DIY Wedding or Decor Included Package Which is Best for Your Big Day

Planning a wedding can be both thrilling and stressful. With so many decisions to make—from choosing the venue to finalizing the guest list—the choice between a DIY wedding and a decor included package stands out as a key consideration. Each option offers distinct advantages and challenges, and understanding these can help you choose the best route for your special day.

Homestead 32 located centrally between Knoxville, Nashville and Chattanooga offers a unique combination of DIY with access to all decor we have on hand. We are also 45 minutes or less from Cookeville, TN. We also offer a package that includes the decor with set up and clean up of the decor you choose. We will meet at least 6 weeks out for a decor meeting to play with colors and your ideas.

In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of both DIY weddings and decor included packages. This will empower you to weigh your options and find the ideal match for your big day.

Custom Created Florals on a handmade white Cross

Understanding DIY Weddings

A DIY wedding, or "do-it-yourself" wedding, is a celebration where the couple takes on various aspects of planning and execution themselves. This may involve designing invitations, creating centerpieces, arranging flowers, and setting up the venue.

Pros of DIY Weddings

1. Personal Touch: A DIY wedding allows couples to express their personalities in every aspect, making the day uniquely theirs. For example, you could create custom favors reflecting your journey together, like photo coasters that tell your love story.

   
   

2. Cost Savings: Many couples find DIY weddings more budget-friendly. Research indicates that DIY decor can reduce costs by up to 30% if you keep yourself on a budget and changes are limited as the time for your wedding day gets closer. By engaging friends and family, you save on professional fees and create a fun atmosphere.

   
   

3. Creative Freedom: DIY weddings offer limitless creative options. You decide everything—from the color scheme to the floral arrangements—ensuring all details reflect your style.

   
   

4. Memorable Experiences: The crafting process can become a bonding experience, fostering cherished memories. For instance, a weekend spent making wedding decorations with close friends can lead to laughter and a deeper connection.

   
   

Cons of DIY Weddings

1. Time-Consuming: Planning a DIY wedding can be time-intensive, requiring months of preparation. This can lead to stress, especially as the wedding date approaches. Being a person who loves planning, organizing and checking off a good list, will help you to stay on a timeline.

   
   

2. Skill Limitations: Not every couple has the necessary skills for complex tasks. For example, floral arrangements might require expertise that you or your friends lack, possibly leading to unsatisfactory results.

   
   

3. Logistical Challenges: Managing every detail can feel overwhelming. Timing, coordination, and setup can add stress, diverting focus from enjoying the day.

   
   

4. Potential for Higher Costs: While DIY often saves money, unplanned expenses can arise. For instance, you may need to spend more on tools, materials, or even hire professional help for tasks that turn out to be too challenging.

The bride created the vases and the venue add the other details to create a custom centerpiece

Exploring Decor Included Packages

Conversely, a decor included package usually involves hiring a vendor who provides all necessary decorative elements and setup, from floral arrangements to table settings and lighting.

Pros of Decor Included Packages

1. Convenience: A major advantage of this option is convenience. Couples can focus on other critical wedding aspects while the vendor manages decor details.

   
   

2. Professional Quality: Vendors often have substantial experience creating beautiful setups. This expertise can result in a cohesive and polished appearance that may be challenging to replicate independently.

   
   

3. Time-Saving: With a vendor managing the decor, couples can save significant time and reduce stress, allowing for a more enjoyable planning experience.

   
   

4. Access to Resources: Many vendors have connections and access to high-quality materials. For example, they might source unique centerpieces that are difficult for couples to find.

   
   

Cons of Decor Included Packages

1. Less Personalization: While many vendors allow some customization, a decor package may not provide the same level of personalization as a DIY approach. You might feel that the decor doesn't fully reflect your unique style. Check with your chosen Venue and determine if they have items in your color pallet.

   
   

2. Higher Costs: Hiring a vendor can be more costly than doing it yourself. According to industry averages, couples might spend about 15-25% of their total budget on decor alone, increasing the overall wedding expense. Some wedding venues will include the decor and service within the cost of the venue.

   
   

3. Limited Control: Couples must often trust vendors to execute their vision. This can lead to dissatisfaction if the results don’t meet expectations. Ask questions such as can you have a decor meeting where they set up options and determine the final layout

   
   

4. Potential for Miscommunication: If expectations aren’t clearly communicated, misunderstandings may arise, potentially leading to disappointment on the big day. Share pictures of wedding guest table decor, arbor decor, and any other set up that can visually share your ideas with the decorator or venue.

