Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting, meaningful, and at times, overwhelming experiences you'll ever have. From choosing a venue to managing the guest list, decisions come thick and fast.
That’s why many couples consider hiring a wedding planner — while others take the DIY route. In this post, we’ll break down both options so you can decide which works best for your budget, personality, and wedding vision.
Hiring a Wedding Planner: The Pros
Bringing in a professional can be a game-changer for time-poor or overwhelmed couples. A wedding planner takes the pressure off by handling logistics, sourcing vendors, and solving problems before you even know they exist. Their experience can save you both time and money in the long run. If you want peace of mind, this route may be worth every penny.
Access to trusted vendors who fit your style and budget
Expert advice on timelines, budgets, and coordination
Help managing contracts, permits, and tricky logistics
Less stress on the day — they keep everything running smoothly
Hiring a Wedding Planner: The Cons
While planners offer expertise and support, they’re not the right fit for every couple. Some people prefer to stay hands-on and enjoy managing the details themselves. Hiring a planner also adds a cost, which might not suit tighter budgets. And if you’re very specific with your vision, letting go can feel difficult.
Professional services come at a cost, often 10–15% of your budget
May not align with your vision or communication style
Can feel like giving up control of your day
Might limit spontaneity or creative DIY elements
Going DIY: The Pros
DIY planning appeals to couples who love organising and want full creative control. You can personalise every detail, handpick every vendor, and stay closely involved from start to finish. It’s also more budget-friendly, allowing you to allocate money elsewhere. If you're detail-oriented and enjoy planning, DIY can be hugely rewarding.
Greater control over every decision and detail
Potential for significant cost savings
Freedom to personalise and be as creative as you like
Deep sense of pride and achievement when the day arrives
Going DIY: The Cons
Taking the reins yourself also means taking on the stress and responsibility that comes with it. Without a planner, you’ll need to manage everything — timelines, vendors, communication, and coordination — which can be exhausting. Mistakes are more likely when you're juggling it all.
Time-consuming, especially if you’re working full time
Can be stressful juggling multiple vendors and deadlines
Risk of overlooking details or missing deadlines
No fallback expert to resolve issues on the day
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
Before deciding on hiring a planner or going DIY, it helps to evaluate your own needs and priorities. Are you good at staying organised under pressure? Do you want hands-on control, or would you rather outsource the logistics? Asking these questions early on can save stress later.
How much free time do we realistically have to plan this?
What’s our budget — can we afford professional help?
How important is creative control to us?
Do we feel confident managing logistics and vendors alone?
Types of Wedding Planners Available
Wedding planning services aren’t all-or-nothing — there’s a range of support levels to consider. Full-service planners handle everything from start to finish, while partial planning and day-of coordination offer support at key stages. Choosing the right type can strike a perfect balance for your needs.
Full-service planners manage every detail from beginning to end
Partial planners help with certain aspects, like vendor sourcing or timelines
Day-of coordinators ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day
Some planners offer hourly consultation packages for ad-hoc advice
Budgeting for a Wedding Planner
If you’re leaning towards hiring a planner, it’s important to factor that cost into your overall wedding budget. Planners typically charge a flat fee or a percentage of your total spend. The investment can save money by avoiding costly mistakes or securing better vendor deals.
Expect to spend 10–15% of your total wedding budget
Some charge fixed fees, others work on a percentage basis
Ask for itemised quotes so you know exactly what’s included
Consider the potential savings through vendor discounts or avoided errors
How to Stay Organised if You Go DIY
Going the DIY route doesn’t mean flying blind. With the right tools and timeline, you can manage your wedding like a pro. It just takes discipline, forward planning, and a bit of flexibility. Creating checklists and keeping communication clear is key to staying on track.
Create a master timeline with key deadlines and review dates
Use digital planning tools or spreadsheets to stay on top of tasks
Schedule regular planning chats with your partner
Keep vendor quotes, contracts, and invoices all in one place
Combining Both Approaches
You don’t have to go all-in with one approach — many couples opt for a hybrid model. You might plan most elements yourself, but hire a day-of coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly. This balance gives you control while still easing some pressure closer to the day.
Mix and match based on your strengths and weak spots
Hire professionals for key moments like the ceremony or reception
Delegate complex tasks (e.g. logistics, schedules) to a planner
Consider backup help if the timeline feels too overwhelming
How to Choose the Right Planner (If You Hire One)
Choosing the right planner is about more than budget — it’s about trust, style, and communication. You want someone who understands your vision and can execute it with professionalism. Taking the time to research and meet with potential planners is essential.
Look for planners with experience in your style of wedding
Read testimonials and reviews to gauge reliability and personality
Meet them in person or via video call to assess compatibility
Always read contracts carefully before signing
The Final Decision
The choice between hiring a wedding planner or doing it yourself comes down to your personality, budget, and stress tolerance. Some couples love the process and thrive on spreadsheets; others are relieved to have an expert guide the way. There’s no right or wrong answer—just what’s right for you.
Think about how much stress you’re comfortable handling
Consider your strengths — are you a natural organiser?
Talk it over as a couple and agree on your comfort zones
Remember, either route can lead to a stunning, joyful wedding
Conclusion
Whether you hire a wedding planner or decide to plan your big day yourself, the most important thing is that your wedding reflects you as a couple. Wedding planning can be a joyful process if approached with the right mindset and support. Take time to consider your needs, weigh the pros and cons, and make a decision that suits your style, budget, and lifestyle.
From vendor wrangling to timeline juggling, there’s a lot to manage — but you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s a full-service planner, a reliable friend, or your own DIY checklists, what matters is that the journey to your wedding day feels as meaningful as the day itself. Choose your path — and enjoy the ride.
