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DIY OR NOT TO DIY…

DIY OR TO NOT DIY

That, is the question.

Congratulations! You’re engaged! And we bet that, even if it’s only just happened, people are already asking you questions about where/when/how you’re getting married.

Since COVID, wedding suppliers and vendors are harder to lock in as they are still playing catch-up, and so, one of the things you may be thinking about is a DIY wedding.

DIY OR TO NOT DIY
Photo: Vanessa Cook

 

A DIY wedding can be anything from a ceremony and reception in your backyard with yourself, family or friends doing all the preparations, catering, styling, etc, through to a wedding at a venue where they provide some elements, but you must arrange the rest.

Maybe you’re considering DIY because you’re on a budget and hope that going DIY might save you some money. Or maybe you’re a creative person who would love the opportunity to manage a project that has so many exciting elements to it.

DIY OR NOT TO DIY

DIY weddings can be exciting to plan, and they can save you money, but there are other considerations you may want to make before deciding if this is for you and your partner.

PROS

  • You could potentially have more flexibility over vendors. Some venues may have preferred suppliers or in-house caterers and stylists whereas with DIY you can create your own team
  • DIY weddings are an opportunity to get others involved in your wedding planning and preparations – friends and family can use their talents to help you with cake, flowers, arbour, etc
  • It can make you feel more involved in your wedding planning and have control over all elements of your wedding
  • If you are buying styling elements for your wedding, or having people make things such as an arbour, you may be able to recoup the costs by selling these after the day
  • If you love being creative, you can let loose and really make your vision a reality
DIY OR TO NOT DIY
Mobile Bar: The Tipsy Mare

CONS

  • Organising a DIY wedding may be time-consuming, so make sure you’re preparing to invest that time
  • Finding suppliers who you like, who are available, and who meet your budget, and locking them into a date can be tricky to align
  • Not all venues will allow DIY weddings – do your research to see what they will and won’t let you organise yourself
  • DIY weddings can be stressful – do you have enough hands to help, is your partner fully on board, and are you prepared for the work a DIY can take?
  • If you’re choosing DIY mainly to save money, just be aware that it’s doesn’t always work out cheaper. It may not be that sexy, but a spreadsheet will be your friend under these circumstances, and doing some cost benefit analysis will help you work out the savings. You may find that once you’ve paid for all the elements (hiring chairs, PA system, dance floor etc), some which are included in the price at other venues, the savings may be negligible
  • If you’re going fully DIY and setting up the day before, think about whether this is how you want to spend your time. Who do you have who can help? Will you be so busy that come your wedding day you’re limping over the finishing line
  • Think about who is going to be looking after everything on-the-day. You will need someone to ensure all the elements are running smoothly and that if, for example, a supplier haven’t turned up, they can chase them

ADVICE

  • Have a really good conversation with those who are involved with the planning, and make sure you understand what help they are (or aren’t) willing to give
  • Consider getting a coordinator for the day of your wedding.  They are worth their weight in gold, and will allow you and your guests to relax

If you’re booking a venue, check with them what they will and won’t allow you to DIY.  For example, are there any noise restrictions which will hinder you doing your own disco without someone measuring the decibels?  Do they have any restrictions on confetti?  Do they have access to a kitchen that external caterers can use?

DIY OR NOT TO DIY

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Author Bio

Roxy Hotten

Roxy is a dog-loving, wine-sipping, vintage-hunting Celebrant, and the Queensland Local Leader for The Celebrant Society.
Having started her celebrant career in 2011 in the UK, where she lived for 26 years, Roxy has a hybrid London/Australian accent that confuses almost everyone she meets (‘Are you New Zealander?’).  She lives on the northside of Brisbane with her yeasty-smelling rescue-Staff X, Valentine Mc Farty. In her spare time, you can find Roxy out on her bicycle, scouring op-shops for vintage bargains, down her local bowls club where she hosts a trivia night, or hanging out in her garden, trying hard not to kill anything.

DIY OR NOT TO DIY…