Having a planning meeting is a must. No less than 6 weeks out and play with the details to create your look.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

When deciding between a DIY wedding and a decor included package, several factors come into play:

Budget

Your budget is crucial. If funds are tight, a DIY wedding might be better. However, if you can allocate money for a vendor, a decor package could ease your stress. Ask questions such as: do I have the support to create and decorate the day before or the day of my wedding? You will need a team.

Time

Assess your time availability for planning and execution. A busy schedule may favor a decor included package, allowing you to focus on other details without the burden of decor logistics. If you have the luxury of at least a 2 year engagement to plan and create your overall vision, then DIY could work. Do you have the space needed to store items as they are purchased or created?

Skills and Resources

Evaluate your skills and those of your support team. If you have friends with experience in crafting or event planning, consider a DIY wedding. Otherwise, hiring a professional might be smarter.

Vision

Consider your wedding vision. If you have a specific theme that might be tricky to execute alone, a decor package can provide the professional help needed to realize your dreams.

Guest Experience

Think about the experience you want to create for your guests. A well-executed decor package can enhance the overall atmosphere and leave a lasting impression, while a DIY wedding might foster a more personal, intimate experience.

The Venue can offer the look and the couple brings in the personal three strand Cross for a personal moment during the ceremony.

Real-Life Examples

To further clarify the differences between DIY weddings and decor included packages, let’s look at two real-life examples.

Example 1: DIY Wedding

Sarah and Tom decided to host their wedding in their backyard. Throughout the months leading up to their big day, they crafted every detail—from handmade centerpieces to personalized signage and even baking their own wedding cake. They enlisted their friends’ help, which made the planning process enjoyable and memorable.

On the day of the wedding, everything came together beautifully, showcasing their personalities and love story. However, they experienced some last-minute stress due to managing logistics and setup. More people arrived than expected and a portable restroom had to be rented. Luckily, the day was beautiful as they had no back up plan for a rain day. During the planning stage, the budget was increased to clean and update the backyard.

Example 2: Decor Included Package

Emily and Jake chose a decor included package at a local venue. They worked with a vendor to choose a theme, and the vendor provided all essential decorations, including floral arrangements, table settings, and ambient lighting.

On their wedding day, Emily and Jake could relax and enjoy the celebration, trusting that professionals handled the decor. Their guests were impressed with the stunning, cohesive look of the event, although Emily and Jake wished they had more personalized touches. A meeting with the decorator to discuss personal items which might enhance the overall look might have helped.

Keeping your number of guests on the lower end, below 70, can help with a DIY wedding

Making the Decision

Ultimately, the choice between a DIY wedding and a decor included package depends on personal preferences and circumstances. Here are some tips to help you decide:

1. Assess Your Priorities: Identify which elements of your wedding are most important to you. Are you drawn to the personal touch of DIY, or do you value the convenience of a vendor?

   
   

2. Create a Budget: Outline your budget and see how each option fits into it. Consider potential costs, including DIY materials and vendor fees. Find out if the wedding venue you love included the use of items or has a decorator included in the cost.

   
   

3. Evaluate Your Skills: Be realistic about your skills and the capabilities of your support team. A confident approach to DIY can lead to rewarding experiences.

   
   

4. Consider Your Timeline: Think about how much time you can dedicate to planning and execution. A decor package may suit you better if time is constrained. Do you need to focus on family or work in the months/weeks prior to your wedding or do you have extra down time that could be used to create center pieces, etc?

   
   

5. Seek Advice: Talk to friends or family who have recent wedding experiences. Their insights can help you make a well-informed decision.

Choosing the right venue for you will help with the journey.

What is Your Choice?

Deciding between a DIY wedding and a decor included package is a pivotal choice that shapes your overall wedding experience. Both options have unique pros and cons, and understanding these can guide you to the best choice for your special day. Talk to your wedding venue!

In the end, focus on creating a celebration that reflects your love and commitment to each other. Whether you decide to embrace the creative challenge of DIY or opt for the expertise of professionals, your wedding day will be filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments.

By thoughtfully considering your priorities, budget, skills, and timeline, you can confidently select the path that aligns with your vision for a truly memorable wedding. Happy planning!

Homestead 32 Wedding Venue in Crossville, TN hopes to use our platform to create awareness for the value of supporting locally owned wedding venues and vendors. You can help support amazing locally owned wedding venues across the country by writing a Google review, following their social media accounts and referring locally owned wedding venues whenever you have the opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your support and want to share a shout out to some of our wedding venue owner colleagues around the country and to some locally owned vendor business on the Cumberland Plateau and surrounding counties. Our goal is to always place quality over quantity and support quality small business owners. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

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