Is It Worth It?
Deciding on a budget for your wedding is tricky when everything you put the word “wedding” in front of is shockingly expensive. Wedding dress, wedding caterer, wedding DJ–– it all adds up. While decorations are something you can get away with doing cheap, vendors like photography are worth the money. To help lower your costs without sacrificing your wedding dreams, here’s what we think is worth spending more on and what things you can be more thrifty with.
1. A Great Photographer
A photographer is capturing moments from the best day of your life with photographs you’ll want to keep forever. If you want photos for frames and albums, you need to love them and you want them to be good quality. Hiring an inexperienced photographer might cost less, but they’ll still cost you something and the results will suffer. A professional photographer is worth the money because they’ll capture all the important moments with an artistic quality.
2. Good Catering
Besides the venue, the most money you’ll spend is on the catering. You don’t have to hire a celebrity chef but you do want a reputable caterer that knows how to satisfy a large group of people. You’re going to be spending money on food anyway, you want to enjoy it and you want the service to run smoothly so you can focus on what truly matters.
3. Live Music
Live music isn’t essential but if you can afford it, it’s well worth it. Your wedding is once in a lifetime and there’s probably no other time you’ll splurge on an event like this. A live band is extra special and you can find one that plays your kind of music. They may even take requests if that’s what you’re looking for.
4. Wedding Planner
The best advice any newlywed gives is usually about the planning process. If you can afford a wedding planner from start to finish than do not hesitate. If they’re above your price range, at least hire a day of coordinator. It’s your day, you don’t want to be in charge of the logistics and responsibilities, you want to relax and enjoy yourself. The price is worth your time and stress.
5. Experienced Officiant
Don’t cheap out on an awkward officiant. You want to know you’re in good hands, they’re officially marrying you afterall, it’s kind of a big deal. Spend the money on an experienced professional that knows what to say, runs a smooth ceremony, and organizes all the legal paperwork.
6. Experienced DJ
A DJ can truly make or break your reception experience. They can be a buzz kill if they play cheesy songs or don’t listen to your guests’ requests. If you’re going to pick and choose what to spend extra money on, a good DJ is priority. The more experienced they are, the more they know how to cater to a mixed audience and keep the party going.
7. Late Night Food
You and your guests will greatly appreciate a late night snack after hours of dancing and celebrating hard. By that point, you won’t even think about how much things cost, you just had the time of your life and now you’re feeling peckish. Comfort food like pizza will also help the party animals sober up and maybe ease the hangovers.
8. Gifts For The Wedding Party
Your wedding party deserves a token of your appreciation. They wore what you asked them to, they attended your pre-wedding events, and they’ve been by your side in life, not just your wedding. Consider paying for their wedding attire or their hair and makeup, or gift them with an accessory they can wear on the big day. Spending money on your family and friends is worth the gratitude you’ll show and receive.
Jennifer Kalenberg on Unsplash
9. Professional Hair & Makeup
Unless you’ve got a knack for hair and makeup, hire a professional. Hair and makeup are two things you don’t want to be stingy on. Save yourself the time and the stress of doing it yourself. Pay for an experienced makeup artist and hair stylist that can create the look you want. You’ll be in the spotlight all day long and you’ll be photographed by your expensive photographer–– you want to look like you and you want to feel your best.
10. Day Two
One day just isn’t enough! Throwing an after party or a second day event is worth it. Let’s face it, your wedding day will go by fast and all your favorite people are rarely under one roof at the same time. A day two brings everyone back together after a big day of partying where you can reminisce about the wedding in a more casual setting. You’re paying for more time with the people you love most.
If you’re going to splurge on anything, let it be those things mentioned above. If you don’t want to break the budget, there are other things you can cut back on that won’t affect your wedding day.
1. DIY Decor
If you’re buying all of your wedding decor, it can get pricey. From the flowers to the table centerpieces, you can cut major costs with simple DIY projects. You don’t have to be a floral designer or an artist to make beautiful decor. With an abundance of online tips and tricks for wedding decorations, you can whip up frugal decor that looks high-end.
Wedding Photography on Unsplash
2. Online Invitations
Save money (and the trees) with online invitations. Most wedding planning websites offer free invitation templates that you can send to all of your guests. People aren’t expecting paper mail anymore and it’s ok to be non-traditional. You can create captivating invitations with ease and keep track of your guest list and FAQs all in one place.
3. The Venue
Your venue doesn’t have to be a castle or a snobby golf course to feel fancy. There are gorgeous venues out there that don’t cost as much as the elite locations. Consider non-traditional venues like breweries or farms and rent or buy used items wherever you can.
4. The Dress
The price range of wedding gowns is drastic but you don’t have to spend a million dollars on a dress to look like a million bucks. Go vintage or second-hand–– brides typically wear their dress only once and most dresses will look brand new. Don’t tempt yourself with dresses that are beyond your budget and stick to dresses you can afford. There are countless wedding dresses on the market, you’re sure to say yes to one.
5. Dinner Style
Skip the plated dinner service and opt for a buffet or family style instead. A plated service involves more staff and more maintenance to run therefore, it will cost you more money. A good caterer doesn’t need a 4-course meal to impress your guests so you can save some money by choosing a more casual setting.
6. Bar Options
Don’t bust the budget with booze! At an open bar, people will drink what they’re offered and be happy with it. If you give them expensive options, they’ll all have expensive tastes. Limit the options at the bar if it comes with your venue or select your own drinks if you’re creating the bar yourself. You can still have variety to please everyone without the top-shelf liquor.
7. Hire Friends
Hire friends and family wherever you can. If your cousin plays guitar, see if they’ll play your ceremony music. If your friend is good at public speaking, ask them to officiate. It’ll be more sentimental having friends play important roles at your wedding and you’ll feel good giving them the money if you’re paying them. Mate rate applies!
8. In-Season Flowers
Choose in-season flowers for your bouquets and arrangements to help lower the cost. Buying local generally saves on shipping fees while also supporting the community. Remember: less is more–– you don’t need a garden, you just need flowers for tables and bouquets for the bridesmaids. Consider alternative like potted plants as well to keep costs down but botanicals up.
9. Wedding Cake
A simple cake is all you need if you need a cake at all. Nowadays, it’s common to skip the wedding cake and have other dessert instead. If you’re heart is set on tradition, ask one of your baking friends or find an independent baker that works from home. You’ll be amazed at the stunning cake options you can find without going to the wedding cake specialists with the hefty prices.
10. Party Favors
Many party favors are overpriced, cheesy, and wasteful. Don’t spend your money on unnecessary items with your names engraved on them. Instead, treat your guests with a delicious dessert spread or an edible gift they can take home and eat later. It’s also cool to skip the favors altogether now.
