This isn't a question with a universally right answer — it depends on how much time you realistically have, how large the wedding is, and how much you enjoy the logistics versus find them draining.
What DIY actually costs you
Not money — time, and a specific kind of stress. Sourcing and vetting vendors, comparing quotes, chasing confirmations, and being the single point of contact on the wedding day itself is a substantial unpaid job on top of everyone's actual job. It works best for smaller, simpler weddings with a couple who has real bandwidth in the months before.
What a planner actually buys you
Mainly two things: existing vendor relationships (which often means better rates and priority availability, not just convenience) and a single accountable point of contact so you're not personally fielding fifteen vendor calls in the final week.
The middle ground: partial planning
Many planners, including us, offer day-of coordination or partial planning packages — you handle the parts you enjoy (picking décor themes, choosing the menu) and hand off logistics and day-of execution. Worth asking about explicitly rather than assuming it's all-or-nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DIY planning actually cheaper?
Sometimes, but not always — a planner's vendor relationships can offset some or all of their fee through better negotiated rates, especially on venue and catering.
What's the biggest risk of DIY planning a larger wedding?
Day-of coordination — someone needs to be the single point of contact managing timeline and vendors while you're getting ready and celebrating, and it usually shouldn't be you or your immediate family.