DIY Weddings
DIY Wedding Tips from a Central Coast Marriage Celebrant:
Making Your Day Beautiful, Stress Free and Truly You
Planning your dream wedding and thinking of doing it all (or most of it) yourself? First of all, go you! A DIY wedding is a beautiful way to create a day that’s truly personal, meaningful and reflective of your unique love story. As someone who has worked with many couples as a Marriage Celebrant Central Coast, I’ve seen firsthand how magical and completely doable a DIY wedding can be with the right planning and support.
Whether you're getting married on a beach, in your backyard or at a local hall with fairy lights and friends, here are my top DIY wedding tips to help you pull it off with style, heart and sanity intact.
1. Start with a Clear Vision
Before diving into Pinterest boards and craft store trips, sit down together and get clear on your wedding vision. Are you dreaming of a rustic garden celebration, a coastal picnic ceremony or a candlelit dinner under the stars?
Once your vision is clear, every decision becomes easier and way less overwhelming.
2. Set a Realistic Budget and Stick to It
DIY doesn’t always mean cheaper, so plan smart. Allocate your budget based on your priorities. If food and photography matter most to you, spend more there and DIY your styling, signage or favours.
Your future self will thank you when you're not sewing bunting at midnight the night before the wedding.
3. Choose the Right Location
One of the best parts of a DIY wedding is the flexibility to choose a unique venue like a local park, backyard, barn or a beachfront spot on the Central Coast. Be sure to check council permits, noise restrictions and always have a backup wet weather plan.
As a Celebrant NSW, I can also guide you through what’s needed legally when choosing your ceremony location.
4. Delegate
DIY doesn’t mean do it all yourself. Get your wedding party, friends and family involved. It actually makes the day more special when everyone plays a part.
Assign tasks ahead of time like setting up decorations, running the playlist or helping wrangle guests for the group photo.
5. Keep It Personal
From handwritten vows to custom ceremony rituals, DIY weddings let your personality shine. One couple I worked with wrote surprise vows on the morning of their wedding and read them during the ceremony. It was real, raw and unforgettable.
As a Central Coast Celebrant, I’ll help you craft a ceremony that’s as unique as your love story.
6. Invest in Key Professionals
There are a few things that are absolutely worth investing in. One of them is your celebrant. Having an experienced celebrant means one less thing to worry about and a smoother ceremony from start to finish.
You might also want to consider hiring a professional photographer, caterer or even a day of coordinator to make things easier.
7. Create a Wedding Day Run Sheet
Even if your day is relaxed and casual, a simple timeline helps keep everything on track. What time does the music start? When will the toasts happen? Who is packing up the chairs?
As your Marriage Celebrant Central Coast, I’ll help time the ceremony perfectly and work with your vendors to keep things flowing beautifully.
8. Do a Ceremony Rehearsal or Walkthrough
This is a game changer. Set up your ceremony space the day before if you can or at least walk through it. Know where you’ll stand, where guests will sit and how you’ll make your entrance.
Even a five minute run through makes a huge difference on the day.
9. Let Go of Perfection
Something unexpected might happen. It could be wind blowing your veil, your dog crashing the aisle or a phone playing the wrong song. Embrace it. These little surprises often become the most memorable and talked about moments.
10. Have Fun With It
Above all, enjoy the process. A DIY wedding is a labour of love but also an amazing experience. You’re not just planning a day. You’re creating memories, sharing laughs and telling your story in the most personal way.
Your DIY Day + Me
=
The Perfect Team
If you’re planning a DIY wedding and looking for a calm, organised and experienced Central Coast Marriage Celebrant, I’d love to help.
Whether you're getting married under a gum tree, by the ocean or in your backyard, I’ll be there to guide you, support you and create a ceremony that feels relaxed, heartfelt and completely you.
Get in touch today and let’s make your DIY dream wedding a reality.
