My Top Three Wedding Splurges

You’ve dreamed about your wedding day since you were a little girl. You have hundreds upon hundreds of ideas saved to your Pinterest board. He just proposed and you have a ring on your finger! That means one thing: it’s time to actually bring those daydreams to life!!

Figuring out how you want to allocate your budget can be overwhelming. Girl, I get it! There are tons of suggested budget breakdowns floating around out there. I believe that there is a reason for that! Every couple is unique and has different priorities.

For that reason, I always suggest that my clients come up with a list of three things they absolutely want for their day and plan their budget around that list! This really allows you to get the most out of your budget! Everyone has different preferences but I wanted to share the top three things that I would want to splurge on for a wedding!

Photography

Photographs have always been something that are extremely important to me. I think it came from my mom’s desire to have photographs to look back on as we were growing up to relive memories and see how things have changed. I used to hate when she made us take a photo every 20 minutes on vacation. But, now that I am older, I truly appreciate all the trouble my mom went through to get us to pretend like it was the best day of our lives even though I didn’t want my picture taken! My love for pictures have caused me to be a bit of a photography snob. I have a particular style that I like (natural light and airy) and only want the best quality images. For this reason, I would splurge on hiring a professional photographer who has a consistent shooting style. So many people claim to be photographers but have little experience in posing, lighting, and edits are all over the place. To ensure that you have a final product that you’ll be satisfied with, I always suggest to hire someone who can provide lots of experience and a portfolio. Do your research. Find someone you like, get to know them and their business, and schedule an engagement session! It’s so important to feel comfortable and confident with your photographer! You’ll be spending most of your wedding day with them (:

Videography

Okay, I have a confession… I’m a sucker for a good wedding video. I think I cry every time I watch one :’) Maybe I’m just emotional or really love love stories but I think a wedding video is the perfect way to capture your day in real time!! I’m not just talking about a video camera set up at the end of the aisle for the ceremony. Wedding videographers capture detail, getting ready, first look, bridal party, ceremony, and reception shots! They allow you to relive the day over and over again. My favorite videos include letters to your significant other that are read as video clips are shown on the screen!!

Attire

Every bride wants to feel confident and beautiful on their wedding day! For this reason, I would splurge on the dress, ring, and beauty categories! When it’s 20 years down the road, you don’t want to look back and think “I wish I wouldn’t have worn that terrible dress” or “Wow! What was I thinking when I decided to do my own hair + makeup!” Spend a little extra money on the dress of your dreams, the band you REALLY like but think is a little pricy, and a professional to pamper you because weddings only happen once. You won’t regret it!

Here’s your homework:

Sit down with your significant other. Both come up with a list of 3 things you really want at you wedding. Everyone has differing priorities and that OKAY! Share them with each other and work together to craft a budget that works for Y’ALL and your vision!!