When it comes to wedding planning, Pinterest can make you feel like you need to handcraft every centerpiece, invitation, and party favor. But before you find yourself knee-deep in a glitter explosion, let’s talk about which DIY projects are worth tackling—and when it’s best to bring in the pros.
DIY: The Fun and Doable Projects
If you love crafting or want a personal touch, these projects are totally doable:
Wedding Signage
Chalkboards, acrylic signs, and wooden welcome signs are simple and stylish. With a little patience and a steady hand, you can create something gorgeous (or use printable templates if your handwriting isn’t your strong suit).
Table Décor & Centerpieces
If your tablescape vision involves candles, greenery, or simple floral arrangements, DIYing can save money. Just keep it manageable—assembling a few vases is one thing, but handcrafting 200 origami cranes? That’s another story.
Favors
Want to make homemade jam, candles, or personalized goodies? Go for it! Just give yourself plenty of time and keep assembly easy—avoid anything that requires last-minute work.
Invitations & Save the Dates
For small weddings, DIY invitations can be a fun project with printable templates or digital tools like Canva. But if you’re sending out hundreds, printing costs and time add up quickly—sometimes, professionals are more efficient.
Delegate: What’s Best Left to the Experts
Some things require skill, time, or special equipment. These are the areas where calling in a pro can save your sanity:
Photography & Videography
Your wedding photos will last a lifetime—this is not the place to cut corners. Unless your cousin is a professional wedding photographer, leave it to someone experienced in capturing the big day.
The Wedding Cake
Baking a multi-tiered cake is not a last-minute project. If you want a beautiful, stress-free dessert, hire a baker. You don’t want to be frosting a cake the night before your wedding!
Floral Arrangements
A simple bouquet or greenery centerpiece? Maybe. But large floral installations, bouquets, and boutonnieres require expertise, refrigeration, and a lot of setup time.
Hair & Makeup
Even if you’re great at everyday makeup, wedding-day glam is a different beast. A pro will ensure your look stays flawless through photos, tears, and hours of dancing.
Day-of Coordination
Even if you’ve planned every detail, you don’t want to spend your wedding day dealing with last-minute hiccups. A coordinator can keep things running smoothly while you enjoy your moment.
Know Your Limits
DIY can add a meaningful touch to your wedding, but be realistic about your time, skills, and stress levels. If a project sounds fun and manageable—go for it! But if it’s making you lose sleep, it’s okay to delegate. Your wedding should be joyful, not a never-ending to-do list.
