When it comes to planning your wedding, every detail seems like the most important detail. However, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on everything.
Here are the areas The Champagne Bride suggests where you can “afford” to save vs where you will want to splurge:
SAVE!
- Cake
- While the cake is a fun part of the day, the sad part is many people don’t notice or remember it. The cake is typically placed on the dance floor, but guests are so focused on finding their seat that it often goes missed. Not to mention, the couple typically cuts the cake first thing and then it is whisked away – and only a few tables are usually close enough to appreciate it.
- Centerpieces
- We definitely recommend flowers as a center piece, but the best way to save is by adding a variety of centerpieces to compliment flowers. Popular options include floating candles or bird cages and some venues will allow you to bring in your own pieces if you’re crafty! Be sure to check your contract.
- Party Favors
- While party favors are a nice jester for guests, if you’re offering other plus-ups like open bar or late night snacks, there isn’t really a reason to stress out over adding party favors.
- Shoes
- It is not necessary to buy the most perfect wedding shoe that you will only wear once. There is something special about being able to wear them again, even after the wedding. Buy something that you can wear all night and feel feminine in. Looking for ideas? Read up on our “Shoes for Thought” post
SPLURGE!
- Hair/makeup
- Finding a vendor that can listen, recommend and execute your vision/style for hair and makeup is super important. You want to feel good in your own skin (and hair), especially when you are the star of the show.
- Photography/Videography
- Many photo/video places are expensive, so make sure to build that into your budget. We recommend you also see their sample work because there are a lot of different photo styles out there, that you will want to go with someone that matches your style. You will have these for a lifetime!
- DJ
- This guy or gal is going to keep/encourage your guests to be on the dance floor. If you have a DJ that cannot connect with the crowd, it could put a damper on the celebration. Make sure to ask a DJ company how their policy works – if you get to meet/select your exact DJ, if you can put together a “definitely play list” vs “don’t play” list so they know your music style, how they would combat requests that you simply do not want (such as the Chicken dance), what are their tactics for getting/keeping people on the dance floor, what comes standard in their package (such as uplighting) etc.
Hope this helps when prioritizing your dollar, so your can afford your Pinterest perfect wedding!
xoxo
The Champagne Bride
The Champagne Bride 