Wedding Planner or DIY Bride? How to Know Which Planning Style is Right for You

So, you’re engaged—congrats! Now comes the fun (and sometimes overwhelming) part: planning your dream wedding. Before you dive into Pinterest boards and vendor meetings, there’s one big question you need to answer: Should you hire a wedding planner or tackle it yourself as a DIY bride?

Every couple has a unique vision for their big day, and with that vision comes different planning styles. Some brides and grooms love the idea of handling every little detail themselves, while others prefer to let a pro take the reins. Not sure which path is right for you? Let’s break it down.

Signs You’re a DIY Bride

Some people live for the planning process. If you love organizing and being in control of the details, then DIY wedding planning might be your style. But it’s not just about being crafty; there’s a lot that goes into pulling off a wedding on your own. Here’s how to tell if DIY is the right route for you.

1. You Love Organizing & Planning

Do you get a little rush from ticking items off your to-do list? If you’re the kind of person who thrives on structure and enjoys the process of scheduling and organizing, DIY wedding planning might feel like a fun challenge rather than a burden.

• Why it works: You can keep track of all the moving pieces, create timelines, and manage multiple vendors without breaking a sweat.

• Pro Tip: If spreadsheets and checklists are your thing, you’ll love the organizational tools included in our Big Day DIY book. We provide templates to help you track your budget, vendors, and to-do list, so nothing gets missed.

2. You Want Full Control Over the Details

If you’re the kind of person who knows exactly how you want every detail to look, from the flowers to the table settings to the color of the napkins, DIY is your best bet. You’ll be in charge of each design choice, ensuring your wedding day reflects your personal style.

• Why it works: You get to hand-pick every vendor, style every detail, and make sure the wedding looks exactly like you’ve envisioned.

• Pro Tip: For DIY brides who want full control, our Big Day DIY book offers guides on everything from creating mood boards to managing multiple vendors so you can easily keep track of your vision and execution.

3. You Have the Time to Dedicate

One thing people often forget about DIY weddings is how time-consuming they can be. If you have a flexible schedule or are willing to dedicate a lot of your free time to planning, DIY might be for you. Just remember, the planning process can take several months (or longer!), so it’s important to be realistic about the time you can commit.

• Why it works: With the right planning tools and a lot of dedication, you can pull off a stunning wedding on your own.

• Pro Tip: Stay organized with the timeline and checklists in Big Day DIY, which will help you know exactly what needs to be done, and when, without feeling overwhelmed by the planning marathon.

When It’s Best to Hire a Wedding Planner

On the other hand, maybe DIY isn’t for you. If the thought of managing all the details feels more overwhelming than exciting, hiring a wedding planner might be the perfect solution. Here’s how to know when bringing in a pro is the right move.

1. You’re Busy or Easily Overwhelmed

Let’s face it—planning a wedding is like having a second full-time job. If you’re already juggling a demanding career, family, or other commitments, you might not have the mental bandwidth to handle wedding planning on top of everything else. Wedding planners are lifesavers when it comes to taking the stress off your shoulders.

• Why it works: A professional planner can handle everything from vendor management to day-of logistics, so you can enjoy being engaged without feeling frazzled.

• Pro Tip: Even if you decide to hire a planner, our Big Day DIY book can be a great guide for understanding what tasks to delegate and which ones you want to stay involved in, so you still feel connected to the process.

2. You Want Access to Insider Knowledge

Wedding planners live and breathe the wedding industry. They know the best vendors, have established relationships with venues, and can often get you access to resources or discounts you wouldn’t find on your own. If you want your wedding day to go off without a hitch, this insider knowledge can be invaluable.

• Why it works: Planners know what questions to ask, what contracts should include, and how to handle potential pitfalls before they even happen.

• Pro Tip: If you’re still on the fence about DIY vs. planner, Big Day DIY offers a guide on how to choose the right planner and what to expect when working with a pro.

3. You Want to Relax and Enjoy Your Day

The best part about hiring a planner is that you get to sit back, relax, and enjoy your big day without worrying about the details. They’ll handle the last-minute emergencies, keep everything on schedule, and make sure the décor is set up exactly as planned. This peace of mind can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying the day you’ve been dreaming of for so long.

• Why it works: You can focus on being present in the moment—getting ready, enjoying your first dance, and celebrating with your loved ones—while your planner works behind the scenes.

• Pro Tip: Even if you hire a day-of coordinator, having a Pass-Off Folder is crucial! Big Day DIY has a whole chapter dedicated to creating a Pass-Off Folder, ensuring all your details are organized and ready to be handed over to your planner.

Combining DIY with Professional Help

Guess what? You don’t have to choose between DIY and hiring a planner—you can do both! Many couples decide to plan part of their wedding themselves while hiring a planner to handle the more complex or stressful tasks.

What DIY Brides Often Handle:

• Personal touches: Like DIY invitations, centerpieces, or décor.

• Vendor selection: Researching and booking vendors you love.

• Design decisions: Picking the theme, colors, and overall vibe of the wedding.

What Wedding Planners Handle:

• Vendor negotiations: Getting the best deals and making sure contracts are solid.

• Day-of coordination: Managing the timeline and making sure everything runs smoothly on the big day.

• Troubleshooting: Handling any issues that come up, so you don’t have to.

If you love the idea of DIY but don’t want to be overwhelmed, this “best of both worlds” approach can be perfect. You’ll get to enjoy planning the fun, creative parts, but won’t be weighed down by logistics on the actual day.

What Does Big Day DIY Offer?

Whether you’re a full-on DIY bride or planning to hire a professional, Big Day DIY is designed to support every couple, regardless of planning style. Here’s how the book can help:

• For DIY Brides: We offer detailed timelines, budgeting guides, and vendor checklists to help you stay on track and feel confident in your planning.

• For Those Hiring a Planner: Learn how to collaborate effectively with your wedding planner and stay involved in the aspects of planning that are most important to you.

• For Everyone: The Pass-Off Folder guide, emergency checklists, and day-of organization tips will make sure your wedding goes smoothly, no matter who’s handling the logistics.

Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Planning Style

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding planning. Whether you want to plan every detail yourself or prefer to hire a professional to handle the heavy lifting, the most important thing is finding the balance that works best for you. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to enjoy the process—it’s all part of the fun!

Ready to start planning? Get on our email list to get your copy of our book Big Day DIY as soon as it is published and get access to the tools and resources you need to make your dream wedding a reality—whether you’re going DIY, working with a planner, or doing a little of both!