DIY vs. Professional Event Planning: When to Hire an Expert and When to Do It Yourself

At some point, every event planner faces a familiar dilemma: whether to go pro and hire an event planner or go DIY. Planning an event undoubtedly requires time, effort, and strong coordination skills. While hiring a professional can ensure a seamless, well-organized event with minimal stress, it often comes at a higher cost, whereas DIY planning offers greater flexibility and control over the décor and execution while providing it to be more budget-friendly.

The option you pick will depend upon your budget, time, and how much planning you’re willing to take up entirely on your own. However, it’s important to remember that small social gatherings, such as a children’s party or a birthday party, can easily be managed on your own, but large-scale corporate events and weddings can be challenging without the input of a professional event planner.

It can also be easier to plan and execute events yourself if you’re quick to make adjustments and manage vendor negotiations. Let’s break down when it’s more appropriate to take the reins yourself and when calling in the pros is the better move:

When to Go DIY:

1. When You Don’t Want to Splurge

One of the major reasons people choose to go DIY for their events is because of budget limitations. Event planners rightfully charge for their expertise, vendor connections, and time. Plus, the bigger the event you’re hosting, the more expensive an event planner will choose to be – which can be especially out of reach for small-scale events. Therefore, if you’re hosting a casual celebration such as a baby shower or a graduation party for a loved one, consider planning your event yourself.

2. You Want Full Control Over Your Event

DIY might be perfect for you if you have a set vision for your event and do not want any element of the day to deviate from your desired vision. Taking up the reins on the planning and execution can also enable you to add personalised touches with customised invitations, décor settings, and a playlist curated entirely on your own to make the event even more special.

3. The Event is Small and Simple

For intimate gatherings where you’re just having friends, family, or children over, there are likely to be less complex logistics to manage. Therefore, if you’re hosting a dinner party or a birthday celebration with a short guest list that doesn’t require professional oversight, ditch professional event planners. One of the easiest ways to manage a DIY event is to rent party equipment – from décor items to their delivery, set up, and pick up – the complicated tasks are lifted off of your head with affordable pricing.

4. You Have the Time to Invest in Event Planning

One of the most challenging parts of executing an event is the amount of time it requires to invest. If you’re good at time management and have a flexible schedule that allows you to research vendors, compare prices, and troubleshoot potential issues, DIY can work out in your favour.

When to Go Professional:

1. You Only Want to Source from Trusted Vendors

If you’re concerned about potential issues with quality and time, if you go vendor searching on your own, it’s best to leave the job to the pros. Professional event planners have the expertise to identify the right vendors, such as florists, DJs, photographers, and décor equipment vendors. This can save you from making any costly mistakes.

However, a cost-effective solution to this issue is to consider hiring a reliable and trusted event rental company. This way, you get to keep the event costs down while also getting the expertise of an event management organisation. Rental event management services can provide high-quality décor equipment and themed décor options along with guidance about how to set up and organise the décor for your event.

2. You’re Planning a Destination Event

If the event is taking place outside of the city or country, it’s always recommended to pick a local event planner. They understand the area, know the best vendors, and can manage things efficiently on-site, especially when you can’t be there to oversee the management.

3. You Strictly Want a Polished and Professional Experience

If your main priority is to wow the guests away with top-tier event planning and execution with minimal effort on your part, go with hiring a professional event planner. From the perfect lighting and themed décor to catering – event planners can manage it for you!

Pros – DIY Approach:

For many people, planning their events themselves provides financial flexibility and a creative outlet. There are several benefits to going DIY:

• Most Cost-effective Option: The most compelling reason to go down the DIY route is to save yourself from splashing out on the budget. DIY event management combined with renting high-quality and trendy décor equipment from trusted rental companies can make your event a hit well within your budget. All you need to do is come up with a theme, order relevant décor equipment or customised themed décor, and let the rental company manage the rest.
• Customisation – Plan at Your Own Pace: planning your event by yourself enables you to have enough flexibility to try and pursue different ideas until you achieve the perfect results that complement your desired vision for your event. This luxury may not be available to try if you go for a professional event planner.
• Add a Personal Touch to Your Event by going DIY: planning your event on your own provides you full creative control and enables you to showcase your style and preferences. Therefore, if that’s your thing, you should undeniably ditch hiring a professional.

Cons – DIY Approach:

• May Prove to be Time-consuming: with limited access to industry insights and resources, a DIY approach will require extensive research on your part for the right venue, vendors, and equipment. This can be highly overwhelming for less experienced DIY event planners and may not be the most appropriate option if you’re short on time for the event.

Pros – Hiring a Professional Event Planner:

• Access to Expert Opinion: professional event planners understand timelines and get work done before deadlines. They can also anticipate any last-minute emergencies or other potential issues with the event before they even arise – a luxury you may miss out on if you go down the DIY route.
• Smooth Planning and Execution: hiring a professional event planner leaves you stress-free throughout the planning and execution process – enabling you to focus on managing guest lists, invites, and other key details of the event.

Cons – Hiring a Professional Event Planner:

• Expensive: hiring a professional event planner will require a relaxed budget.
• No Personal Element: a professional event planner may not prioritise or capture your vision for your event as expected.

DIY or Professional Event Planning – Conclusion

To conclude, going DIY enables you to take full control of the planning and execution for your special day while ensuring you don’t overspend on your budget, especially if you take a more sustainable approach and hire a professional rental event management company. However, if you’re short on time with a relaxed budget, a professional event planner can be considered.

As you think about which route to take, consider what will provide you the most comfort as you gear up for your special day. This may be a complex decision, but by reflecting upon your finances, event size, number of guests, and personal vision for the event, you’re well on your way to making the right decision.