What NOT to DIY or Cut Costs on for Your Wedding
- Dawn Klintworth
- Mar 25
- 5 min read
10 Things Worth the Investment
Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting—and expensive—times in your life. Naturally, couples look for ways to cut costs, and DIY projects seem like a fun and budget-friendly option. But while DIY can work for some elements, there are key areas where cutting corners can lead to unnecessary stress, disappointment, and unexpected expenses. If you want a smooth, memorable, and beautiful wedding, these are the things you shouldn't DIY or skimp on.
1. Photography & Videography: Your Memories Deserve a Pro
Your wedding photos and videos aren’t just for the day—they're timeless memories that you'll cherish forever. Professional photographers and videographers understand how to capture the moments that matter most, from the tear in your dad’s eye to your best friend's dance floor antics. DIY photos or hiring a friend with a camera can lead to blurry, poorly lit, or missed moments. Remember, you can't recreate these memories. An experienced professional knows how to find the best angles, use lighting effectively, and capture emotions authentically.
Pro Tip: Review portfolios thoroughly, read reviews, and schedule a consultation to ensure the photographer's style aligns with your vision.
2. Wedding Planner or Day-of Coordinator: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress
A professional wedding planner or day-of coordinator is like having a backstage manager for your big day. They handle logistics, communicate with vendors, and troubleshoot issues before you even know they exist. Attempting to manage it all yourself—or asking a friend—can result in miscommunications, missed details, and unnecessary chaos.
Pro Tip: Even if a full-service planner isn’t in the budget, a day-of coordinator can be a lifesaver for ensuring a smooth, stress-free event.
3. Catering: Because Guests Will Remember the Food
Great food creates lasting impressions. A professional caterer understands portion sizes, timing, food safety, and presentation. DIY catering or hiring an amateur can lead to undercooked food, limited options, and presentation mishaps. Plus, who wants the stress of cooking or managing food service on their wedding day?
Pro Tip: Ask potential caterers about their experience with weddings, their food safety practices, and if they offer tasting sessions to align with your vision.
4. Entertainment (DJ/Band): Set the Right Mood
Your entertainment is the heartbeat of your reception. A professional DJ or band will know how to read the room, keep the energy flowing, and avoid awkward pauses. DIY playlists or an inexperienced DJ can lead to empty dance floors and off-beat transitions.
Pro Tip: Choose entertainers who specialize in weddings, have experience with diverse audiences, and can handle unexpected technical issues.
5. Venue: The Foundation of Your Wedding Experience
Choosing the right venue is more than just about looks; it's about logistics. Professional venues offer structured setups, built-in amenities, and experienced staff who manage the flow of the day. DIY venues can lead to hidden costs, such as renting tables, chairs, and restrooms, or handling unexpected weather changes.
Pro Tip: Visit venues in person, ask about inclusions, and inquire about contingency plans for weather or guest capacity changes.
6. Florals & Decor: Professional Touches Make a Difference
While DIY centerpieces may seem like a budget win, professional florists and decor rental companies bring artistry, sourcing expertise, and logistical coordination. DIY can lead to last-minute stress, wilting flowers, and mismatched designs.
And, at Burlap and Lace, we make styling your wedding and reception easy. We have everything packed up securely to prevent damage in transportation. Whether we are delivering and setting up or you are doing that yourself, rest assured that your items will arrive clean and ready to setup.
Pro Tip: During your consultation, discuss ways to save costs without sacrificing style. Always ask about setup and teardown services.
7. Hair & Makeup: Confidence Starts with Looking Your Best
Your photos last a lifetime, and professional hair and makeup artists ensure you look flawless all day. DIY attempts can backfire with uneven tones, smudged eyeliner, and makeup that doesn’t photograph well.
Pro Tip: Schedule a trial run to confirm your look, and ensure your artist uses long-lasting, photography-friendly products.
8. Wedding Attire Alterations: Perfect Fit = Perfect Confidence
Your dress or suit should fit like a glove. Skipping professional alterations can result in discomfort and wardrobe malfunctions that take away your confidence and comfort on the day. And, make sure you practice walking in your dress and heels before the big day. Nothing is worse than having 'wardrobe misfunctions' on the best day of your life!
Pro Tip: Budget for alterations when purchasing attire. A perfectly tailored dress or suit is always worth the investment.
9. Transportation: Ensure a Smooth Arrival
Professional transportation services ensure you, your bridal party, and guests arrive safely and on time. Relying on personal vehicles can result in delays and logistical confusion.
Pro Tip: Confirm transportation details a week in advance and have a backup plan for unexpected delays.
10. Rentals (Chairs, Tables, Linens): Details Matter
Mismatched, damaged, or low-quality rentals can detract from the aesthetic of your wedding. Professional rental companies offer high-quality, matching pieces and ensure everything is clean and presentable. Burlap and Lace rents tables, chairs and linens! Make sure you check out our event packages!
Pro Tip: Visit our rental showroom to see options in person and coordinate color palettes with your overall theme.
While budget-friendly options and DIY can work for some aspects of your wedding, these key elements are worth the investment. Not only do they ensure a smoother experience, but they also provide peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your day without worry. Want to learn about our prefereed vendors? Visit our Preferred Vendors page.
Burlap and Lace Event Decor Rentals is a small family-owned business located in the heart of Central Illinois. We offer rentals of decor, linens, furniture, backdrops, tables, and chairs for your next event. We will deliver and set up at your location or you can choose to pick up and drop off your own rental items and set them up yourself. We pride ourselves on our extensive, high-quality inventory, excellent customer service and reasonable prices. Find out how we can help assist you with your next event. Reach out to us to book a free consultation.
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Thank you so much for stopping by our blog, we hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding vendors. Locally owned wedding vendors tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate owned or investor owned vendors. As you plan your wedding we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding vendor like us! You can find locally owned wedding vendors on this wedding venue map.
Below is a shout out to fellow locally owned wedding venues around the country!
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