03/30/2024
ATTENTION ALL COUPLES!!!!….. there is some great advice here
Hi guys!
So today I want to talk about money (gross, I know) Specifically where to best spend your money and what to save on to achieve your dream wedding on a budget.
Where to spend your money:
✨First, and this is going to sound self-serving and obvious because of who is writing this post lol but invest in a PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER / MEDIA TEAM. Aside from your spouse, you get to take one thing with you from your wedding - your photos/video. A good media team will not only preserve the memories of your special day but they can take a backyard, budget wedding and make it feel like the high-end, magazine-worthy wedding you’ve been dreaming of.
If that doesn’t influence you, also know that an experienced photographer won’t just “take pretty pictures” they will also be responsible for a good portion of your timeline. You want someone experienced in all of the complex dynamics that make up a wedding day, someone that will keep you on track but also calm, so that you can enjoy your day.
✨Second, HIRE A COORDINATOR! I’m gonna say it louder for the people in the back.. lol but no seriously, this is one vendor that you absolutely want to have for your wedding. I’ve shot countless weddings where the family members are in charge of the day and even though they always have the best intentions, it rarely works out in the couple's favor. Having a coordinator is a godsend on your wedding day. They will take care of the logistics, vendors, the couples needs, they help keep your timeline on track, and so much more, basically they de-stress what could otherwise be a very stressful day. Weddings are so much work and require so much attention to detail to run smoothly, don’t put all that on Aunt Sharon. Hire a professional planner/coordinator.
✨Third, your VENUE. Now, I want to clarify by saying that you obviously don’t need to spend your life savings on an over-the-top venue to have a gorgeous wedding BUT it is worth spending more on if it meets the following needs: Does the venue offer extras that will actually save you time and money? (Tables, chairs, decor, linens, arch options, a rain/bad weather plan, planning assistance, vendor lists, etc.) Finding a venue that not only offers the look and location you want for your wedding but can actually take some of the planning, decorating, and various rental costs off your plate will be such an asset to you while you navigate the planning process.
✨Last, the DJ. I’ve heard so many clients say that they “just want someone to play music” Y’all I’ve worked with some amazing DJ’s, some not-so amazing DJ’s, and the groom’s ol’ buddy playing songs off an IPAD. I can promise you, the DJ is important!! They will set the tone of your reception. Now, not every family/friend group is going to be a dancing, party-down, kind of group and that is completely fine. But, if you are looking forward to your reception for the dancing… please, please hire a professional DJ who knows how to get the party started b/c nothing kills a reception faster than someone up there that doesn’t know what they’re doing.
🚨PRO TIP: No matter what vendors you choose for your wedding day definitely take the time to check references, read reviews, and especially for the vendors who will be present with you on your big day.. meet them and make sure their personality meshes well with yours. Some people are just not going to be for you and that is okay!
Where to save some money:
I definitely don’t want to upset any vendors with these, so I’ll preface by saying that obviously all of these options are great to have on your big day but if your a couple on a budget these are some ideas to consider.
✨First, and this one pains me a bit because I am such a lover of florals, but using fake over fresh flowers can definitely be a money saver!! Fake florals have come such a long way in look and quality in the past few years. I’ve shot weddings where I had no idea the flowers were fake until I actually went to touch them and that’s definitely a credit to all the florists and floral designers out there who do their jobs so well! So while fresh florals are lovely, using fake flowers can be a budget friendly option.
✨Second, wedding favors. It’s true, having wedding favors for your guests has become a common practice but honestly.. it’s just an added expense that, in my opinion, doesn’t add a lot of value to your day. If you don’t want to do away with gifting your guests completely, gift them with an experience like a Photo Booth! Photo booths at weddings are SO much fun for guests. It gives the ones who maybe don’t really enjoy dancing something to do and it provides everyone with a little take home photo to remember your wedding by.
✨Third, and I’m probably going to get some flack for this.. but maybe skip the giant wedding cake. Ya’ll I love cake lol I love to eat cake and I love photographing big, beautiful, ornate wedding cakes so if that’s your dream I will stand firmly behind you in that decision. However, if you are a couple on a budget, consider a small cake just for you and your significant other to cut and then serving cupcakes to your guests. It can be a cheaper option and has the added bonus of not having to either pay for a cake cutting service or giving a family member the task of doing it.
✨Last, Grand Exit props. Listen, I love a sparkler exit photo as much as the next gal but is it a must? No. I’ve shot lovely exits with just guests lined up cheering the couple on as they exited or for night time exits.. believe it or not, cell phone flash lights have worked extremely well too. Another option, if you’re having an outdoor wedding and the venue allows it, is to use the ceremony recessional for your grand exit photos. Get with your florist to see what the cheapest flower petal options are and have your guests toss them in the air as you walk back down the aisle, it’s literal perfection!
I really hope that was helpful to someone! As a wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience, I’ve learned a thing or two about what can make or break a wedding day. I want to start sharing that knowledge with all of you so periodically I’m going to be using this page to educate couples and photographers alike on how to have the best experience on a wedding day.
I hope you find it useful and if you ever have any specific questions or even topics you’d like me to cover in the future just drop it in the comments below and don’t forget to like + share!
Best,
Mercedes
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