For today’s post, I’m writing from the perspective of not only a past bride, but as a photographer. There are so many things I learned from my own wedding, and also from photographing about 100 weddings since I’ve started. I totally understand having a set amount of money to spend on your wedding day, and I thought it might be helpful to share five things that I feel like should be top priority for your wedding day! Knowing what is your priority for your wedding will greatly help you in determining what your overall budget is, and then how you are going to break it down!
- The bridal bouquet. This is going to be in SO many photos, and can be used to pull detail shots together as well as reception decor. It’s super versatile, so having a full bouquet (if that’s what you’re going for!) will be a really great spot to spend your money.
- A wedding planner. When you find the right fit, they are worth every penny. They can help give you so much of your life and time back when planning a wedding. They have tons of experience, and can help you plan everything exactly as you want it and still stay within your budget. Having a wedding planner there on the day of the wedding is also SUPER helpful! They can coordinate with other vendors and help keep everything moving smoothly! Depending on the venue (also important) you choose, they might already have an amazing planner built right in!
- Photography. You knew this one was coming.. I am a photographer after all 😉 Sure, you’ll still have your memories and the dress and the top of your cake once the day is over. But what about all the laughs you shared with your best friends while getting ready? Or the fact that you didn’t know it was going to be the last time you saw someone? Having photographs to capture all of this and more will be priceless and you’ll be so happy you invested in that years to come. It doesn’t matter how much you spend on this, but it DOES matter that you are 100% excited about their work and their relationship with you. Spending 10k on a photographer who doesn’t jive with you is not going to be worthwhile in the end. I’ll be sharing more on how to find the right photographer in just a few weeks!
- Entertainment. I had a mediocre DJ that came with the venue, and I jumped on it because I was trying to save some money. I really wish I had done research and picked a DJ myself. I loved my wedding day, but the reception was definitely lacking in a sense. So, whether you find an awesome DJ or a live band, do your research and find one that comes highly recommended! If you want your guests to be dancing and having a good time at your wedding, this is really crucial!
- A videographer. We didn’t have one. I wish we did. I can’t remember what our friends said in their toasts – I remember bits and pieces but over time even that will be hard to remember. I can’t remember the jokes we made when we were getting ready or having our portraits taken. I can’t remember how our live quartet sounded during the ceremony. I absolutely treasure my photographs, but having video of all of those things would have been so amazing. I know that if we have a vow renewal someday, I’m definitely finding a videographer.
- A bonus! The dress! You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on this if that isn’t your goal. but it is SO important to find a dress that you feel absolutely amazing in, because you’re wearing it allllll day and it’s going to be in a ton of photos! Make sure you can breathe, move, and that the girls are going to stay in 😉
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Linda is a Boston-based photographer specializing in weddings and creating family legacies. You can see more of her work online at lindabarryphotography.com, on Instagram, or on Facebook. If you want to reach out directly: linda@lindabarryphotography.com. To sign up for the monthly newsletter full of encouragement and real life, click here!
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