What's worth the splurge?

RaeRae1126 · April 2011

My FI and I are about a year out, and we're trying to narrow down all the vendors, put deposits down, etc. I'm finding it hard to figure out what's worth splurging on and where we can save money and probably not miss anything. We're not nailed into a specific budget but we're both pretty practical and dont want to go crazy and overspend. So...what do you ladies think is worth paying more for? The photographer, videographer...dj or venue...or food?

JessieR933 · April 2011

I would say get a good photographer. Other than that it is really up to you and your taste. I spend the most money on the venue, photographer and then food. After that I looked for good deals and good reviews for DJs, cakes and flowers.

twilight.rose · April 2011

The photographer is definitely worth the splurge, since your photos are all you really have to remember the day once it's over. Every penny we spent on photography was well worth it.

Other than that, as PP said, it's really personal preference. Different things are important to different couples. FWIW, some of my biggest splurges were my dress, our reception location, and the bar. Best of luck in your planning!

impslave · April 2011

I would agree with PP, photography is a key element to any wedding. That said, we didn't spend extra, our ceremony photographs were included in our chapel package, but the did turn out very nice.

We defiantely splurged on the reception dinner. It was very important to H and I that our guests enjoyed the food and had a nice time.

RoMy215 · April 2011

As pp's said - photographer was worth all the money we paid.
FWIW...it would have been fine if I had done my own hair & make up, but I'm so glad I had pros for that (both gifts). Also, we did not hire a DOC, but from what everyone has said, if I had it to do over, I think I'd look into one. Our venue had one, but I think they are really there to coordinate the venue if that makes sense. I'm also glad we didn't splurge on expensive programs. I saw several in the trash in the restroom.

Jenni83 · April 2011

The photographer is definitely worth the splurge.I also think the Venue is worth spending the money on....

RaeRae1126 · April 2011

Thanks ladies. It makes total sense that the photographer would be worth spending more on. I guess with all the vendors I'm trying to comb through I lost sight of what I'd be most excited about AFTER the wedding...the photos!

adrinkard · April 2011

Photographer, hands down. You'll want someone good that will take photos you'll cherish forever.

scottswife1106 · April 2011

The photographer and, for me, the flowers. They were beautiful!

tayylor65 · April 2011

Photographer was important but to an extent. We met with ppl who cost $2000, $5000, and everywhere in between. Ours is around $2500 with photo rights and IMO is just as good as the photographer who was $5000, she just hasn't shot for National Geographic Magazine in other countries...yet. That being said I don't know if photography was a splurge?

We mostly wanted to ensure the reception was memorable so we're paying twice as much for a live band rather than a DJ and also splurged on the caterer. Our venue is pricey but it equalizes the florist expense--we didn't need any more flowers/decorations around the venue than the basic ceremony pieces and table centerpieces.

You'll see how things have a way of equalizing a lot. If I were you I'd get a general idea of the costs of all the various vendors you're looking at in your area to get a better idea of what to expect.

ekutlus · April 2011

We also wanted to splurge on the DJ. We went to a wedding that the DJ was just awful and we did not want a repeat of that!

RaeRae1126 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-recap-withdrawal_whats-worth-splurge?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:12Discussion:16a55ebc-f96f-4be4-aef7-e9fa4fec795aPost:b79487aa-35c1-4c7b-bcea-a809b7fac9fb">Re: What's worth the splurge?</a>:
[QUOTE]Photographer was important but to an extent. We met with ppl who cost $2000, $5000, and everywhere in between. Ours is around $2500 with photo rights and IMO is just as good as the photographer who was $5000, she just hasn't shot for National Geographic Magazine in other countries...yet. That being said I don't know if photography was a splurge? We mostly wanted to ensure the reception was memorable so we're paying twice as much for a live band rather than a DJ and also splurged on the caterer. Our venue is pricey but it equalizes the florist expense--we didn't need any more flowers/decorations around the venue than the basic ceremony pieces and table centerpieces. You'll see how things have a way of equalizing a lot. If I were you I'd get a general idea of the costs of all the various vendors you're looking at in your area to get a better idea of what to expect.
Posted by tayylor65[/QUOTE]

<div>This makes alot of sense to me. Thanks for the advice =)</div>

Theresa626 · April 2011

for me, number one is the venue, number two the food and number three the music/dj. But, for you it might be different. Also, a DJ costs way less than a photographer so skimping on a photographer could hurt you more than skimping on a dj.

