DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: What Works & What Doesn’t?
Because your wedding shouldn't be the test run for your Pinterest skills.
Let’s be real — weddings are expensive. So, it’s no surprise that many couples start looking for ways to save a little here and there. And hey, a few “DIY wedding ideas” on Pinterest and TikTok later, you’re convinced that you and your girls can pull off a 3-tier cake, floral arch, and live-stream setup in one weekend.
But before you go full Martha Stewart, let’s talk about what you can DIY—and what you might want to leave to the pros. Spoiler alert: not everything needs your glue gun.
DIY It: Decor & Details (with a pinch of patience): If you’re crafty (or have a bridal party full of artsy besties), décor is a great place to flex your creativity. Think table centerpieces, welcome signs, photo booth props, or custom guest favors.
What works:
Personalized name tags or seating cards
Handmade signage
Cute memory tables or photo walls
DIY guestbook ideas
Warning: Anything involving large-scale florals, ladder-climbing, or “just one more coat of spray paint” at 2 am the night before; rethink it.
Hire a Pro: Photography & Videography: Please… for the love of lighting, don’t hand Uncle Dave your iPhone and ask him to “just get the important moments.” Your wedding photos are forever. TikTok trends come and go, but blurry ceremony pics? Eternal.
Why these matters:
Pros know how to work with any lighting situation
They catch candid moments you didn’t even know were happening
You’ll get edited, high-resolution memories, not just random clips
They keep the timeline moving (yes, we’re also your unofficial timekeepers)
DIY It: Desserts (but keep it simple): A dessert table with your aunt’s famous banana bread, your best friend’s cookies, and a few cupcakes? Adorable. A 5-tier fondant wedding cake with edible lace? Nope.
DIY-safe treats:
Cookie bars
Candy tables
Mini donut walls
Brownie stacks with cute toppers
Avoid: Anything requiring structural engineering or hours of delicate piping.
Hire a Pro: DJ/MC: You might think you can just plug in a playlist and vibe, but trust us when nobody knows when to start the first dance or Uncle Joe grabs the mic to freestyle, you’ll wish you had someone keeping things smooth.
Pros bring:
Seamless transitions
Vibe control (yes, that’s a thing)
Equipment that doesn’t cut out mid- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” Crowd-reading magic
Maybe DIY, Maybe Not: Hair & Makeup
If you’re a beauty guru or know someone who is—go for it! But if you’re not used to doing long-lasting makeup that looks flawless in photos and holds up under tears and sweat, think again.
✅ DIY only if:
You’ve practiced multiple times
You’re confident in your skills
You’re doing a casual elopement or bridal shower look
Otherwise, bring in the glam squad. You deserve to feel like a queen. 👑
There’s nothing wrong with mixing a little DIY magic into your big day, but don’t let your desire to “save” cost you time, peace of mind—or priceless memories. Think of the pros as your wedding-day Avengers. They swoop in, handle the chaos, and let you enjoy your moment.
