Planning a DIY Wedding? Here's How to Keep It Joyful, Beautiful, and Stress-Free

by Angie Scott Photography

Emma surrounded by her most favorite women! ♡ ︎

If you’re planning a DIY wedding, I just want you to know - I am so excited for you.There’s something truly special about dreaming up a day that feels so personal, pouring your heart into every little detail.

And you know what?

God sees it all.

He delights in the way you are celebrating the gift of love He’s given you. He cares about the big moments and the smallest ones - the vows you’ll speak, the flowers you’ll hold, the handwritten signs you’ll make with so much care.

DIY weddings are full of heart, but they can sometimes feel overwhelming too. So today, I just want to sit with you - like a friend over coffee - and share a few gentle tips to help keep your planning joyful, peaceful, and full of the beauty that really matters most.

1. Start With Prayer and a Plan

Before you dive into all the to-do lists and Pinterest ideas, take a moment to pray.

Invite God into every part of your planning.

Ask Him for wisdom, joy, and a heart that stays centered on what matters most.

When we build from a place of peace, everything else falls into place more beautifully. (And a little bonus tip - a thoughtful plan also helps your photographer so much! A clear, simple timeline lets us capture all those sweet, relaxed moments without any rush.)

When you choose me as your wedding photographer, I help you create a customized timeline that feels just right for your day. I’m here to serve you, not just show up with a camera.

2. Prioritize Your Projects

Friend, you absolutely do not have to DIY everything.It’s so easy to get caught up in wanting to make all the little details yourself, but the truth is - the most meaningful weddings aren’t the ones with the most stuff. They’re the ones where the love is tangible.

If you’re deciding where to focus, here’s a little photography insight. DIY bouquets, ceremony backdrops, table decor, and signage show up the most in your photos.Those pieces tell the story of your day beautifully.

Choose the projects that feel exciting and life-giving to you - not the ones that feel heavy or draining.

Simple and heartfelt will always be more beautiful than stressed and overcomplicated.

3. Hire a Day-Of Coordinator (Or Assign a Trusted Friend)

This one is such a gift to yourself. Even with all your planning and prepping, you shouldn’t have to be the one answering questions or solving problems on your wedding day.

Whether you hire a professional day-of coordinator or ask a trusted family member or friend to take on this role, having someone else in charge of the logistics allows you to simply be present.When vendors or guests have questions, they’ll go to your coordinator, not you. And that means less stress, fewer decisions, and more space to soak in every beautiful moment.

4. Test and Time Everything

If you can, give yourself a little space to test things ahead of time. Set up a table centerpiece. Try out your decor ideas. Practice your ceremony setup.

It’s not about perfection - it’s about giving yourself peace on your wedding day. And peace photographs so beautifully. (Trust me, you’ll be glowing when you’re not worried about last-minute setups!)

5. Ask for (and Accept) Help

DIY doesn’t mean “do it all yourself.”

God made us for community - and this is a beautiful moment to invite your people in.

Let friends and family help. Accept the extra hands. Trust that it’s okay if not everything is 100% how you pictured it. What matters is the love you’ll feel from the people helping you bring your vision to life.

One thing I love to do for my couples is help them organize their family portrait lists ahead of time. This makes family photos smooth, fast, and joyful - and helps you get right back to celebrating with your loved ones.

6. Try to Enjoy Every Moment

You are not the host on your wedding day. You are the guest of honor.

It’s not your job to make sure everyone is having fun or to manage every little thing. Release yourself from that pressure, sweet friend.

Your only job is to be present. To soak in the love. To laugh, to dance, to be fully with the people who mean the most to you. When you focus on enjoying your day, everything else falls beautifully into place.

7. Focus on What Matters Most

At the end of the day, the most beautiful thing about your wedding isn’t the flowers, the dress, or the decorations. It’s the covenant you’re making.

It’s the love that God is weaving together between you and your best friend.

Whenever the details start to feel heavy, remember this truth:

"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." — Matthew 6:21

Your treasure isn’t in perfect centerpieces. Your treasure is in the sacred, lifelong promise you are making - a promise that will only grow more beautiful with time.

I’m Here to Help (With So Much Love)

If you’re still looking for a photographer who will walk alongside you - someone who will help you plan, organize, pray with you if you want, and capture every God-given moment - I would be so honored to serve you. ◡̈

When you book with me, you’ll receive a Welcome Guide full of vendor recommendations, planning tips, and timeline help. I’m here to make this whole season as joyful, peaceful, and memorable as it can be.

You’re not in this alone. You are deeply loved, and you are being carried through every step of this beautiful season.

And I am cheering you on every step of the way.

Click here to connect with me

A Real-Life DIY Love Story

One of the sweetest examples of a DIY wedding I’ve had the honor to photograph was Emma and Matthew’s beautiful backyard wedding.

They dreamed, planned, and designed every part of their day themselves - and it was absolutely perfect in every way.

Their wedding venue was the home and farmland Emma grew up on, which made this day extra special.. The ceremony was full of tender, joyful moments. The reception was cozy and welcoming, with twinkle lights strung and homemade touches that reflected their love so beautifully. They even baked and decorated their own wedding cake! Every part of their day felt personal, peaceful, and full of God’s goodness - a true reminder that when love leads the way, everything else falls into place.

Below you’ll find some images from Emma and Matthew’s wedding day. I hope they inspire you and remind you that your day will be perfectly yours too. ◡̈

About the Author

Angie Scott is a wedding photographer based in Orlando, Florida, serving couples with a heart full of faith, joy, and genuine care. Her photography style captures timeless, heartfelt moments - always with an extra layer of encouragement and love. When you work with Angie, you’re not just getting beautiful photos - you’re gaining a friend who will pray over your day, help you build a peaceful timeline, recommend trusted vendors, and celebrate your love story with her whole heart.

Learn more about working with Angie at Angie Scott Photography.