Magdala9 · April 2011

The items that is worth the splurge is the item that the two of you most care about.

For each couple that will be different.

We splurged on a great caterer (big foodies) and special shoes (ball room shoes as we did a showcase dance). We were also married in a historic ballroom.

We skipped the bouquet toss/garter toss, the aisle runner (tripping hazard), the limosine, the special toasting flutes, special cake cutting set, candy bar, elaborate table numbers, and harpist for the ceremony. We had a DJ instead of a band and I did my own hair. The trick is to invest your money wisely without being swept up into the hype from the industry.

bridetobemo · April 2011

For me the biggest things worth splurging on were the photographer and videographer, like PPs said after the big day those are really all you have to remember it by. Next obviously is location, so it looks great in your photos and video

Soon2BeMrsTing · April 2011

Most of our funds went to the photographer, the venue and the FOOD. Friends provided videography and DJ services on my laptop.

[Deleted User] · April 2011

Photography, food, venue and alcohol.

mattycam · April 2011

It makes sense that the biggest splurge would be the photography.

We got a great deal on a great photographer (we had 2 - one was a family friend-no charge, the other was a professional) so it wasn't our largest expense. Our largest expense was the venue/food and videographer. I am so glad we had a videographer because while the pictures are great to cherish the moments and look back, it's great to watch and "re-live" the whole day and see things that you didn't get to see.

rainedrop6 · April 2011

My DH and I both agree that having the DOC was the best wedding decision we ever could have made and worth every penny.

cmstrauch · April 2011

My wedding is in 55 days. And I look at this huge pile of stuff I bought for the wedding...and now I regret a lot of it. My advice to you: GO SLOW. Trust me, there are 10 thousand things out there people will try to sell you. 95% you do not need. I can't believe how much crap I have collected for this one day.

Things people will remember:

1. The Cake
2. The Food
3. The Pictures

Everything else is negotiable.

klablanc18 · April 2011

Photographer, hands down. Everything else, you can get amazing deals on if you just look around a bit. Next, I would say the food and the cake.

Just remember, this is *YOUR* wedding... not anyone else's. No one should be able to tell you what you "need" for your wedding. I had silk flowers, I put together my own centerpieces, and there was no bar, but my guests had a great time regardless. Various venders will try to get you to buy this and that.... go with what you really feel you want and don't let yourself be pressured into getting something that you don't feel you need.

landsear · April 2011

I disagree about a photographer. I mean, you should not get the cheapest person on the market, however how often do you really look at your wedding pictures after your first year of marriage? The pictures are fun to look at at such, but not enough 'looking at' is worth splurging on your pictures that you could splurge on other things at your wedding to have your guests have a better time, such a a great DJ or bank, and delicious food. My cousins wedding was on NYE, she spent $$$ on her photographer, however the sound system and cake were terrible, and that is what people are remembering about her wedding.

lisab613 · April 2011

RaeRae, I would say, since you have the benefit of some time, really look around a lot to get the best bang for your buck. find a venue first and then shop around a lot for everything else. like a pp said, spending a lot of money on a photographer might not get you the "best" photographer or one who takes a style you like.
for us, we focused on making sure our guests would have a great time. we spent more on the cake and went with cheaper flowers, b/c we thought that was more enjoyable for people. we found a really good DJ and were pretty specific about our tastes.
check out your local board for reccs, that's how i found my florist and she is AWESOME!
good luck to you!

koriginale11 · April 2011

alcohol alone can cost a pretty penny (def one of our splurges). depending on your food -- buffet? served (another splurge)? choice? place? location(s)? parking? (our venue is valet only and charged per person, even if they don't drive) yes, photographers can be expensive. it really depends. my one brother had me as their photographer w disposables at each table (some priceless pics by the way), another had 2 photographers w a videographer... (we semi splurged here, but we also had a family member funding it w a budget) flowers can quickly add up. you can save by seeing what your venue/caterer has for your use, going to places like michaels crafts and hobby lobby will save you a decent sum too. its all the components added up that do the damage. your dress and accessories. his attire is certainly cheaper, but still another cost. the rings. i made a list that i continually added to as the thoughts came to me of what i wanted and i altered it as i figured out a better idea as to price and went from there.

