DIY vs package wedding

DD265

If anybody was torn between a DIY wedding and a package that included virtually everything, how did you decide?

DomRavioli

It is down to what you want - some people want everything doing for them , some prefer to do some things themselves. And packages can usually be tailored - so there can be very little difference apart from price.

Its a question that the couple would need to sit down and think about. Do you have the budget for a package? is it what you would want?

GwylimT

We did a DIY wedding instead of a package.

We were lucky that the venue we found were happy to have outside catering, some only have certain companies you can use which is something you have to consider.

We were lucky, our caterer was a family members business so we did save some money, but of course didn't leave them out of pocket.

We made our favours, lavender fudge and we made the table decorations the day before and kept them in the fridge (flowers), we just bought supermarket flowers to do this and uses plant cuttings from our garden.

DD265

DomRavioli wrote: »

Its a question that the couple would need to sit down and think about. Do you have the budget for a package? is it what you would want?

In all honesty we haven't set a budget because we haven't set a timeline. The theory would be what do we want, how much will it cost and then how long will it take us to save up? What may throw a spanner in the works is my fiance is applying to join the military so things are a bit up in the air; practicality alone may send us down the registry office route then.

We've seen really good deals on Groupon for packages (£3k, 50 day and 100 evening guests) and aside from those potentially being relatively short notice, that could work for us and take a lot of the hassle out of it. On the other hand, packages tend to include a wedding breakfast PLUS a buffet PLUS a late night snack and in an ideal world, we'd have all guests invited to a late afternoon ceremony followed by an evening meal for all followed by the dancing etc. The ideal guest list is around the 140 mark but we can and will cut this down if needs be.

I think if money and time were no object, I would have the DIY wedding organised by a wedding planner. I have no strong desires to "project manage" a wedding, but equally I haven't found a single package where I haven't wanted to change something.

paddyrg

£3k package - blimey, I can only imagine there will be a lot of extra add-ons.

It's worth talking to a few project managers, look for one who will save you more than their fee by virtue of deals they have or can cut. They can take a lot of stress and pressure out of it for you - most people have never spent £10k+ on a anything before, and frankly the most stressful time leading up to getting married isn't the time to start

jimbo0

It really depends on your budget. If you have time, try doing things on your own (eg wedding invitations, decoration, dj etc). In few words the more you outsource the more will cost you (eg, with a wedding planner). Contact different venues, catering companies, photographers etc. Ask for a quote, and if you want to ask for a discount just ask "is the price negotiable?".

You can find some good diy wedding tips in this facebook page: Wedding Dresses and DIY Wedding Tips

arbrighton

Jimbo, you are being reported for spam having dragged up two old posts to recommend a specific FB page with virtually identical text. Plus a couple of others to make it less obvious

adom_thomas

These days, we have to manage weddings by DIY and hiring events management company to make it memorable!

ladysharpey

Honestly, I think it depends on the level of work you're prepared to put in. A DIY wedding has so much more freedom, but likewise that comes with extra work.

I never wanted a package hotel wedding so we went for a civil ceremony in one venue, then back to my parents garden for a marquee reception. Everything was hand picked specifically to our requirements. It was SO much work but it was incredible.

ladysharpey

(oops, sorry have just noticed the original post was a few months back so probably too late with my tuppence worth!).

DD265

Not at all LadySharpey, although we've booked a venue and bought a wedding dress that's it so far!

We ended up going for a package but totally tailored to us. We cut out things we definitely wouldn't want, and added in things we knew we would. So there's no ceremony-wedding breakfast-reception, instead we're inviting all guests to the full event and will have a sharing platter meal.

Ultimately we've decided that (within reason) we'd rather pay people to do things for us. I've been feeling particularly time poor the last few months and I don't see it improving, plus I think that sometimes to DIY something really well can cost as much as to just buy it in the first place.

I'm feeling rather chilled about it all actually. :cool: