Should You Throw a DIY Wedding?

Planning a wedding is a monumental task. One of the first choices you’ll make is whether to hire professionals or go it alone. A DIY wedding might seem tempting — especially if you’ve been browsing social media for inspiration. However, there are pros and cons of a DIY wedding that you should weigh before making your decision.

Pros of a DIY Wedding

You’ll have a truly custom wedding experience. Every element of your ceremony will have a special, meaningful touch. Want a cowboy-themed wedding? No problem. Want the ceremony in your backyard? Go for it! Your big day will be as traditional or unconventional as you want it.

You’ll save money. Wedding vendors — caterers, florists, makeup artists, photographers, etc., — can be expensive. By planning a DIY wedding, you’ll still be responsible for buying the flowers, decorations, and food, but you won’t have the added vendor charges.

You’ll control it all. Many planners and venues have preferred vendor lists. That means if you work with that planner, you are locked into using their preferred florists, photographers, and caterers. When you plan your own wedding, you are free to use whichever professionals you want — or none at all.

Cons of a DIY Wedding

The biggest con: it’s a lot of work. In addition to coordinating guest lists, seating arrangements, and locations, you’ll be creating invitations, party favors, and decorations. If you do everything yourself, you’ll also be devising a menu that needs to accommodate various diet preferences and allergies. You’ll be responsible for setting everything up and breaking it back down once the ceremony ends.

You’ll still need help. No wedding is truly, 100% DIY. If you’re not hiring a wedding planner and vendors, you’ll need to enlist friends and family. Working together can be a wonderful bonding experience…or it can add stress during an already stressful time.

The time factor. If you’re not spending money, you’re spending your time. Is making a few dozen centerpieces really what you want to be doing? Hours before you get hitched, do you want to be arranging flowers or hanging twinkle lights?