Are you considering a DIY wedding? There are many reasons a couple may choose a DIY wedding plan, including the potential savings. Weddings can become expensive quickly, so many couples are eager to find ways to cut wedding costs. However, is the additional time and labor worth the savings? Read on to find out if a DIY wedding is actually cheaper.
What is a Do It Yourself Wedding?
A DIY wedding typically means the couple takes on the responsibility of certain wedding tasks instead of hiring a wedding vendor to do them. This can include but is not limited to: decorations, invitations, food and drinks, photography, venue setup, and even entertainment. The most common reason for this approach is to save money, but it also allows the couple to add a personal touch to their special day.
It's important to note that a DIY wedding requires considerable time, effort, and planning. That’s why some couples opt to combine professional services with DIY elements to balance workload and budget. Additionally, some couples might choose a traditional ceremony and a DIY wedding reception or vice versa.
Is a DIY Wedding Cheap?
Whether or not a do it yourself wedding ends up costing less than a traditionally-planned one depends on what you do yourself and the cost of materials and time it takes to do them. In some cases, it can actually end up costing more, which is why it’s important to allocate part of your wedding budget to paying for vendors you simply can’t replicate for less. Of course, you can find DIY wedding ideas on a budget, and we’ll share where it makes sense to go it alone and when to hire a professional.
To DIY or Not to DIY… That is the Question
To help you decide if a DIY wedding is right for you, let’s take a few of the most common wedding elements couples do by themselves to help you decide if you’re ready to take on the challenge.
DIY Wedding Venue
A DIY wedding venue is a venue that requires you to supply nearly everything to host your wedding. Your parents’ backyard, a Colorado mountaintop, and a “blank slate” venue are all considered DIY wedding venues. Many couples assume having their wedding in their parents’ backyard is less expensive than choosing a more traditional wedding venue, but that isn’t always the case. There are so many elements of a wedding that you might not realize you’ll need to either rent or create yourself.
For example, you’ll need to rent tables and chairs for both the ceremony and reception. You’ll likely need a backup generator to supply enough power for lighting, the caterer, and the band or DJ. You’ll also need to bring in transportable design fixtures, heating or cooling equipment if you’re having an outdoor wedding, and more!
Now, this doesn’t mean a DIY wedding venue isn’t a budget-friendly option. If you have a micro wedding with only a handful of guests, there are unique ways you can get around some of the costs. For example, it costs less to seat a small wedding with just 20 guests. The one thing you can’t go without, however, is a wedding planner. Transforming an average space into a breathtaking wedding venue requires the help of a professional.
DIY Wedding Cake
While baking a cake sounds easy enough, it’s important to consider the cost of ingredients, equipment, pans, a cake stand, and decorations. Not to mention that most kitchens and ovens aren’t designed for bulk baking, and transporting a wedding cake without messing it up is an art in and of itself.
So, unless you are a professional baker and already have the tools you need to bake and decorate a beautiful wedding cake, a cake is not one of the things to DIY for a wedding. This is especially true if you want a traditional-tiered wedding cake. The last thing you want is for it to all come crashing down (literally) before you get to enjoy it.
However, you can reduce the cost of your wedding cake by purchasing less expensive dessert options, such as cakes from Whole Foods. (The Berry Chantilly cake is to die for). Or, consider ditching the cake altogether and opting for a creative dessert option like a donut wall or cupcake arrangement.
DIY Wedding Table Centerpieces
Centerpieces are one of the things to DIY for a wedding! It’s relatively easy and inexpensive to create beautiful decorations for your reception tables. (Keep in mind that if you want floral centerpieces that match all of your other floral arrangements and bouquets, this may not be the best option–more on this in a moment.)
Some unique DIY decor for wedding table centerpiece ideas include:
Old books from a secondhand store for an antique feel
A variety of picture frames with photos of you and your spouse-to-be (include photos with family members and friends who are at the wedding, too!)
A candle or lantern display
Filled mason jars; depending on your wedding theme, you can fill them with…
Fresh or dried flowers
Candles
Sand and shells
Fairy lights
Paint and glitter
Burlap and lace
Succulents or mini terrariums
Fruit slices and water
Colored glass beads
Dried lavender
Pinecones and berries
Photos or love quotes
Feathers
Candy or sweets
Polished stones and crystals
Preserved leaves and flowers
Floating candles and petals
Spices for a rustic look
Live plants that can be taken home by guests as wedding favors
DIY Wedding Floral Bouquet
While designing a wedding bouquet doesn’t sound too difficult at first thought, there is more to it than you might think. For example, it’s not just the bride who needs a bouquet. If you’re having a traditional ceremony, you’ll likely want your wedding party to carry smaller yet similar bouquets. So now, you’re not just creating one but multiple. Plus, there may be other floral arrangements you want incorporated into your decor, such as table centerpieces or a floral ceremony arch.
Another thing to consider when deciding whether or not your bouquet is one of the things to DIY for a wedding is the timing. For your flowers to be fresh and not welting on your wedding day, you’ll need to purchase them and put them together very close to your actual wedding day.
Nevertheless, if you decide to go for it and DIY your own bouquet, be sure to check the cost of individual flowers against what a wedding florist will charge to determine what works best for you. You might also consider using fake flowers that don’t require as much tender love and care.
DIY Wedding Favors or Wedding Party Gifts
Small wedding favors or gift boxes for your wedding party can easily be done yourself. In fact, if you do want to create wedding favors for all of your guests, you can lean on your wedding party for help! Plan a wine night where all your friends come and sip wine while putting together favor bags. Fill them with little fun items such as pocket tissues for the wedding ceremony and a disposal camera so guests can snap photos during your wedding, which you can develop later. Here are 10 more budget-friendly favors for a do it yourself wedding!
DIY Wedding Hair and Makeup
If you (or a friend) are knowledgeable about all things beauty, go for it, but make sure to do a trial run first. If you need ideas, you can always look on YouTube or visit a beauty counter at Macy’s or Sephora for a free demo and lots of ideas. Plus, you can get any new makeup you need while you’re there.
However, if makeup isn’t your thing or you don’t know how to do any fancy hairstyles, consider hiring a professional. The last thing you want is to look back at your wedding photos and not feel as beautiful as you should on your wedding day.
Whatever You Do, Don’t DIY Your Wedding Planner
There are quite a few things to DIY for a wedding, but a wedding planner is not on that list. Why? Because a wedding planner can actually save you money on your wedding. If you hire the right planner, you’ll learn their best money-saving tips, favorite DIY decor for weddings, and strategies for finding the best vendors at the best prices. But where a wedding planner really shines is taking the stress of planning a wedding off your shoulders. Even if you want to DIY aspects of your event, you never truly have to do it yourself with a wedding planner by your side.
Doing wedding tasks yourself adds additional stress, so you’ll need the extra support of your wedding planner. However, it is important to note that your wedding planner can only be in one place at once. So, if you want their help putting together your DIY wedding reception centerpieces, they may not have time to be there for you and the wedding party. Just something to keep in mind.
If cost is the main reason you’re considering a DIY wedding plan, let us help! We know how to plan and design your dream wedding within your budget with way less stress than trying to do it all on your own.
