10 DIY Wedding Mistakes Couples Regret Most
- Nisha
- Jun 23
- 6 min read
Hello! My name is Nisha. For those who are new to this site, I am an experienced Wedding Coordinator and Event Planner in the Bay Area. When it comes to DIY Weddings, I am always super excited to be a part of them, because I love how involved both Bride and Groom are to create the most perfect celebration of their Love.
While weddings don't have to be exorbitantly expensive, they are definitely a labor of love. It is not easy to plan and arrange for this magical day, without some help. So today's topic is focused on how to avoid some mistakes when planning your very own DIY wedding.
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Mistake #1
Asking Guests and Family to Work instead of Celebrating
Most of my clients have had very helpful and considerate family members and friends who were eager to be put to work before a wedding. But, they are often expecting to help with light work that can easily be done in their nice event clothes without getting sweaty. So, it is best to arrange for additional paid helpers, that can make sure that things like tables, altars and decoration that requires carrying bulky things, are done without overwhelming your guests and most importantly, stressing you and your partner.
REMEMBER - The wedding couple will NOT have the time or energy to do much work on the day of the wedding - EVEN at the simplest weddings.
Mistake #2
Underestimating Clean Up Time
People typically underestimate the amount of time it take to move equipment or complete the cleanup for their event. There are some venues that are extremely strict on when the hall needs to be vacated and the condition it must be left in. People are typically tired or drunk by the end of the wedding reception, so always factor cleanup time and help to make sure you aren't billed additional fees.
Mistake #3
Buying cheap decor
There is a bit of a caveat with cheap decor. Not all cheap decor is bad, but some of them turn out to be a waste of money and unusable for the actual event. Here is a few times that I found disappointing:
Cardboard wedding card boxes - They are notoriously unsteady and break apart with just a little bit of extra weight.
Paper place mats - These have no place in outdoor table settings.
Table number holders - Most of them are not suitable for outdoor settings. Some of them are cumbersome even indoors, as they cannot be attached to something sturdy and tip over with the card weight.
Plastic wine glasses - Not completely bad, but should not be left unattended as it can easily topple and break.
Taper candles - Always have taper candles in hurricane glasses. It is a fire hazard otherwise.
Easels and signage - I love easels, but they do need something to weight them down, or we risk it flying away or breaking our sign.
Mistake #4
Leaving prep work to the day of the Wedding
When you have DIY'ed centerpieces or fake flower arrangements, make sure that they are assemble/prepped before bringing them to the wedding venue. Also, try to transport them very gently, so that they don't break or dissassemble before they are even set up. I know it looks like the assembling might be quick, but when you have a rental space for a fixed amount of time, every second counts and prep work needs to be done before the day of the event.
Mistake #5
Forgetting a Rain (Inclement Weather) Plan
Most of my DIY Wedding Couples choose venues that are closer to nature and uncovered to the elements. Normally, we hope for the best weather, but from my experience, it is always prudent to have a backup plan. Oftentimes, cancellation is not a option, so for potential rain, try to arrange for a canopy rental. And for my Bay Area folk, you know that the wind is unpredictable and destructive. Make sure you have ways to fasten table cloths to the table legs, and weigh down your centerpieces so that they don't fall down and make a mess. Tiny flowers vases are not great for the outdoor centerpieces, but if you must - weight them down with pebbles (and tape).
Mistake #6
DIYing Everything
Sometimes, to reduce costs, couples may take DIY-ing a bit too far. Now, I'm not saying that it cannot be done, but learn to pick and choose your battles. Choose some DIY projects and outsource the rest. If a family member or friend wants to contribute this way, that is fantastic too. I've had a wedding couple that had allowed their guests to bring their own desserts (potluck style) and share with the other guests. It was very cute and very yummy.
Mistake #7
Not Creating a Detailed Timeline
When your wedding is more than 40 people, I highly advise that you have a detailed timeline or itinerary of events. For one, it helps you know when each vendor is expected to arrive, setup, serve, and cleanup. And two, your guests will need to know what to expect and when to be where. There will always be some discrepancy to the the expected timeline, but it is better to have a plan.
Mistake #8
Forgetting Vendor Communication, Payment and Tips
Typically, vendors are all booked by the wedding couple, and therefore have become the default point of contact during the wedding. Of course, the wedding couple is typically NOT available to answer those logistical questions as they get married, so it is imperative to delegate a Point of Contact Role to someone trustworthy. Remember to have all of the vendor contact details and phone numbers handy and saved on your phone. Some vendors expect to be paid right before setup and others require payment at pickup. Also make sure to account for the best way to pay them- Zelle, Venmo, Credit Card or Cash. Tips are not mandatory but is a great way to show appreciation to vendors that have supported your event.
Expected & Standard Tipping
Hair & Makeup Artists: 15% - 20% of the total service cost. (Tip exactly as you would at a salon).
Catering & Bar Staff: 15% - 20% of the food and beverage bill. Check your contract carefully to ensure this isn't already added as a mandatory "Service Charge".
Delivery & Setup Staff: $10 - $50 per person for anyone dropping off cakes, flowers, or rental equipment.
Optional But Highly Appreciated (If they do a great job)
Photographer & Videographer: $50 - $200 per team member. (Optional, especially if they own the business).
DJ / Band: $50 - $150 for DJs, or $20 - $50 per musician in a live band.
Wedding Planner / Coordinator: 10% - 20% of their fee, or a flat $100 - $500, or a nice gift.
Officiant: $50 - $100 tip. (If religious, it's customary to make a $100 - $500 donation to their institution instead).
Transportation Drivers: 15% - 20% of the total cost (if not already included in the contract).
Mistake #9
Skipping a Day Of Coordinator
I may sound biased, as a Day Of Coordinator myself, but hiring a Day Of Coordinator is actually the biggest recommendation I have for any DIY Wedding Couple. Your coordinator does more than day of support. Typically, you will be talking to them for at least a month before your event, and they will become extremely familiar with your venue, your vendors, schedule of events, and the vision of your wedding. As I've said before, the wedding couple is not able to work or delegate much on the day of your wedding. An experienced coordinator would wear the Point of Contact hat, would be able to manage inevitable changes to the plan and advocate for your vision and expectations for the event, so that you are not at all burdened or overwhelmed on your special day.
Mistake #10
Prioritizing Aesthetics over Guest Comfort
With Pinterest and Instagram Influencers providing amazingly aesthetic experiences, it is easy to focus on the looks without giving enough thought for the practical experience for your guest. Remember that your guest is your responsibility during your event, and they will need adequate seating, shade, water, snacks, restrooms and parking. Also, check up on your guests mobility limitations. Many guests don't prefer to sit on the sun side of the aisle. It can be helpful to provide sunglasses or fans, to keep them cool and double up as a wedding favor.
If you are interested in learning more about creating beautiful, budget-friendly DIY Weddings, let me know in the comments below. The key with hosting a DIY Wedding is knowing when to DIY and when to bring in professional support. This is your special day, and I would like you to remember it for all the beautiful, heartfelt moments, rather than the stressful behind-the-scenes hassles. Every couple can benefit from a month-of or day-of coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly while they enjoy their celebration.
Nisha Kumar is the founder of Party FUNdamentals, a Bay Area event planning and entertainment company specializing in creative celebrations, party activities, and Event coordination.
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