthetics, bespoke details, and creating beautifully intentional spaces.

Hey Friend!

Get in touch

view our rentals

06
05

Read The Blog

04

hear from clients

03

See the work

02

What to expect

01