DIY vs. Professional vendors: How to keep your Tassie wedding stress free
Why DIY isn’t always the answer for your wedding day (and when it can work)
Planning your wedding is so exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. As a professional wedding planner and stylist in Tasmania, I often see couples tempted to DIY key elements of their big day. While the idea of adding a personal touch can be appealing, there are some aspects of a wedding where DIY can actually end up costing more in stress, time, and sometimes money than hiring trusted professionals.
When DIY goes wrong
Take florals, for example. I’ve had couples hand me buckets of mixed flowers to arrange on the day. While it’s lovely to see the effort and thought, this isn’t practical. Coordinating a wedding involves managing multiple timelines, suppliers, and setup details. As a result, DIY florals can often:
Wilt or fall apart due to improper handling or timing.
Look uneven or mismatched if not professionally arranged.
Add hours of work on top of an already packed day.
Similarly, music is another area where DIY can cause major headaches. Playing your playlist through a phone or low quality speaker might seem simple, but issues often arise:
Poor sound quality that doesn’t carry across your venue.
Connection interruptions or tech malfunctions.
Lack of knowledge in playlists that flow with the ceremony, speeches, and dancing.
Other common DIY ideas include signage, lighting, and even catering. Attempting these without the right experience or equipment can compromise the overall feel of your wedding and leave you scrambling on the day.
Decor: DIY decor can look inconsistent or in some cases even break before/during the day.
Lighting: Incorrect setup can ruin mood or photography, and lead to tripping the power at your venue.
Food & Drinks: DIY catering or bar can create hygiene issues, service delays, or stress on your guests.
Coordination: Without a professional coordinator, even small mishaps can cascade into bigger issues.
When DIY can work
That said, DIY isn’t always a bad idea. Some elements can be beautifully crafted by couples or loved ones, especially if you have the time, tools, or experience. For example:
Stationery: With guidance and planning, you could create your own invitations, signage or menus.
Personal touches: Homemade cake from a beloved family member, hand written placecards, or a small craft that reflects your personality can add warmth and uniqueness.
The key is knowing your limits and the level of expertise required.
Why Hiring Professionals is Worth It
By investing in a trusted team of experienced Tasmanian wedding vendors, you’re not just paying for their product — they bring knowledge, experience, and peace of mind to your day. A professional florist makes sure your flowers last all day, an experienced musician or DJ keeps the party flowing (and your guests vibes high), and your coordinator keeps the day running smoothly so you and all your loved ones can focus on celebrating together.
In short, DIY may seem budget friendly, but in most cases, the investment in professional vendors will save you money, stress, and disappointment. Trust me, this advice will make your Tassie wedding completely seamless.
Your wedding day deserves to be beautiful and stress-free. While a few thoughtful DIY touches are lovely, rely on professionals for the key elements that require expertise, precision, and timing. This ensures your day is memorable for all the right reasons—and not remembered for the things that went wrong.