To DIY or NOT to DIY ….That is the Question
Planning a destination wedding in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains near Denver, Colorado is a dream come true. With jaw-dropping vistas, fresh mountain air, and a cozy, intimate vibe, it’s the perfect place for couples seeking something magical. But while the setting might feel relaxed and rustic, the behind-the-scenes logistics still require thoughtful planning—especially when it comes to deciding which parts of your wedding to DIY and which to delegate to professionals.
Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben
At La Joya Dulce, we specialize in hosting private weddings for couples who want that ideal blend of personality and polish. Over the years we have hosted over 100 weddings, so we’ve seen which DIY efforts add charm and save money—and which ones lead to unnecessary stress or last-minute disasters.
Here’s our expert breakdown of what to DIY and what to leave to the pros for your Rocky Mountain wedding.
Poto Credit: Caitlin Steuben
WHAT TO DIY: Add Personal Touches Without the Pressure
1. Wedding Signage
Mountain venues often have winding paths, hidden ceremony spots, and multiple event spaces. Handcrafted signs not only help guide your guests, but they also add personal flair.
DIY Tips:
Use wood slabs, chalkboards, or acrylic panels.
Calligraphy, stencils, or vinyl decals make signage elegant yet simple.
Include directional signs, welcome messages, and fun quotes.
Why It Works: Signage can be prepped well in advance and transported easily. It adds to the rustic charm without requiring last-minute effort. We offer a wide range of signage options for our couples to use from our Share the Love inventory.
Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben
2. Guest Favors
Personalized guest favors are a great opportunity for DIY creativity without a huge time commitment.
DIY Ideas:
Local Colorado-themed gifts (mini honey jars, huckleberry jam, handmade soaps or candy).
Custom mugs or drink glasses with your wedding date.
DIY s'mores kits for an outdoor fire pit at your venue. Our customizable smores cart is always a hit with your guests. There is nothing like roasting a marshmallow over a fire underneath the milky way!
Why It Works: Guest favors are low-risk, can be completed early, and provide a tangible memory from your celebration.
Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben
3. Wedding Website & Save the Dates
With free platforms like Wix, Zola, and Minted (ask us about our discount for our couples), it’s easier than ever to create your own wedding website. You can also design and print save-the-dates using Canva or VistaPrint.
Why It Works: These tools offer beautiful templates and are easy to use. DIYing this portion allows you to communicate key info without paying a designer. We are seeing a lot of magnetic save the dates using engagement photos!
Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben
4. Photo Booth Props or Backdrop
Guests love a fun photo op! You can DIY a photo booth corner that fits your mountain theme perfectly.
DIY Ideas:
Use old skis, lanterns, or reclaimed wood as a backdrop.
Add a neon sign or draped florals for visual interest.
Craft custom props like mustaches, signs, or hats.
Why It Works: DIY backdrops can be simple and budget-friendly, and they add to your decor without relying on rental vendors.
Photo Credit: Gillespie Photography
5. Welcome Bags
Since your guests are traveling for a destination wedding, welcome bags or boxes are a thoughtful touch.
DIY Contents:
Water bottles, snacks, and trail mix
Mini sunscreen, ChapStick (altitude = dry air!)
Local recommendations for hikes, restaurants, and coffee shops
A weekend itinerary with some local options for restaurants and experiences
Why It Works: Welcome bags can be assembled ahead of time and dropped at guest lodgings or handed out upon arrival.
Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben
WHAT NOT TO DIY: Trust the Experts (and Save Your Sanity)
While the idea of a fully DIY wedding might sound romantic, there are some elements that are best left to seasoned professionals. Here’s what you should avoid DIYing—especially in a destination setting like the Rocky Mountains. At La Joya Dulce we have a policy against ‘friendors’ because we know how much you want your guests and loved ones to all be present and enjoy your wedding day… not working it!
1. Photography & Videography
Your wedding day only happens once, and you deserve beautiful, professional images that capture the full experience. Inexperienced friends or hobbyists can miss critical moments, and mountain lighting/weather conditions require serious skill.
Why Hire a Pro:
Mountain light can be tricky; professionals know how to shoot in full sun, low light, and dramatic landscapes.
A pro photographer will handle posing, timelines, and editing with expert polish.
You can relax knowing your memories are in great hands.
💡Pro Tip: Book a Colorado-based photographer who is familiar with the terrain and knows how to work with the landscape. Some trusted photographers that we find ourselves recommending over and over are Kari Geha, Callie Riesling, Caitlin Steuben and Drake and Co. Photography
Photo Credit: Callie Riesling Photography
2. Florals (Especially Bouquets & Installations)
DIY bouquets might look doable on Pinterest, but in reality, floral arranging is a time-sensitive, complex task—especially in mountain climates. You have to think about where and at what temperature you are going to store them. Transportation etc. can be incredibly dificult.
