Is a DIY Wedding Really Cheaper? Let’s Do the Math (and the Workload).
- Jo Dee Krotz
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
There’s a certain charm to a rural DIY wedding. You borrow chairs from the church, your uncle brings a trailer full of coolers, and your cousin’s band plays under the stars. It's homegrown and heartfelt—and sometimes, yes, cheaper.
But is it always less expensive? And at what cost to your time, energy, and peace of mind?
Let’s walk through the numbers and see how doing it yourself stacks up against a full-service experience at 1884 On The Bluff.
DIY Wedding Cost Breakdown – Rural Edition
We’re being generous here. Let’s say you’ve got great community support and access to local connections. Here’s still what you may need:
Item Estimated Cost (Low to Mid)
Chairs & tables (rented or borrowed w/ delivery) $500–$1,500
Tent or weather backup $800–$2,500
Setup crew or paid labor $200–$800
Day-of coordination $600–$1,200
Linens, lighting, and small décor rentals $300–$900
Trash removal & cleanup team $150–$500
Restroom rental or trailer $350–$1,200
Rehearsal space access $0–$300
Bridal prep space $100–$400
Total $3,000–$9,300+
Even with resourceful help, things add up. You may save dollars—but you’ll spend HOURS. And more than likely, someone you love will be stuck on cleanup duty at 11 p.m. instead of dancing with you under the lights.
Now Let’s Talk About 1884 On The Bluff
Saturday Premium Package – $5,400
What’s included?
Seating for up to 200 guests
9' wooden farm tables + wood chairs – set up for you
Ceremony + reception sites, with gorgeous natural backdrops
Use of our barn, stone house, and curated décor items
Day-of coordinator and timeline creation
Vendor facilitation: we welcome your people and help them shine
Rehearsal time included
Full setup, full teardown, full clean-up
No portapotties. No hauling. No chaos.
DIY is Beautiful. So is Letting Go.
You can absolutely build a wedding from the ground up with grit, love, and borrowed chairs. And if that’s your dream—we cheer you on all the way.
But we’ve also heard from couples (and guests) who’ve attended ultra-DIY weddings where things got… a little wobbly. When no one’s quite sure what’s next, or where to go, or who’s in charge—it can feel more like a field party than a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Those moments aren’t always easy to fix once they’ve begun.
At 1884 On The Bluff, we specialize in creating events that are relaxed but intentional—laid-back, not loose-ended. The kind of night that flows effortlessly, because we’ve thought of everything for you.
You don’t have to do it all.
You just have to show up, love fully, and soak it in.
Let us take care of the rest.
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