ADVICE TIME - DIY Biggest Worries
The Biggest Worries of DIY Wedding Planning in the UK — And How to Handle Them
Planning a wedding on your own can be both exhilarating and exhausting. You get to call the shots, make it your own, and maybe even save some money — but it can also bring a lot of stress. Here are the biggest worries couples face when planning their own wedding in the UK and some practical ways to tackle them.
1. Budget Management
Worrying about money is a universal experience for DIY couples. Hidden costs, unexpected expenses, and the temptation to keep adding 'just one more thing' can quickly blow the budget.
How to Handle It: Set a firm budget from the start and stick to it. Keep a detailed spreadsheet of every expense, and always add a 10-15% buffer for unplanned costs. Consider prioritising a few must-haves and being more flexible with the rest.
2. Logistics and Coordination
Without a professional planner, you’re the one making sure everything and everyone is in the right place at the right time. That's a lot to juggle.
How to Handle It: Create a detailed timeline and share it with all key players. Assign specific roles to trusted friends or family members so you’re not the go-to person for every question.
3. Time Management
Planning a wedding while working full-time and maintaining a social life? It’s a lot.
How to Handle It: Break down tasks into weekly goals and tackle them bit by bit. Delegate where you can and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
4. Venue Coordination
Many DIY-friendly venues are blank slates — barns, fields, village halls. That means more creative freedom, but also more logistics to handle.
How to Handle It: Visit the venue multiple times to plan layout, decor, and logistics. Create a clear checklist of everything you need to bring in, from chairs to bins to extension cords.
5. Weather Uncertainty
Rain, wind, or unseasonal cold — welcome to UK weather.
How to Handle It: Have a solid backup plan in place. Rent a marquee, provide umbrellas or blankets, and keep guests informed about potential changes.
6. Guest Experience
Without a team of coordinators, it’s easy to overlook the little touches that make guests feel looked after.
How to Handle It: Think through the guest journey from start to finish. Clear signage, a well-planned seating area, and thoughtful extras like a water station or a basket of toiletries can make a big difference.
7. Decor and Styling
You want it to look Instagram-worthy, but DIY decor can sometimes veer into amateur territory.
How to Handle It: Choose a simple, cohesive theme and stick to it. Use Pinterest boards to keep your vision clear and avoid overloading on DIY projects.
8. Legalities and Paperwork
It’s not the fun part, but it’s essential to get it right.
How to Handle It: Research UK marriage laws early on. Make a checklist of all paperwork, licenses, and insurance policies you need and set reminders for key dates.
9. Emotional Stress
Between managing expectations, family dynamics, and last-minute hiccups, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
How to Handle It: Take breaks. Go for a walk, take a weekend off, and remind yourself why you’re doing this in the first place.
10. On-the-Day Management
Who’s going to be in charge while you’re busy getting married?
How to Handle It: Designate a point person or hire a day-of coordinator. They can handle the timeline, direct suppliers, and keep things running smoothly so you can actually enjoy your day.
Planning a wedding without a pro doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. With the right strategies — and maybe a little extra support — you can pull off a beautiful, stress-free celebration that feels uniquely yours.
If you feel that you could just do with someone to have your back or look through your plans with an experienced eye, get in touch. Help is worth it for such an important and weighty event!
