Is it cheaper to DIY wedding decorations? Here's what it really costs

Most couples planning a wedding hear the same advice: DIY wedding decorations will save you thousands. But does it really? I’ve seen friends spend weekends glued to glue guns, only to end up with a tangled mess of twine, half-broken lanterns, and a stress level higher than their guest count. So let’s cut through the Pinterest-perfect illusions and look at what actually happens when you try to make your own wedding decor.

What you’re really paying for

When you think about buying wedding decorations, you’re not just paying for the physical items. You’re paying for time, design, and reliability. A $50 floral arrangement from a florist includes the cost of flowers, delivery, setup, and someone who knows how to make them last all day without wilting. When you buy those same flowers at a wholesale market for $20, you’re getting the raw materials - not the service.

Let’s say you want 20 centerpieces. A professional might charge $150 each - that’s $3,000. If you buy bulk flowers from a local grower for $15 each, you’re looking at $300 for materials. Sounds great, right? But then you need vases, ribbon, wire, floral foam, scissors, buckets, water, and time. You also need to factor in the cost of your time. If you’re working 6 hours a weekend for 6 weeks, that’s 36 hours. At minimum wage in Sydney ($23.23/hour), that’s $836. Add in gas to get to the market, parking, storage space, and the $40 you spent on a faulty hot glue gun that melted halfway through, and you’re at $1,176. Still cheaper? Maybe. But now you’re exhausted, your hands are cut, and your partner hasn’t seen you in three weeks.

The hidden costs no one talks about

DIY wedding decor comes with a long list of invisible expenses. First, there’s the opportunity cost. That time you spend making paper lanterns could’ve been spent on a date night, resting before the big day, or even hiring someone to help with setup. Second, there’s the risk cost. What if it rains? What if your candles melt? What if your hand-painted signs smudge in the humidity? Sydney weather in November can be unpredictable - and no one wants a wedding where the decor looks like it lost a fight with a storm.

Then there’s the emotional cost. You’re not just crafting decor - you’re crafting memories. And when you’re stressed, sleep-deprived, and crying over a crooked garland, those memories become sources of guilt. I spoke with a bride in Bondi who spent $1,800 on DIY decor and ended up hiring a last-minute decorator for $600 because her handmade arch collapsed during rehearsal. She didn’t save money. She lost sleep, peace of mind, and ended up spending more.

What actually saves money

Not all DIY is bad. Some things genuinely work better when you make them yourself - and they don’t break the bank. Here’s what actually delivers savings without the chaos:

• Reusable items: Mason jars, wooden signs, string lights, and candles you already own. These can be reused for future events or given to guests as favors.
• Greenery: Eucalyptus, ferns, and olive branches from your local nursery or even your backyard. They’re cheap, look lush, and don’t need constant watering.
• Thrifted or borrowed decor: Vintage frames, lanterns, or vases from op shops or friends’ attics. One couple I know used 30 thrifted teacups as candle holders - total cost: $45.
• Digital printables: Downloadable signage, seating charts, or programs from Etsy for under $10. Print them yourself on cardstock. No glue, no mess, no stress.

These options keep the handmade feel without the burnout. They’re low-effort, high-impact, and won’t leave you sobbing in the storage unit at 2 a.m. the night before the wedding.

When to skip DIY entirely

Some things are just not worth the risk. Don’t DIY:

• Lighting installations: Wiring fairy lights into ceilings or hanging heavy fixtures? Leave it to the pros. Insurance doesn’t cover DIY electrical disasters.
• Large backdrops or arches: If it’s taller than you and needs to hold weight, it needs engineering. A collapsed arch is not a cute Instagram moment.
• Floral arrangements with fragile blooms: Peonies, orchids, and hydrangeas are expensive and delicate. If you’re not experienced, you’ll waste money replacing wilted stems.
• Anything requiring precision: Calligraphy, acrylic signs, or laser-cut designs look amazing - but only if they’re done right. A smudged name on your welcome board? That’s the first thing guests notice.

The real math: DIY vs. professional

Let’s compare two real wedding budgets from couples in Sydney, both with 80 guests and a garden theme.

At first glance, DIY saves $3,839. But here’s the catch: the DIY couple spent 42 hours working on decor, missed two family dinners, and hired a friend for $120 to help set up because they were too tired. The professional couple spent 5 hours total - picking out designs, signing a contract, and showing up on the day. They had time to relax, eat, and enjoy their engagement party.

Smart hybrid approach

You don’t have to go all-in on DIY or all-in on professionals. A smart middle ground works best. Here’s how:

1. Use DIY for small, low-risk items: signage, favors, table numbers.
2. Outsource high-risk or time-heavy items: lighting, large structures, floral arrangements.
3. Buy pre-made decor that you can customize - like plain lanterns you paint yourself.
4. Ask friends who are crafty to help - but pay them in food, drinks, or a gift card. Don’t make it a favor.
5. Set a hard budget for DIY: no more than 20% of your total decor budget.

This way, you get the personal touch without the panic. You still feel connected to your decor, but you don’t sacrifice your sanity.

Final reality check

DIY wedding decorations aren’t inherently cheaper. They’re cheaper only if you value your time, health, and peace of mind less than money. For some people, that’s fine. For most, it’s not.

The goal of your wedding isn’t to have the most handmade decor. It’s to have a day you remember fondly - not one you spent crying over glue guns. If you love crafting, go for it. But don’t let Pinterest pressure you into something that costs more than it saves.

Ask yourself: Will I still smile when I look at these decorations five years from now - or will I just remember how stressed I was making them?

Next steps if you’re still considering DIY

If you’re leaning toward DIY, here’s what to do next:

1. Write down every single decor item you want.
2. Price each one as a professional would charge.
3. Then price it as DIY - including materials, tools, and your time at minimum wage.
4. Subtract the DIY total from the professional total. That’s your real savings.
5. If the number feels good and you still have energy left, go for it. If not, hire help for the big stuff and keep the small, fun projects.

Your wedding day isn’t a craft fair. It’s the start of your life together. Make sure your decorations enhance the day - not consume it.