Wedding planning can get expensive quickly. Planning a reasonable budget is challenging, but it doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice what you want. Experiment with your wedding budget and prioritize some expenses over others. Evaluate must-haves for your wedding and the possibility of some DIY. 

Balancing DIY and Going All Out

Consider DIY options for aspects like decorations, centerpieces, and party favors. Decorations tend to be much more affordable when you make them yourself or buy someone else’s used décor. Floral arrangements and table settings tend to get costly quickly. Think about flower alternatives, like other plants or natural décor. Asking your party to help DIY some things makes for a great bonding experience. DIYing part of your wedding is a great idea to stick to your budget and gives you the control to plan the decorations to your taste. Check out this Pinterest board for more ways to DIY!

Make sure that you have some expenses set aside to not skimp on what’s important to you at your wedding. Entertainment for your guests is essential for wedding day success. You want to make sure your guests are engaged and making memories at your wedding. Plan for a highly rated DJ who has experience with weddings. People will remember the music and energy, so you want someone who delivers what you want. Other ideas for guest engagement to go all-out include photo booths, games, or even fireworks!  

3 Things Not To Skimp on at Your Wedding 

There are so many critical elements to a wedding that relies more on the DJ, the entertainment, or decorations. Here are three things that are worth putting in the extra money for your memorable day. 

The Venue 

The venue can make or break your wedding. While touring the venue, envision your table and catering layout, the lighting, and how your wedding pictures will look in this setting. Ask about the capacity the space holds and plan to have extra room. Opting for a nicer venue means you may have the opportunity to work with an event coordinator. The service tends to be better because these venues are prepared to or even made specifically to host weddings. Additionally, a charming venue means you can sometimes save on decorations. 

Catering

People will always talk about the food, even after your wedding has come and gone. That’s why it’s essential to spend a good portion of your budget on quality catering. In your search, consider your favorite restaurants that fulfill wedding catering. If you are hosting several hundred guests, research wedding caterers in your area with excellent reviews. Compare the pricing with what you’ll receive, and order more food than you think you will need. Make sure you ask your guests about any special dietary restrictions and accommodate them by including options in your menu for them. 

A Great Photographer 

One of the most significant aspects of your wedding is the photographer. When you look back on your big day, you will want excellent pictures to illustrate the excitement. This person is responsible for capturing some of the most cherished memories of your life, and you want to get it right the first time. Spend time researching photographers who have had experience photographing weddings and with excellent reviews. Additionally, find someone energetic and focused on capturing all the elements of your day. You only get one shot for these pictures, and a low-quality photographer won’t capture the magic you want for your special day. Don’t skimp on a wedding photographer!

There are definitely things you can DIY at your wedding but think about spending the extra money for a quality venue, caterer, and photographer. These are huge things that will make your wedding special for you and your guests. If you want more tips on wedding planning, check out my eBook, The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography for Newly Engaged Couples. If you’d like to book a free call with me to chat about your wedding photography, you can do so here. I’ll be with you every step of the way. 

About Harry McLaughlin Photography

I take pride in creating a fun environment and connecting with vendors so that everything can run smoothly on your big day. I’ll be with you every step of the way. From engagement shoots to day-of photos, you can rest easy knowing I’ll give you the photos you’ve always dreamed of. When you book with me, you’ll get a custom experience unlike any other. Let’s create special moments together! Fill out this form to get started.