DIY Weddings: Are They Actually Cheaper? What Couples Need to Know Before Committing

When You Think a DIY Wedding Is Cheaper… Let’s Have a Little Chat

When couples tell me they’re planning a DIY wedding because it’s “way cheaper”, I usually smile, nod… and gently prepare to burst that bubble. Don’t get me wrong, DIY weddings can be more affordable in lots of ways. But they can also be sneaky little budget monsters if you’re not careful.

The biggest trap couples fall into with a DIY wedding is assuming that doing things themselves automatically saves money. In reality, when you’re starting with a blank space - a field, a barn, a marquee, a village hall - there’s a lot more to think about. Tables, chairs, linen, lighting, power, toilets, bar setup, catering equipment, signage, styling bits, setup time, takedown time… the list goes on. Individually, these things don’t seem too scary, but together they add up very quickly.

Marie Francesca Photography

That’s why I always say this: don’t go full DIY just because you want a cheap wedding. Go DIY because you genuinely want to do it this way. Because you love the idea of building something from the ground up. Because choosing every detail lights you up rather than sends you into a mild panic.

And honestly? When it’s done for the right reasons, DIY weddings can be incredible. They are some of my absolute favourites to plan and manage. There’s something so rewarding about taking a completely empty space and turning it into a wedding that feels deeply personal.

When every little detail has been chosen intentionally and the personality of you and your partner shines through, that’s magic. No carbon-copy Pinterest weddings here.

Marie Francesca Photography

That said, DIY weddings do require a lot more planning. If you’re the kind of bride or groom who loves organising, spreadsheets, mood boards and colour palettes, you might thrive on it. But even the most organised couples can benefit from a bit of support, especially when you’re juggling work, life, and trying to remember whether you’ve ordered cutlery or just thought about ordering cutlery.

This is exactly why I offer a ‘pay as you go’ wedding planning package. It’s perfect if you want control of your DIY wedding but also want an experienced brain to bounce ideas off. We can have weekly or monthly calls to keep you on track, talk through logistics, refine your vision, and make suggestions for suppliers and décor that actually work for your space and budget. Think of it as wedding planning support without handing over the reins completely.

DIY weddings aren’t easier. They’re not always cheaper. But they can be unbelievably special when they’re planned well and supported properly.

If you’re planning a DIY wedding and feel like a little guidance would save your sanity (and possibly your budget), contact me and we can have a chat. No pressure, no fluff, just honest advice and a plan that actually works.