Why Hire a Pro:
Flowers must be prepped, transported, and stored properly at high altitudes.
Bouquets and centerpieces need to be built the night before or day of.
Professionals can handle arch installations and floral decor securely (especially with wind and temperature changes).
💡Better DIY Option: Create your own floral table numbers or pressed flower escort cards if you want a personal floral touch. For any Colorado Mountain wedding you cant go wrong with Wild Hare Floral, or Mountain Ash Foliage and Floral
3. Catering & Bartending
Feeding a group of 50-150 guests is not something to take on yourself. DIY catering often leads to food safety issues, limited variety, and lots of stress. And in Colorado, liquor laws are strict—you often need licensed bartenders for insurance purposes. La Joya Dulce solves this question quickly as we only allow licensed and insured professionals for catering and bar services.
Why Hire a Pro:
Food is cooked, transported, and served safely and professionally.
Your guests get delicious, hot meals on time.
Licensed bartenders understand altitude effects and drink pacing.
💡Pro Tip: Choose a venue with built-in catering areas or vendor partnerships to simplify this major component. We are in love with Catering by Design and Biscuits and Berries for our luxury Colorado weddings.
Photo Credit: Kari Geha featuring Biscuits and Berries catering
4. DJ or Live Music
Your cousin’s Spotify playlist might be killer, but that doesn’t make them a great wedding DJ. Music and emceeing require equipment, coordination, and professionalism.
Why Hire a Pro:
DJs or live musicians control the flow of the event.
They can read the room, manage transitions, and make announcements.
They bring backup equipment and lighting, which is key in remote venues.
💡Better DIY Option: Curate a playlist for your getting-ready or post-reception hangout, but leave the main event to the experts.
Photo Credit: Walker & Sons Photography featuring Constant Change
5. Hair & Makeup
DIY hair and makeup may seem like a budget-friendly option, but the reality is that mountain weddings often involve early start times, unpredictable weather, and limited access to vanity mirrors.
Why Hire a Pro:
Wedding makeup must last through weather, tears, and dancing.
Professionals know how to prep for high altitude and photography.
You’ll feel more relaxed being pampered on the morning of your wedding.
💡Pro Tip: Schedule a trial session during one of your venue visits so you know exactly what to expect.
6. Event Planner
You might be super organized, but that doesn’t mean you should run your own wedding day. DIY planning might work in the months leading up, but having a trusted professional to fine tune your plan is a must.
Why Hire a Pro:
Wedding managers and wedding planners manage the timeline, vendors, and last-minute problems.
They ensure decor is set up properly while you enjoy your morning.
They act as a point person for everyone else so you can stay present.
Venue Perk: At La Joya Dulce, we offer Wedding Management packages and Full Wedding Planning support to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
The La Joya Dulce I Do Crew
7. Rentals, Tablescapes & Lighting
Setting up tables, chairs, lighting, and decor is no small task—especially in a mountain setting where weather or access may complicate things.
Why Hire a Pro:
Rental companies know how to deliver, install, and strike efficiently.
Lighting pros understand power sources and safety.
Table setups require hours of labor and a trained eye for detail.
💡Better DIY Option: Bring your own decorative elements (candles, runners, table numbers), but let professionals handle the logistics. At La Joya Dulce we believe in setting up as much as possible before you arrive at the venue on your wedding day so your mind is at ease and you can just be present and enjoy!
Photo Credit: Drake Photography
Final Thoughts: Balance is Everything
A well-executed wedding isn’t about how much you spend or how much you DIY. It’s about creating a celebration that feels like you. The key is finding the right balance between personal touches and professional expertise.
At La Joya Dulce, we help couples from all over the country bring their destination wedding visions to life in the Rocky Mountains near Denver. We’ll work with your budget, vision, and timeline to create a stress-free experience where you can focus on the magic—not the micromanagement.
Looking for a dreamy Colorado venue that makes planning easier?
We offer:
Private mountain wedding spaces both indoor and outdoor
Planning and wedding management support
Customized local vendor suggestions
On-site amenities and flexible packages
about la joya dulce
At la joya dulce, we are proud in being an independently owned and operated, local wedding venue. When you choose la joya dulce in Steamboat Springs, you're not just booking a venue—you're working directly with the owners, who are dedicated to making your day perfect. You are not just a transaction to us - you become a member of our ranch family. We’re committed to creating memories and intentional moments for you and your family. We believe in supporting our community, which is why we collaborate with other independently-owned venues and businesses.
We also believe in being the “real deal.” Our photos that are shared by our wonderful photographers are the real deal - there is no AI involved in their creation. Come take a look for yourself - the reality is often better than the photos!
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Heart D Farm, Brandt 1910, The Haycraft, Cherry Barc Farm, and Willow Creek Farm.