DIY Wedding Tips That Still Keep Your Vendors Happy

If you love crafting, Pinterest boards, and adding your own personal touch to your big day, you might be a DIY bride. Doing parts of your wedding yourself can be a beautiful way to save money and make the day truly yours—but it’s also important to know where to DIY and where to leave it to the professionals.

As a Sacramento and Bay Area wedding photographer, I’ve worked with plenty of creative couples who struck the perfect balance. Here’s how to do it without sacrificing quality—or accidentally making things harder for your vendors.

1. Pick the Right DIY Projects

Focus on details that won’t disrupt the flow of your wedding day.

Table numbers, welcome signs, or escort cards.
Favors like homemade jams, candles, or custom stickers.
Small decor accents, like framed photos or memory tables.

Skip high-pressure elements (like the cake, photography, or major floral installs) that require professional skill and experience.

2. Collaborate with Your Vendors

If you’re making your own decor or floral arrangements, share your plans with your planner, florist, or venue coordinator.

They can help with setup timing and make sure everything fits with the overall vision.
They might even suggest ways to integrate your handmade items seamlessly.

Your vendors want your day to shine, and a little communication ensures your work enhances theirs—not replaces it.

3. Do a Trial Run

If you’re DIY-ing something like bouquets, signage, or centerpieces, test it out ahead of time.

Make one complete version and see how long it takes, how it holds up, and if you have all the tools you need.
This will prevent last-minute stress and help you decide if you need a professional backup plan.

4. Lean on Hybrid Solutions

Many couples combine DIY with professional services.

Example: Hire a florist for the ceremony arch and bridal bouquet, then DIY the table arrangements.
Or have a bakery make the main wedding cake, and you make a smaller dessert table yourself.

This keeps the high-impact elements flawless while giving you freedom to personalize the smaller details.

5. Assign a “DIY Day-of Manager”

If you’re doing a lot yourself, you don’t want to be the one setting up decor on your wedding day.

Ask a trusted friend, family member, or hire a day-of coordinator to handle placement and setup.
This ensures you can enjoy your morning without running around in your wedding dress holding a hot glue gun.

6. Know Your Limits

DIY projects take time, energy, and skill. The last thing you want is to be up until 3 a.m. the night before your wedding trying to finish centerpieces.

Start early and keep a realistic to-do list.
If a project feels overwhelming, it’s okay to let a pro handle it.

💡 Final Tip: DIY can be deeply rewarding, but it’s about enhancing—not replacing—the magic your vendors bring. The best weddings happen when your creativity and your vendors’ expertise work together.

Hire your photographer now!

Wedding DIY for Sacramento Brides