Wedding Cost Comparison: DIY vs Vendor
Find out whether doing it yourself really saves money by comparing DIY materials and your time against hiring professional wedding vendors.
See What DIY Really Saves You
Enter the DIY materials cost and the vendor quote for each category, then add the hours you would spend. The calculator includes the value of your time and a contingency for mistakes.
DIY vs Vendor Wedding Estimator
Compare true DIY cost against professional quotes, category by category.
Understanding DIY Wedding Costs
Key concepts for an honest DIY vs vendor comparison
The Comparison Formula
True DIY Cost = Materials + Contingency + Helper Costs + (Hours Ć Hourly Value). Compare this with the total vendor quotes.
Value Your Time
Even if you are not paid for DIY hours, time has value. A value of Ā£8 to Ā£15 per hour is a common benchmark.
Add A Contingency
Budget 10% to 20% extra for wasted materials, failed attempts and last-minute purchases when doing it yourself.
Consider The Stress Factor
DIY tasks on the wedding week can add stress. Be realistic about which jobs you and your helpers can finish in time.
DIY vs Vendor Typical Savings
Generalised UK estimates for a 100-guest wedding. Savings vary with skill, scale and local vendor prices.
| Category | DIY Cost | Vendor Cost | Typical Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flowers | Ā£300 ā Ā£600 | Ā£1,000 ā Ā£2,000 | 50% ā 70% |
| DĆ©cor | Ā£300 ā Ā£800 | Ā£1,000 ā Ā£2,500 | 40% ā 65% |
| Catering | Ā£1,800 ā Ā£3,000 | Ā£4,000 ā Ā£7,000 | 40% ā 55% |
| Cake | Ā£80 ā Ā£200 | Ā£300 ā Ā£600 | 50% ā 70% |
| Invitations | Ā£100 ā Ā£250 | Ā£300 ā Ā£600 | 50% ā 65% |
| Estimated Total | Ā£2,500 ā Ā£5,000 | Ā£6,500 ā Ā£12,000 | Ā£3,500+ before time |
DIY vs Vendor Wedding FAQ
Answers to common questions about DIY wedding costs.
Usually yes in cash terms, often by 40% to 60% per category. After valuing your time and adding contingency the saving shrinks, which is why this calculator shows both views.
Flowers, stationery, signage, favours and dƩcor are the most popular DIY items because they are low risk and easy to prepare in advance.
Photography, videography, catering for large groups and sound systems are usually worth hiring out because mistakes are costly and cannot be repeated.
10% to 20% of DIY materials is sensible. Include more if you are new to the craft or buying perishable items such as flowers and food.