DIY Wedding Planning: Everything You’ll Need (and Want) to Think About

So, you’ve fallen in love with a dreamy blank-canvas wedding venue, and you’re ready to create a day that’s 100% you. DIY weddings are magical. They’re creative, personal, and let you break free from the traditional cookie-cutter experience. But, and it’s a BIG but, they do come with a lot of moving parts.

Whether you’re getting married in a rustic barn, on a farm, or in the middle of a woodland wonderland, here’s a handy breakdown of what you’ll need to think about when planning a DIY wedding.

The Venue

Let’s start with your space. DIY venues give you freedom, but that also means more responsibility.

• What’s included? Tables? Chairs? Power? Toilets? Heating?

• Is it licensed for legal ceremonies? If not, you'll need a separate legal ceremony before or after.

• What's the access like? Consider parking, supplier drop-off, and any rules around noise or curfews.

• Accommodation? On-site or nearby lodging for guests (especially important for weekend weddings).

Infrastructure & Essentials

This is the un-glam stuff; but essential.

• Power & Lighting: Does the venue have electricity? If not, you'll need a generator.

• Toilets: Sounds obvious, but check if loos are provided. If not, hire posh portaloos.

• Water Supply: For caterers, florists, bar staff, etc.

• Waste Management: Who’s dealing with rubbish and recycling after the party?

Marquee, Tipi, or Tent?

If you're getting married at a venue that doesn’t have an indoor reception space, you’ll need to hire:

• A marquee, tipi, or stretch tent

• Flooring (especially if rain is a risk)

• Tables and chairs

• Lighting (fairy lights, festoons, chandeliers; even candles!)

• Heating (especially for spring or autumn weddings)

Food & Drink

This is where DIY weddings can get super fun, or overwhelming.

• Catering: Food trucks, pizza ovens, buffet stations, or a formal seated meal? Choose your vibe.

• Bar: Will you hire a bar company, BYOB, or do a mix? Consider corkage (or venues like Wonderland that don’t charge it, yes!).

• Glassware, cutlery & crockery: Often forgotten, but absolutely essential.

• Serving staff & clean-up crew: Who’s serving drinks and clearing tables?

Styling & Decor

Your DIY wedding is the perfect chance to show off your style.

• Florals: Professional florist or DIY bouquet-making party the day before?

• Signage: Direction signs, bar menus, welcome boards.

• Table decor: Linens, centrepieces, candles, table numbers.

• Themed areas: Photo booths, chill-out zones, memory walls, etc.

Pro tip: Hire a stylist or coordinator if you want the DIY look without the DIY workload.

Entertainment & Music

From ceremony tunes to late-night dancefloor bangers—music sets the mood.

• Ceremony music: Live string duo? Acoustic singer?

• Reception: Band, DJ, or killer Spotify playlist and a sound system.

• Sound & Lighting: Especially important if you’re outdoors or in a blank space.

• Dancefloor & stage: May need to be hired depending on the venue.

Photography & Videography

DIY doesn’t mean sacrificing the memories.

• Photographer/videographer: Book early, they go fast!

• Photo booth: Fun props and a backdrop make great memories.

• Second shooter or disposable cameras: Extra angles or candid moments.

The Legal Bits

It’s not the most fun part, but it’s super important.

• Marriage license / legal ceremony: Know the process in your area.

• Insurance: Covers you in case of cancellations, damage, or weather issues.

• Supplier contracts: Always get them in writing.

• Risk assessments / safety: Especially with generators, open flames, or big structures.

Coordination & Help on the Day

Here’s the thing: You don’t want to be working on your wedding day. Trust us.

• On-the-day coordinator: A game-changer to manage suppliers, timeline, and last-minute chaos.

• Trusted friends or family: Assign roles, but don’t overload them.

• Set-up and pack-down: Most DIY venues require you to set up the day before and pack down the day after.

Final Thoughts: Why DIY Is Worth It

Yes, planning a DIY wedding takes a bit more legwork, but the reward? A day that’s unmistakably, undeniably you. From the food and the flowers to the dancefloor beats and fairy lights; this is your chance to throw the celebration of a lifetime, your way.

So take your time, ask for help, make a checklist (or five), and remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be yours!