DIY vs. Professional Services: What’s Worth DIYing for Your Wedding Day?

Hey there, lovebirds! 💕 

Planning your dream wedding can be both thrilling and a tad overwhelming. With so many details to consider, it's essential to know which tasks you can handle yourself and which ones are best left to the pros. 

Lots of my clients have assumed that seeing as I’m a planner and stylist I would discourage DIY, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I love getting my hands dirty and know how cathartic sitting with a hot glue gun can be for some (and how infuriating it can be for others). It can also bring a sense of ownership and pride to an event on a different level. But let’s be real, sometimes it’s the only feasible way we’re going to get a look that we want without burning holes in our budgets.

That being said, quality is so important and I don’t recommend DIYing everything - I’ve seen some horror stories and some crying couples over DIY projects that have either not worked out, or have ended up costing them more money than a pro without the polish.

Let’s dive into what’s worth DIYing for your big day without compromising on quality and when it’s time to call in the experts.

DIY Wedding Elements: Where You Can Shine

1. Invitations and Stationery

If you have a flair for design or a knack for calligraphy, DIY invitations can add a personal touch to your wedding. There are plenty of online tools and templates available that make creating beautiful invites a breeze. Canva, Vista Print and Officeworks all have amazing templates that are free to use and give professional looks. If you’re feeling fancy you can make your own wax seals and no one would know they aren’t professionally done. Plus, it’s a great way to save money and show off your creative side.

2. Decor and Centerpieces

Crafting your own decor can be both fun and cost-effective. Think about simple yet elegant centrepieces, like mason jars filled with fairy lights or fresh flowers. This is a particularly great option in 2024-2025 while the single stem flowers and bud vases are such a popular option and minimalistic table settings are being selected to allow for a larger statement piece. DIY signage, like welcome boards or seating charts, can also add a charming, personalised touch to your venue.
I would suggest staying away from anything too grand or complex as these can often take time, get underestimated in the budget, and not look as fantastic as the Pinterest inspo pic. 

3. Party Favors

Homemade wedding favours, such as jars of honey, homemade candles, or small potted plants, are not only budget-friendly but also meaningful. I’ve seen some fantastic homegrown succulents and delicious homemade cookies that have gone down an absolute treat. Guests will appreciate the time and effort you put into creating these keepsakes.

4. Guestbook Alternatives

Get creative with your guestbook! Consider a DIY photo booth with a scrapbook station where guests can leave pictures and messages. Or, set up a wishing tree where guests can write their best wishes on leaves or tags. One of my favourites thus far has been a fabulous piece of art where the couple selected a range of colours and canvas size that would work for their home and personal preferences and have then laid out the paints and multiple painting tools and allowed their guests to create a unique artwork that could sit in their home for years to come. 

Leave It to the Pros: When to Hire Experts

1. Photography and Videography

Your wedding day will fly by, and you’ll want stunning photos and videos to remember it by. Professional photographers and videographers have the experience and equipment to capture every moment perfectly. Your friend or uncle aren’t the ones you want capturing these moments (unless of course, they’re professional photographers/videographers). This is one area where it’s worth investing to ensure you get high-quality, lasting memories.

2. Catering and Cake

Food is a crucial part of any celebration. Professional caterers can handle everything from menu planning to execution, ensuring your guests are well-fed and happy. The wedding cake, a centrepiece in itself, is best left to experienced bakers who can create a delicious and beautiful masterpiece.
This is one that I strongly advise people to seek professional help with for multiple reasons. Firstly, if it doesn’t go to plan, huge aspects of your celebration can be a letdown. Secondly, and most importantly in my opinion, these take a huge amount of time on the day, either cooking the food or assembling the cake. The couple don’t have this sort of time, and you really don’t want your loved ones slaving away over a stove or stressing about cake transport and building the day of your wedding when they could be getting ready with you or just enjoying the event as a guest.

3. Music and Entertainment

A professional DJ or live band can read the crowd and keep the party going. They know how to create the perfect atmosphere and ensure a seamless flow of events. Plus, they come prepared with all the necessary equipment and backups. Unless you’re throwing a lowkey backyard wedding, I’d implore you not to just plug in your Spotify playlist or entrust this to a mate or Best Man, because a few drinks in, the songs that seem like a good idea to them, may not be the ones you’d like or the ones that will get the majority of your guests on the dance floor.

4. Floral Arrangements

While DIY centrepieces are manageable, large floral arrangements and bouquets are best handled by professional florists. They have the expertise to design and arrange flowers that will stay fresh and beautiful throughout your wedding day. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative or something that will last longer, I can’t speak highly enough of artificial florals. They will always look fresh and amazing. However, whilst you *could* DIY these, I’d still recommend getting ones that have been made by professionals (you can even rent them) so that they can take wear and tear, be transported easily, and none of your bridesmaid prick themselves on pins and get blood on their dress (I’ve seen it happen).

Budget-Friendly DIY Ideas

1. Photo Booth Props

Create fun and quirky photo booth props using cardstock, glitter, and sticks. This can be a fun project for you and your bridal party and adds a playful element to your wedding photos.

2. Table Numbers and Place Cards

Design and print your own table numbers and place cards. Use decorative paper, calligraphy pens, or even small frames to add a touch of elegance. You can make these meaningful, personalised, funny and more. You’re only limit is your imagination (and time and budget, but I can help with that).

3. Welcome Bags

Put together welcome bags for out-of-town guests filled with local treats, maps, and a personal note. It’s a thoughtful gesture that shows your appreciation and helps guests feel at home.

4. Ceremony Programs

Design and print your ceremony programs at home. Keep it simple and elegant with a touch of your wedding theme. Guests will love the personal touch, and it’s an easy way to save on printing costs. 

Wrapping It Up

There you have it, you’re practically a wedding planner’s extraordinaire now! Balancing DIY projects with professional services can help you create a stunning wedding while staying on budget. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process and celebrate your love story. Choose DIY projects that you enjoy and are confident you can execute well, and leave the critical elements to the professionals.

Here’s to planning the wedding of your dreams! Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after. 🥂

Need a hand with planning or executing your wedding day vision? I’m here to help! Let’s make your special day unforgettable.