🛠 When to DIY and When to Call the Pros for Your Wedding
💍 Introduction
Pinterest boards make everything look so easy — a few mason jars here, some ribbon there, and voilà: wedding magic!
But when it comes to your actual wedding day, some projects are better left to the professionals.
At Simply Southern Events, we love creativity and personal touches — but we also know how quickly “fun DIY projects” can turn into last-minute stress. Let’s talk about when to roll up your sleeves and when to hand over the reins.
✂️ Step 1: The Beauty of DIY
DIY projects can be a wonderful way to express your personality, stretch your budget, and include friends and family in your planning process.
Great DIY ideas:
Welcome signs or seating charts
Guest favors or thank-you gifts
Simple stationery (menus, programs, or signage)
Personal touches like framed photos or memory tables
Simply Southern Tip: Start early, keep it simple, and only tackle what genuinely excites you. If it feels like “one more thing on the list,” skip it.
🕯 Step 2: When DIY Goes Wrong
We’ve seen it happen: glue guns, glitter, and good intentions collide the week of the wedding — and suddenly, it’s chaos.
Common DIY pitfalls:
Underestimating time and materials
Not accounting for setup and teardown
Forgetting who will handle tasks on the wedding day
Poor durability (especially outdoors or in heat)
Simply Southern Tip: If your DIY project depends on timing, temperature, or electricity — leave it to the pros. You deserve to be getting ready, not setting up string lights.
💐 Step 3: What’s Best Left to the Professionals
Some wedding details require professional expertise for a reason. These vendors have specialized tools, training, and staff to make things seamless.
Hire professionals for:
Floral design and large installations
Catering and cake services
Photography and videography
Lighting and sound
Day-of coordination and setup
Simply Southern Tip: The best DIY decision you can make? Hiring a planner. We handle logistics, timing, and vendor coordination so you can focus on the memories — not the mess.
🎨 Step 4: How to Mix DIY with Professional Help
You don’t have to choose all or nothing. The best weddings often blend DIY creativity with professional structure.
For example:
DIY your signage, but hire a planner to set it up.
Create your own favors, but let the caterer handle packaging.
Design your welcome table décor, but let your florist handle floral elements.
Simply Southern Tip: Collaboration is key — let your vendors know what DIY elements you’re bringing so they can plan around them.
💌 Step 5: Your Time Has Value
It’s easy to underestimate how long wedding prep takes. Your time is precious — and the week of your wedding should be about enjoying the experience, not rushing through unfinished projects.
Simply Southern Tip: If a task takes more than a few hours or requires day-of attention, it’s usually worth outsourcing. Peace of mind is priceless.
🤍 Final Thoughts
DIY projects can make your wedding uniquely yours — but they should never come at the cost of your joy or sanity.
At Simply Southern Events, we help you find that perfect balance between handmade charm and professional polish. Together, we’ll create a day that’s personal, intentional, and flawlessly executed — without the stress.
