There is no denying that weddings cost a lot of money. So what do you do when your wedding budget cannot accommodate your wedding fantasy?
The natural inclination is to cut corners wherever you can, including cutting back on professional services. Sure, you will save money by hiring the least expensive vendors you can find or delegating wedding services to relatives and friends. But the old adage, “You get what you pay for,” really comes into play here.
Skimp on services and you could easily end up paying a bigger price in the end: lots of headaches and a wedding that’s memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Hiring a Professional DJ or Band
There are two things your guests will be talking about after your wedding: food and entertainment.
Entertainment is of paramount importance at a wedding. Proceed with caution when considering hiring the “friend of a friend” who has mixed at a club before. This person most likely does not have an understanding of how fragile a wedding can be. The band or DJ play a crucial role in moving your wedding timeline along and work closely with the other hired vendors to create a seamless reception.
Stylez Entertainment at West Hills Country Club Photo by Erin Peters Photography 2016
Professional bands and DJ’s will have professional grade equipment and experience in acting as the MC for the evening. They will know how to read a crowd and will quickly alter the music to suite the moment. So please, do yourself a favor and be sure to hire a reputable professional entertainer. This will save you major headaches down the road.
Wedding couple and party on the dance floor dancing to music provided by MSV Entertainment. Photo by EID Photography
Hiring a Professional Photographer
Photographs are the one item you will take with you when the wedding is all said and done. Seasoned wedding photographers do so much more than just take photos. Wedding photographers are skilled professionals that have a trained eye to be in the right place at the right time. Your cousin might have a fancy camera, but will they know how to handle difficult lighting situations such as bright sun, a dim church or candlelight?
A couple poses outside the wedding cottage at West Hills Country Club with floating candles in the reflection pool. Photo by Erin Peters Photography
There is more to photography than a high quality camera and only a skilled photographer can unlock the camera’s full potential. When one of life’s biggest moments is unfolding, don’t risk it. You have one shot, so leave the photography to the professionals.
Couple shares a special moment under a willow tree at West Hills Country Club. Photo by Cassondre Mae Photography
Hiring a Professional Florist
A stunning bridal bouquet doesn’t happen by coincidence. A reputable florist will make sure your flowers are bloomed to their optimum state and carefully hydrated to ensure longevity on your wedding day. The florist is also responsible for properly transporting and setting up your wedding centerpieces and ceremony decor. This can be especially important when you have an outdoor venue or are getting married on a hot day.
Floral centerpiece designed by Flowers by David Anthony. Photo by Montclair Studios Photography
The florist will ensure the flowers are kept cool as long as possible to prevent wilting in warm and humid weather.
A bride poses in the wedding cottage with her bouquet created by Flowers by David Anthony. Photo by Montclair Studios Photography
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