I can't even tell you how many times we have been to a wedding where the couple skimped on some pretty important expenses, only to find they had splurged on some very non-essential things!
Here is how it happens: You get engaged, you're very excited, you're posting on social media and you start surfing wedding vendor websites. Then you get hit with the ads. And the Pinterest boards. And the cuteness overload everytime you step into Hobby Lobby.
Next thing you know, you have boxes of small wedding decor all set to move into the venue on your big day. It never seems like much of an investment because it was small amounts at a time, but if you added it all up, you'd be shocked!
Here some things that you should never purchase until you've booked all your ESSENTIAL vendors AND you know that you'll be able to pay them off:
1) Can Koozies - Are these still a thing? Yes. Are they needed? NO.
2) Signs - Yes they say something cute. Yes you have a 40% off coupon. No, you don't need it in order to have a successful wedding day.
3) Guest Favors - It can be fun to think that you hand made something for each and every guest, but really, the dinner and open bar is enough. If you are cutting your budget for an essential in order to have more money for guest favors, you're making a mistake.
4) Table Decor smaller than a Vase - Centerpieces do NOT, I repeat, do NOT need "accessories". Some of the most expensive weddings I've been to followed this rule: One small vase of flowers on each guest table. No candles. No photo frames. No beads, baubles, or any other "something" that requires extra cost.
5) Photobooth - I'm a Photobooth vendor. Take it from me, if getting a Photobooth means you won't have a Videographer, stop what you're doing and re-evaluate your life! Just kidding, but seriously, get the video. You and your guests can selfie instead of the fancy photobooth.
6) Catering Upgrades - This is not the only meal these people will ever eat. Most of them won't even remember it tomorrow. Get something that tastes good, but don't splurge on the extras.
7) Bar Upgrades - Same! Choose the most affordable Open Bar package available to you. Yes, I said Open Bar. If you're on a super tight budget and you MUST have a cash bar, make sure you note this in the invitation so guests are fully prepared.
8) Extra Time - Trust me, you're going to be worn out way earlier than you realize. Don't add DJ hours, Bar Hours, or Venue hours unless you REALLY REALLY REALLY need them. You can always extend the party with an after-party location announcement in the event that things really are still going strong for you at the end of the night. Otherwise, enjoy your wedding night free of utter exhaustion!
9) Extra Guests - If you don't have an unlimited budget, then you should not have an unlimited guest list. If a small wedding just isn't for you, you'll want to consider a very affordable venue/caterer/bar package so you don't find yourself with no money left for the rest of your essential vendors!
So what are the Essential Vendors that I think you SHOULD splurge on?
You should first budget for your favorite vendors who will be preserving your day regardless of where your wedding is or what color the bridesmaids gowns are, etc:
Photography
Videography
Next, you need really some great entertainment so you and your guests have an awesome party:
DJ or Band
Once you know what those will cost you, then you can divide up the rest of your budget and figure
out these:
Venue
Caterer
Bar
And what about the dress? This is another one of those items that is all over the place. Some weddings with really small budgets have had the most expensive dresses, and vice versa. If having a designer gown is going to bring you immense joy on your wedding day, then you will want to figure that in before you do anything else. The great thing is, the dress is one of the most flexible expenses because you can purchase online gowns, used gowns, gown rentals, etc!
Here is how it happens: You get engaged, you're very excited, you're posting on social media and you start surfing wedding vendor websites. Then you get hit with the ads. And the Pinterest boards. And the cuteness overload everytime you step into Hobby Lobby.
Next thing you know, you have boxes of small wedding decor all set to move into the venue on your big day. It never seems like much of an investment because it was small amounts at a time, but if you added it all up, you'd be shocked!
Here some things that you should never purchase until you've booked all your ESSENTIAL vendors AND you know that you'll be able to pay them off:
1) Can Koozies - Are these still a thing? Yes. Are they needed? NO.
2) Signs - Yes they say something cute. Yes you have a 40% off coupon. No, you don't need it in order to have a successful wedding day.
3) Guest Favors - It can be fun to think that you hand made something for each and every guest, but really, the dinner and open bar is enough. If you are cutting your budget for an essential in order to have more money for guest favors, you're making a mistake.
4) Table Decor smaller than a Vase - Centerpieces do NOT, I repeat, do NOT need "accessories". Some of the most expensive weddings I've been to followed this rule: One small vase of flowers on each guest table. No candles. No photo frames. No beads, baubles, or any other "something" that requires extra cost.
5) Photobooth - I'm a Photobooth vendor. Take it from me, if getting a Photobooth means you won't have a Videographer, stop what you're doing and re-evaluate your life! Just kidding, but seriously, get the video. You and your guests can selfie instead of the fancy photobooth.
6) Catering Upgrades - This is not the only meal these people will ever eat. Most of them won't even remember it tomorrow. Get something that tastes good, but don't splurge on the extras.
7) Bar Upgrades - Same! Choose the most affordable Open Bar package available to you. Yes, I said Open Bar. If you're on a super tight budget and you MUST have a cash bar, make sure you note this in the invitation so guests are fully prepared.
8) Extra Time - Trust me, you're going to be worn out way earlier than you realize. Don't add DJ hours, Bar Hours, or Venue hours unless you REALLY REALLY REALLY need them. You can always extend the party with an after-party location announcement in the event that things really are still going strong for you at the end of the night. Otherwise, enjoy your wedding night free of utter exhaustion!
9) Extra Guests - If you don't have an unlimited budget, then you should not have an unlimited guest list. If a small wedding just isn't for you, you'll want to consider a very affordable venue/caterer/bar package so you don't find yourself with no money left for the rest of your essential vendors!
So what are the Essential Vendors that I think you SHOULD splurge on?
You should first budget for your favorite vendors who will be preserving your day regardless of where your wedding is or what color the bridesmaids gowns are, etc:
Photography
Videography
Next, you need really some great entertainment so you and your guests have an awesome party:
DJ or Band
Once you know what those will cost you, then you can divide up the rest of your budget and figure
out these:
Venue
Caterer
Bar
And what about the dress? This is another one of those items that is all over the place. Some weddings with really small budgets have had the most expensive dresses, and vice versa. If having a designer gown is going to bring you immense joy on your wedding day, then you will want to figure that in before you do anything else. The great thing is, the dress is one of the most flexible expenses because you can purchase online gowns, used gowns, gown rentals, etc!
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