DIY vs Full-Service Wedding Venues: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing the right wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during your planning journey. It sets the tone, frames the atmosphere, and influences just about every other element of your big day. One of the first choices you'll face is this: DIY wedding venue or full-service wedding venue — which one suits you best?
In this gentle guide, we’ll walk you through what each type offers, the pros and cons, and how to decide what’s right for your style, budget, and planning comfort level.
What Is a DIY Wedding Venue?
A DIY wedding venue is typically a blank canvas. It gives you the freedom to design and organise every detail — from the décor to the furniture hire, caterers, bar service, lighting, and even the clean-up crew.
Think village halls, barns, family gardens, or even tipis in a field. These spaces are ideal if you have a strong vision and want full creative control.
Key Features of DIY Venues:
Total flexibility: You choose all the suppliers, from florists to food trucks.
Personalised styling: Every detail is tailored to your taste and theme.
Budget control: You can often save money by sourcing elements yourself — though costs can add up quickly!
Extended hire times: Some venues allow access the day before and after.
DIY is ideal for couples who are hands-on, love a challenge, or want something completely unique. It does require more time, effort, and organisation, so it’s best suited to those who enjoy planning or have reliable help from friends and family.
What Is a Full-Service Wedding Venue?
A full-service wedding venue (sometimes called an "all-inclusive" or "package" venue) includes most — if not all — of the key elements of your day. This often covers catering, tables and chairs, décor options, staff, bar service, and sometimes even coordination (very different to wedding planners and coordinators, see previous blog).
These venues range from country houses and manor estates to boutique hotels and dedicated wedding venues.
Key Features of Full-Service Venues:
Ease and convenience: Much of the planning is taken care of for you.
Experienced staff: On-site teams are used to hosting weddings and can guide you through every step.
Time-saving: Less coordination means more time to enjoy your engagement.
Consistent quality: Trusted suppliers and refined packages reduce the chance of hiccups.
Full-service venues are a wonderful option for couples who want a stress-free planning experience and are happy to work within a structured framework.
DIY vs Full-Service Wedding Venues: The Key Differences
Feature DIY venue Full service venue
Control High-you plan everything. Medium- many decisions are pre set
Effort High-lots of logistics Low-planning support included
Flexibility Very flexible More structured
Cost Variable-you set the budget Fixed packages, often higher upfront
Planning time Longer Shorter
Which Venue Type Is Right for You?
When deciding between a DIY or full-service wedding venue, consider your personality, budget, and how involved you want to be in the planning process.
Ask Yourself:
Do you love creating Pinterest boards and sourcing quirky suppliers? DIY might be for you.
Are you short on time or easily overwhelmed by too many decisions? Full-service could be your best friend.
Do you want to focus more on the day itself than the months leading up to it? A full-service venue will ease that burden.
Are you dreaming of something completely offbeat and personal? DIY offers that creative freedom.
The Middle Ground: Semi-DIY Venues
Some venues offer a blend of both worlds. These semi-DIY venues may include essentials like tables, staff, and a recommended suppliers list, while still giving you the freedom to style the space and make it your own. They’re a great choice for couples who want a bit of structure without losing their personal touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to wedding venues — and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you go for the creative freedom of a DIY space or the ease of a full-service venue, what matters most is how it feels to you.
Take time to visit different types of venues, ask lots of questions, and trust your instincts. Whichever path you choose, your wedding will be a reflection of your love — and that’s what truly makes it unforgettable.
