Full-Service Event Planning vs. DIY: What You Need to Know

You’ve got an event on the horizon—maybe it’s your company’s annual holiday bash, a summer corporate retreat, or a spring wedding that needs to be as fresh as the season itself. Now comes the big question: Should you do it yourself or hire a full-service event planner?

At Wicked Experience Design, we get this question all the time. And spoiler alert: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But we can walk you through the key differences, bust some myths, and help you decide what works best for your timeline, budget, and sanity.

Let’s dive into the world of full-service event planning vs. DIY and unpack everything you need to know.

What Is Full-Service Event Planning?

First things first: what does “full-service” even mean?

A full-service event planning company (like us!) handles everything from concept to cleanup.

We’re talking:

• Corporate event planning

• Wedding planning

• Event design and production

• Vendor sourcing and coordination

• Venue scouting

• On-site execution

• Budget management

• Creative event solutions

• Post-event wrap-ups and evaluations

  
  

Basically, you dream it. We design, build, and run it.

That’s why many of our clients refer to our services as custom event experiences—because we tailor every detail to match your vision, values, and brand (yes, even down to the napkins).

DIY Event Planning: What It Really Involves

DIY event planning might sound like a fun challenge at first (hello Pinterest board!). But it often turns into a second full-time job.

Here’s what you’re signing up for:

• Researching and booking all your vendors (photographers, caterers, AV techs… the list goes on)

• Negotiating contracts and pricing

• Creating floor plans and event timelines

• Managing deliveries, set-up, and breakdown

• Dealing with everything on the event day—yes, even when the DJ is late or the florals are missing.

  
  

That’s not to say DIY can’t be done! Some folks love the hands-on approach, especially for smaller or more casual gatherings. But for high-stakes, high-visibility, or logistically complex events (like trade shows, conferences, or corporate galas), DIY can quickly become overwhelming.

Pros and Cons: Full-Service vs. DIY

Let’s break it down in plain language:

Aspect	Full-Service Event Planning	DIY Event Planning
Time Investment	Low – you delegate most tasks	High – you’re doing it all yourself
Expertise	Pro team with experience + industry contacts	Google, guesswork, and YouTube tutorials
Budget Management	Often more efficient (planners get vendor deals)	Can lead to overspending due to inexperience
Creative Design	Access to professional designers	Limited to your personal resources & ideas
Stress Level	Lower – we’ve got your back	Higher – it's all on you
Event Day Support	We’re onsite, handling problems in real time	You’re the point person for every issue

The takeaway? If you value your time, peace of mind, and a polished, professional result, full-service planning wins.

Corporate Event Planning Needs a Different Playbook

Let’s talk about the business side of events.

Planning a corporate event isn’t just about food and entertainment. It’s about creating an experience that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and delivers results, whether it’s a product launch, a leadership summit, or a high-profile awards dinner—execution matters.

At Wicked Experience Design, we specialize in:

• Corporate event design that aligns with your brand values

• Conference planning services that handle complex logistics

• Trade show planning that puts you in the spotlight

• Holiday corporate events that are actually fun (imagine that!)

• Sustainable event planning that doesn’t greenwash

  
  

These events often have stakeholders, KPIs, and high expectations. Hiring a full-service team helps ensure every detail hits the mark, because you don’t want your CMO asking why the keynote speaker didn’t have a mic.

Real Talk: Common Misconceptions

“Isn’t hiring a planner more expensive?”

Surprisingly, not always. While there’s a cost upfront, planners often save you money in the long run by negotiating vendor discounts, avoiding costly mistakes, and keeping things on track.

According to a 2025 report by an Event Statistics, 67% of companies that hired planners for their events came in at or under budget, compared to only 41% of DIY-planned events.

“But I’ll lose creative control!”

Not with the right planner. A great full-service team partners with you. We guide the process, bring options, and co-create the experience you want—without you having to be knee-deep in linen swatches.

“I can just get help on the day of.”

Day-of coordination is helpful—but only if the months before the event were structured. Without a strong planning foundation, even the best day-of help is just damage control.

When DIY Might Be the Right Fit

To be fair, DIY can work, especially for:

• Intimate weddings or elopements

• In-house team-building lunches

• Budget-conscious birthday parties or showers

• You love spreadsheets and thrive on logistics

  
  

If you have the time, tools, and temperament to do it yourself—and the event is relatively straightforward—go for it! Just be honest with yourself about your limits.

How to Choose What’s Right for You

Here are a few questions to ask before deciding:

1. What’s my event goal? (Fun? Sales? Brand exposure?)

2. How much time can I realistically invest each week?

3. Is this a high-pressure event with a lot of visibility?

4. Do I have experience managing multiple vendors, timelines, and budgets?

5. What happens if something goes wrong on the event day?

   
   

If your answers point to wanting a smoother ride with professional backup, full-service planning is probably your best bet.

What to Expect When You Work with Wicked

Working with Wicked Experience Design is like hiring your cool, competent best friend who also happens to be a boss-level planner.

We take care of:

• Creative concepting and design

• Vendor management

• Corporate event trends and innovation

• On-site execution and guest experience

• Sustainability planning, where possible

• End-to-end support for stress-free planning

  
  

Our boutique event services are designed to feel personal, stylish, and seamless, so you can actually enjoy the event you’ve been dreaming of.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

At the end of the day, event planning should be exciting, not exhausting. Whether you're planning a one-of-a-kind wedding, a splashy corporate gathering, or your company’s annual trade show appearance, you deserve support that makes you feel confident and calm.

DIY can work if you’ve got the time, patience, and skill. But full-service planning is about unlocking freedom, creativity, and quality, with experts who care as much as you do.

Let’s Make Magic Together

Ready to create something unforgettable? Whether it’s your company’s biggest event of the year or a milestone moment in your personal life, Wicked Experience Design is here to help you dream big and plan smart.

Start planning here to get started.

Happy planning!