6 Areas to Spend in a Wedding

As my best friend is planning her wedding, I’m doing a lot of reflecting back on mine and what advice I'd give to any soon-to-be bride. I have seen a TON of wedding shows and I had a pretty good idea of what I did and didn’t want, and what areas make the most impact to both the guests and the hosts.

There’s a lot that goes into a wedding, and it can get overwhelming, especially when it comes to the budget and trying to balance it all. Here are the areas that I’d recommend putting in more effort, time, and money to get right:

1. The Photography

This is NOT the area to experiment with your cousin’s neighbor’s photography dreams.

This is your wedding day. You will want amazing photos, after all, you’re putting a lot of money and energy into this day. You will want to remember it well and be able to show the photos to friends and family that weren’t able to make it to the wedding.

I’m telling you this from personal experience, spend more on a quality photographer. Make sure to vet them yourself, don't leave this up to someone else to choose, even if they're offering to pay for it.

Look at their work ahead of time. Meet with them and ask them questions about their style. You do not want to realize what a bum you hired on the day of - You’ll have plenty of other things to worry about.

2. The Food

As a guest, the meal is one of the most anticipated pieces of a wedding.

Everyone remembers if the food is bad. Make sure that either you’ve tasted the menu ahead of time, or that you’ve had some food from the company that is catering.

My suggestion when planning out the food is to have buffet style so everyone can choose what they want, and how much. Sure, it’s not quite as fancy as having a wait staff set it down in front of your guests, but wasted food that you pay for is a HUGE bummer. Also, your guests will be excited that they get to pick it out themselves.

Another perspective on this one: You and your spouse are going to be starving by the time the meal is served. You’re going to be running around all morning getting ready. At the wedding you’re going to force smiles for hours while having cameras pointed at you and every guest carefully watching. You’ll be constantly talking to friends and family that came long distances to see you both. Sitting down to eat will be one of the few moments of peace you will get on your wedding day. Get the good food.

3. The Drinks

Open bar? Cash bar?

This tends to be one of the bigger debates about the wedding planning. It’s certainly cheaper for the people planning the wedding to have the guests cover the costs of their own beverages, but guests came to celebrate with you, not shell out an additional cost. Your dress and schedule may be the most important things to you, but your guests came to celebrate with the food and drinks.

If you’re concerned about all your guests getting a little too rowdy on liquor, there is a happy-medium that saves your wallet and still makes guests happy. You can cover the cost of beer and wine, and have harder alcohol available for paying customers. (This is the route I personally took and I didn't hear a single complaint about it- guests were just as happy to get free beer)

Whatever option you choose, be sure to put it on the wedding information ahead of time. Showing up to a bar that you have to pay at without money is a quick end to the night.

4. Bridal hair and makeup

I was fortunate enough to have two hair stylists in the family that did my hair and each of the bridesmaids, and a cousin that is excellent with makeup. Had that not been the case for me, this would have been an area that I’d throw money at.

I am not fluent in makeup or hair. Since there’s not only photographic evidence of the day, but all eyes are constantly going to the bride, (and as the bride you will be all over the place that day) it’s not a bad idea to put your best face forward. If you don’t have talented people you trust to help with this, invest in it.

5. The Music

If it’s possible to create a playlist and hook it up at the reception space, great. This is not always available and music sets the atmosphere for the whole party. It’s an easy win to get good music, and to have someone not involved in the wedding managing the music.

6. The Videography

Not everyone wants video of the day and that’s fine.

However, if you do, get a good videographer. You’ll want to look back on the day with pride and romance. For the average person, this is as close to starring in a fairy tale movie that you’ll get. Also, it's a nice thing to share with the friends and family members that wanted to be there, but couldn't make it.

Do a little research ahead of time, ask for suggestions, and get the right professional for the job.

At the end of it all, keep in mind you’re putting together a big party to celebrate your union. Think about what you’d want most as a guest showing up, and what things will live on beyond that day. Make amazing memories and capture them beautifully.

If you’re looking for top areas to save on your wedding, you can find that post here.

If the planning process is overwhelming, but you find yourself doing most of it, here’s my advice for that.

Congratulations on the big day, be sure to savor it.