When it comes to planning your dream wedding, the big question often arises: should you hire a wedding planner or go the DIY route? This classic wedding planner vs DIY wedding debate is a tough one, and we totally get it—it’s tempting to tackle the whole process yourself! But let’s take a closer look at what a professional wedding planner brings to the table versus what you might face when you go solo.
Whether you’re dreaming of a Santa Fe wedding with that iconic southwestern flair or an elegant celebration in the heart of Albuquerque, we’ve got the scoop to help you make the best decision for your big day!
Curious to see if we’re the perfect match? Check out our portfolio to see the weddings we’ve brought to life, and if you love what you see, contact us today! Let’s start planning the celebration of your dreams.
Now, let’s talk about what you get when you hire a wedding planner (compared to DIY-ing it or hiring someone to swoop in for month-of coordination).
1. Professional Knowledge and Experience
First, when you’re weighing the choice of a wedding planner vs DIY wedding planning, remember that hiring a planner means you’re not just getting someone to help you pick out flowers and seating charts. You’re gaining access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise that only comes from years of experience in the industry. As New Mexico wedding planners, we know the ins and outs of planning a wedding in this beautiful region (maybe things you haven’t even thought of yourself!). From the best venues in Santa Fe to hidden gems in Albuquerque, we’ve been there, done that (and have the color-coded spreadsheets to prove it!)
A professional wedding planner knows how to bring your vision to life while navigating potential pitfalls that might come up. We’re talking about timelines, logistics, and the dozens of little details that can make or break your wedding day. We’re here to make sure that when you say ‘I do,’ you’re feeling completely confident and relaxed, knowing that every detail is in expert hands.
We hope we can still change your mind, but if you’re still leaning toward a DIY wedding, we totally get it! But we’d still love to lend a hand. Check out our blog on creating a wedding timeline—it’s packed with tips to help you stay organized and stress-free as you plan your big day.
Photo Credit: Keara Lloyd Photography
2. Handling Stressful Tasks (So You Don’t Have To!)
Let’s be real—wedding planning can be stressful! There’s nothing romantic about trying to track down a baker who can recreate that five-tier cake you’ve been dreaming of or figuring out what to do when your caterer suddenly cancels three weeks before the wedding. This is where having a wedding planner vs a DIY wedding is worth its weight in gold.
In the wedding planner vs DIY wedding debate, when you hire a professional, you’re handing over those stress-inducing tasks. At Lace and Bow Bridal Events, our job is to make sure you get to enjoy every moment leading up to your wedding day without turning into a bundle of nerves. Don’t worry—you still get to do all the fun stuff (like the cake tasting, for example!).
For those planning a New Mexico wedding, we handle all the details so you can fully enjoy the stunning landscapes and adobe architecture. We make sure you can savor every moment without a single worry about last-minute issues—because we’ve got it all under control.
3. Time-Saving Aspects of Hiring a Wedding Planner
One of the biggest factors in the wedding planner vs DIY wedding decision is time. Planning a wedding takes a lot of time—like, a lot of time. An average of 400 hours in fact. Here’s some of what you can expect to handle if you’re going the DIY route:
- Vendor Research
- Price Comparisons
- Reading Contracts and Fine Print
- Following Up On Emails
- Arranging Tastings and Appointments
- Logistics Coordination
As you can see, DIY wedding planning can feel like a full-time job (because it literally is one). If you’re a busy professional or simply want to enjoy your engagement without turning into a spreadsheet manager, a wedding planner is your best friend.
At Lace and Bow Bridal Events, our team knows how to streamline the entire process, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love story. We handle the nitty-gritty details, keeping things organized and on track with your vision and budget. This way, you get to make all the fun decisions (like cake flavors and floral designs) without worrying about the tedious ones (like logistics and timelines).
Photo Credit: Keara Lloyd Photography
4. Established Relationships with Trusted Vendors
One of the biggest perks of hiring a wedding planner vs a DIY wedding is the access to our network of trusted vendors. We’ve spent years cultivating relationships with the best florists, photographers, caterers, and entertainment providers in the area. This means we can often get you priority service and insider recommendations that you might miss out on if you’re planning your wedding on your own.
In Albuquerque and Santa Fe, where the wedding scene is as vibrant as the sunsets (more on this here!), having a planner who knows the top vendors is a game-changer. We’ve got our finger on the pulse of who’s who in the New Mexico wedding industry, which means you’ll have the best professionals in the biz working to make your day absolutely perfect.
We hope we’ve helped make your decision a little easier, but if you’re still on the fence, that’s completely okay! We’re here to help you every step of the way, no matter what. Take a look at our ultimate guide to planning a luxury wedding in Santa Fe for some expert tips and inspiration!
5. Staying Within Budget and Avoiding Costly Mistakes
A common argument in the wedding planner vs DIY wedding debate is that hiring a planner is an unnecessary expense. The truth? We often end up saving you money in the long run. With our experience and vendor connections, we know where to cut costs without sacrificing quality and how to stretch your budget to cover everything on your wishlist.
DIY wedding planning might seem like the cheaper option initially, but it’s easy to make costly mistakes when you’re not familiar with the industry. Those little “oops” moments, like accidentally ordering the wrong amount of linens or going overboard on your décor budget, can add up fast! Plus, you’ll simply forget to include things you need (because you’ve never done this before!).
Your wedding planner (that could be us!) is there to make sure that doesn’t happen, guiding you every step of the way to keep your finances in check while still delivering the wedding of your dreams.
On a Tight Budget? Consider Month-Of Coordination As a Minimum
Even if you’re the ultimate DIY bride or groom, having professional support in the final stretch is key. For our local couples in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, we always recommend at least a month-of coordinator. You’ve poured your heart into planning every detail, but as your wedding day approaches, you shouldn’t be the one chasing down vendors or finalizing last-minute details.
This is where we step in, about a month before your big day, to take over the reins and tie up any loose ends. Our team coordinates with your vendors, creates a detailed timeline, and manages all logistics, making sure that everything runs smoothly.
Then, when the wedding day arrives, you get to focus on enjoying the celebration with your loved ones, knowing that every detail is being handled by a pro. Trust us, having a dedicated coordinator during that final month means you can be fully present for all the magical moments of your special day.
Photo Credit: Alicia Lucia Photography
Wrapping Up: Wedding Planner Vs DIY Wedding Planning
When considering a wedding planner vs DIY wedding planning, remember that you deserve a day that’s stress-free, perfectly organized, and filled with joy. At Lace and Bow Bridal Events, we bring the experience, vendor connections, and coordination skills to make that happen—whether it’s through full-service planning or month-of coordination. We’re here to make sure your celebration is exactly how you envisioned it, without the sleepless nights or last-minute worries.
If you’re ready to relax and truly enjoy your wedding day in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or beyond, let us take the reins. Reach out to us, and let’s start planning something unforgettable!