Planning a wedding can be a daunting (and expensive) task, and many couples turn to DIY projects to add personal touches and cut costs. But is the DIY route really worth it when it comes to your big day? From the decor to the dessert table, each aspect of your wedding requires careful consideration. Let’s explore the pros and cons of DIYing certain wedding elements to help you decide where your efforts will pay off, and where it might be better to leave things to the pros.
1. Wedding Invitations and Stationery
Pros:
- Cost Savings: Stationery can be pricey, and DIYing your invitations can significantly cut costs. With access to design software like Canva or Adobe Spark, you can create custom invitations and print them affordably.
- Personal Touch: Handcrafted invites or personal designs give a unique flair that isn’t found in standard templates.
Cons:
- Time Intensive: Designing, printing, and assembling invitations is a big job. For large weddings, this could mean hours or even days of effort.
- Print Quality: While DIY print-at-home options work for some, professional printers generally offer higher-quality finishes and durable paper choices that can really elevate the look.
Verdict:
If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind putting in the effort, DIY invitations can be rewarding. However, if you’re short on time or want a polished look, it might be worth investing in a professional designer or printer.
2. Decor and Floral Arrangements
Pros:
- Creativity and Customisation: With DIY decor, the sky’s the limit. You can customise colours, styles, and themes without compromise. Handmade centre pieces, signs, and floral arrangements can add a warm, personal touch.
- Cost Control: Purchasing flowers and decor materials wholesale can save a lot of money compared to hiring a florist or decor team.
Cons:
- Stress and Logistics: Flowers, for instance, need to be arranged shortly before the wedding to look fresh, which can be extremely stressful. Same goes for decor setup, which often requires more time than people expect.
- Skill Level: DIY flower arranging and decor design is harder than it looks and may require practice (and potentially wasted materials) to get the look you’re after.
Verdict:
If you’re a crafty couple or have friends and family willing to pitch in, DIY decor can be a great idea. For complex floral arrangements or large-scale decor, though, consider hiring a florist or planner to avoid day-of stress and ensure a professional look.
3. Wedding Cake and Desserts
Pros:
- Budget Friendly: Wedding cakes can cost hundreds (or even thousands!) of pounds. A DIY dessert table can save a lot, especially if you have friends or family who enjoy baking.
- Uniqueness: Whether it’s cupcakes, cookies, or an alternative like donuts, a DIY dessert table allows you to offer something personal, creative, and fun.
Cons:
- Time Pressure: Baking, decorating, and transporting a wedding cake requires skill and planning. Fresh desserts need to be made close to the event, adding another time-sensitive task to your wedding week.
- Presentation: Unless you’re a pro, the look of a DIY cake might not match that of a professionally-made cake. Presentation is key, and an imperfect cake can stand out in photos.
Verdict:
DIYing desserts like cupcakes or a candy bar can be a great option, especially if you’re not after a traditional cake. For a more elaborate cake, hiring a baker can ensure a beautiful result without the pressure.
4. Photography and Videography
Pros:
- Cost Savings: Wedding photography and videography are among the most expensive aspects of a wedding, so this is one area where couples often look to cut costs.
- Comfort with Friends: If a friend or family member with a decent camera steps in, you might feel more at ease in front of the lens.
Cons:
- Skill and Experience: Weddings are fast-paced, high-stakes events that require a photographer who knows how to capture every critical moment. Lighting, timing, and composition are tricky even for skilled amateurs.
- Quality and Reliability: Equipment malfunctions, missed shots, or inexperienced friends trying their best but missing key moments can lead to regrets down the road.
Verdict:
Photography and videography are best left to professionals. These are lasting memories, and while hiring a friend may save money, it could mean sacrificing quality. If cost is a concern, consider hiring someone for part of the day or asking for a simple photo package.
5. Wedding Music
Pros:
- Cost Effective: Creating your own playlist or asking a friend to DJ is a major cost-saver, as professional DJs or bands can cost a hefty sum.
- Personalisation: You can pick every song and craft the soundtrack to your own tastes without worrying about song requests or unwanted styles.
Cons:
- Sound Quality and Equipment: Professional DJs come with high-quality sound systems and lighting that might be difficult to replicate on your own. Equipment rentals can also be costly.
- Seamless Transitions: A good DJ knows how to read a crowd, adjust the playlist accordingly, and manage transitions smoothly, keeping energy high and the dance floor full.
Verdict:
If your budget is tight, a DIY playlist can work, especially if you have simple music needs or a friend who loves curating. For larger weddings or a real party atmosphere, a DJ or live band can create a lively ambiance that’s worth the investment.
6. Wedding Favours
Pros:
- Personalised Touch: DIY favours like homemade candles, mini jars of jam, or personalised sachets can be incredibly charming and meaningful.
- Cost Savings: Bulk supplies are usually cheaper than pre-made favours, and you can get exactly what you want without going over budget.
Cons:
- Labor-Intensive: Even simple projects can be surprisingly time-consuming when you have to make dozens (or hundreds) of them.
- Overlooked on the Day: Many guests might not notice or take favours, so spending hours on them may feel wasted.
Verdict:
If you love the idea of giving each guest a little memento, DIY wedding favours are a great way to add personality and save money. For larger weddings, simple store-bought favours can save valuable time and effort. TBH I’d probably bin them off if I did it all over again!!
Final Thoughts: Is DIY Worth It?
When deciding which aspects of your wedding to DIY, balance is key. If you’re looking for cost savings and enjoy hands-on projects, DIY can be a wonderful way to make your wedding unique and memorable. But for time-intensive, high-stakes elements (like photography or elaborate decor), investing in professionals can save stress and ensure a polished result.
Ultimately, the right mix of DIY and hired services will depend on your priorities, skills, and available time. If you’re short on time, enlist help from friends or family members with specific skills. Most importantly, choose DIY projects that enhance your vision, add personal meaning, and bring you joy—because those touches are what will make your wedding truly unforgettable.
Written with the support of ChatGPT
