DIY Small Wedding Planning Guide

Why DIY a Small Wedding?

The appeal of a small wedding is clear: fewer guests = lower costs, more time with the people you care about most, and more flexibility to create a day that’s truly your own. Pair that with some clever DIYing and you’ve got the perfect mix of budget-friendliness, personalization, and control.

I always say this to couples I work with: A wedding doesn’t have to be expensive to be incredible. You just need a little creativity and a solid plan (don’t worry, I’ve got you covered on that front).

Step-by-Step DIY Small Wedding Planning

Whether you’re planning a true micro wedding, or just looking to keep your celebration more intimate, intentional, and personalized, here’s how to approach your planning process to keep it manageable and stress free.

1. Define Your Size & Style

Before you dive into projects or book anything, get aligned on what "small" means to you. Is it 20 guests? 50? Is it boho and backyard or vintage and minimalist?

Once you’ve defined your size and vibe, it’ll guide every decision you make—from the venue to the music.

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2. Choosing the Right DIY Venue

Some of the best small weddings I’ve seen have been hosted in:

• Backyards (yours or a family member’s)
  
  
• Airbnbs or VRBOs with outdoor space
  
  
• Local barns or blank-slate venues
  
  
• Public parks or family-owned land
  
  
• Party rooms at local restaurants

There’s so many small wedding venues you probably haven’t even thought to consider yet!

Choosing the space for your DIY goals is all about matching your vision, style, and guest list. Are you…

• More of an outdoorsy loving couple? OK with keeping your guest list tight? An Airbnb or VRBO in the mountains, like MicroWED Collective’s founder did, might be the ideal setting for you to say your “I Dos!”
  
  
• Bit of a foodie and want more of a swanky, chic vibe? Booking a party room at your favorite restaurant might be your dream come true!

Whatever space you choose, make sure it aligns with your priorities and then map it out early. Where will the ceremony happen? Is there shade? Is there enough space for tables, chairs, and dancing? For more on this topic, check out this in-depth guide on transforming a blank slate wedding venue.

‍3. What to DIY vs. What to Hire for Your Small Wedding

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to do everything yourself. In fact, I strongly recommend that you don’t. In planning a low-stress DIY small wedding, ask yourself:

• Do I have the skills/time for this?
  
  
• Will this actually save money?
  
  
• Will this stress me out the week of the wedding?

It’s super important to be realistic with yourself when considering DIYing an aspect of your wedding. For most skill sets and average wedding planning timelines, here’s what’s typically realistic to DIY vs. what I recommend hiring.

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What’s usually worth DIYing:

• Signage (such as DIY menus, welcome signs, seating charts)
  
  
• Centerpieces and simple floral arrangements
  
  
• Favors (Here’s some affordable DIY wedding favor ideas to check out!)
  
  
• Playlists (especially for your processional, recessional, cocktail hour, and dinner)
  
  
• Simple desserts (like a cookie bar or grocery store cake hack)

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What’s often better to hire:

• Catering
  
  
• Photography
  
  
• Rentals & setup
  
  
• Hair and makeup
  

Need help finding affordable vendors who support small weddings? Check out the microWED collective Wedding Pros Directory—an amazing resource for budget-conscious couples planning intimate celebrations.