What Wedding Decor Couples Often Purchase Themselves (According to a Wedding Planner)

What Wedding Decor Couples Often Purchase Themselves (According to a Wedding Planner)

When planning a wedding, one of the most common questions couples ask is where it makes sense to invest in professional vendors—and where it’s perfectly reasonable to source a few items on their own.

The answer is not all-or-nothing.

In thoughtfully designed weddings, there is often a balance between professionally provided elements and a handful of decor pieces couples choose to purchase themselves. When done intentionally, this approach can help manage budgets without sacrificing the elevated, cohesive look that makes a wedding feel refined and well-designed.

As a wedding planner and event designer, these are the decor items I most often see couples successfully purchase on their own—along with important guidance on how to do so wisely.

First, an Important Note on Vendors

Before diving into specific items, it’s worth saying this clearly:
booking professional vendors for the majority of your wedding needs is still the smartest and most effective approach.

Rental companies, florists, planners, and production teams bring:

• Professional-grade inventory

• Design expertise

• Delivery, setup, styling, and breakdown

• The ability to problem-solve on the wedding day

These services protect your time, your investment, and your peace of mind.

The items couples purchase themselves are typically supplemental—never a replacement for core vendor services.

Why Couples Sometimes Purchase Decor Themselves

There are a few very practical reasons couples choose to source certain items independently:

• To offset rental minimums

• To reuse items after the wedding

• To personalize smaller design moments

• To control costs without impacting guest experience

When approached thoughtfully, this can be a very smart decision.

Decor Items Couples Commonly Purchase Themselves

Tabletop Essentials

Smaller tabletop details are often easy for couples to manage and reuse later.

Common examples include:

• Linen napkins

• Simple table runners

• Charger plates

• Minimal place card holders

These items photograph beautifully, elevate tables instantly, and can often be repurposed for entertaining after the wedding.

Candle & Ambience Pieces

Candles are one of the most impactful design elements—and also one of the most flexible.

Couples often purchase:

• Votive holders

• Taper candles

• Flameless pillar candles

When coordinated with your planner or florist, these pieces layer seamlessly into a professionally designed space.

Ceremony & Styling Accents

Certain ceremony accents are frequently purchased by couples, especially for intimate or outdoor celebrations.

Examples include:

• Classic card box

• Simple pedestals for signage or florals

• Neutral ribbon for reserved signs or other paper good elements

These items add polish without creating logistical challenges when kept minimal and intentional.

Signage & Display Decor

Signage is another area where couples often source pieces themselves.

Commonly purchased items:

• Frames for card box and gifts, memorial table photos, and other signage or artwork

• Acrylic or metal table numbers

• Display stands or easels

When paired with professional stationery or calligraphy, these details feel cohesive and elevated.

The Key to Doing This Well: Coordination

The difference between a wedding that feels polished and one that feels pieced together is coordination.

If you plan to purchase decor items yourself:

• Share them with your planner early for collaboration

• Confirm quantities, sizes, and finishes

• Ensure they align with your overall design vision

A professional planner can advise what works beautifully—and what may create unnecessary stress.

A Planner-Approved Starting Point

For couples who prefer to source a few decor items on their own, I’ve curated a list of timeless, versatile decor essentials that I consistently recommend and use in real weddings.

These pieces were selected for:

• Quality

• Neutral design

• Ease of setup

• Compatibility with professional vendors

👉 View my Wedding Planner–Approved Decor Essentials here

Final Thoughts

Purchasing a small number of decor items yourself is not cutting corners—it’s a common and thoughtful approach when done intentionally.

The most successful weddings are those where:

• Professionals handle the logistics and large-scale execution

• Couples personalize select details

• Every choice supports a cohesive design

When in doubt, lean on your vendors. Their expertise is what allows your wedding to feel effortless, elevated, and truly enjoyable.