RaeRae1126 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-recap-withdrawal_whats-worth-splurge?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:12Discussion:16a55ebc-f96f-4be4-aef7-e9fa4fec795aPost:bb2954fa-a234-4105-b5b3-5858e23af61f">Re: What's worth the splurge?</a>:
[QUOTE]RaeRae, I would say, since you have the benefit of some time, really look around a lot to get the best bang for your buck. <strong>find a venue first and then shop around a lot for everything else. </strong>like a pp said, spending a lot of money on a photographer might not get you the "best" photographer or one who takes a style you like. for us, we focused on making sure our guests would have a great time. we spent more on the cake and went with cheaper flowers, b/c we thought that was more enjoyable for people. we found a really good DJ and were pretty specific about our tastes. check out your local board for reccs, that's how i found my florist and she is AWESOME! good luck to you!
Posted by lisab613[/QUOTE]

<div>Thanks...this is actually what we're gonna do. We finally found a venue we love, and booked it. Since we're still a year way, I can take a little longer to search for good deals on the rest. I agree that what's most expensive wont necessarily be the best quality or even what we need...so I think I just need to take some time to consider what's really important.
<div>
</div></div>

thealphabride · April 2011

I love all the answers here. What each couple finds important in their wedding elements is what they should budget a bit more for, and you can eleminate things that don't mean anything to you.

I paid for my whole wedding with Hubby's help, we are both frugal. He paid 1/3 and I paid 2/3. That included the honeymoon too. When you are paying for your own wedding you'd be surprised at how quicky some things become un- important when you see the price!!!!

I agree with a few of the other posters on a few things: Photography is important, but TO ME it wasn't 5K worth of important. I agree with: "how many times will you really look at your pics"? A lot when you first get them, and you want to have some nice images to frame etc. Maybe go back every year or so on your anniversary, but as time marches on and you have a home and kids, not so much....

I wanted certain things. A very nice venue. beautiful flowers, good music. good food, and bar. I found a way to have everything I wanted in my budget by eliminating, doing DIY or cheaping out completely on one use items like toasting flutes (got some cute one's at Good Will) I also packed my hubby's favorite beer glass and had them set it at his place setting.

We used the caterers cake cutting device. I didn't do formal transportation (we were in the same location for wedding and reception and I didn't care how I got to the venue, my family all have very nice cars) No bouquet toss, had a great DJ for the wedding and had my friend sing, so I didn't use any formal musicians. No candy bar, or photo booth, or table cameras, late night snacks or even appetizers at the cocktail hour (we served a huge dinner at dinner time 6pm) No bouquet toss, I did buy a garter at Michaels for 2.50. that I wore. I had a simple cake that tasted wonderful with buttercream and was decorated with flowers since I got the cake from my caterer it saved on a separate delivery charge that a bakery would have charged to bring the cake to my venue.

My florist did double duty with some of my ceremony flowers and reused them at the reception. I kept my bridal party SMALL. 2 attendants each side, that saved on gifts. (and drama:)

I DIY'd gorgeous invitations, addressed them myself. My hubby did all of my escort cards and programs at a cost of about maybe 20 bucks and they were gorgerous. Beautiful Paper is key here.

I was glad I had prof make up and hair. AND I highly suggest having VIDEO. I liked this much more than the photos although I got some GREAT PHOTOs on a serious budget.

I put more money into the things I wanted and that people remember: Venue, food and bar, Decor and my attire. They remember if the bride was beautiful, was the food plentiful and good as well as the booze and did they have a good time at the party. I don't even remember the cake at my sisters wedding or what shoes I wore. Think of past weddings you have been to and what you remember because sometimes that helps you decide.

When all was said and done, I had many guests tell me it was the classiest wedding they'd ever been to.

Good Luck!

aesisson88 · April 2011

For me, we knew our photographer since HS so he was cheap so our splurge will be our venue. It is exactly what we wanted and so far has been worth it... Ill let you know in a week LOL

marinabreeze · April 2011

I think that to a degree, the photography is important. You want someone reputable and good at what they do. You do want to have photos of the day, because those do last past the wedding day and can be keepsakes that last longer than you do.

At the same time, after you're married a while, you don't spend all your time looking at them either. I know a lot of photographers say it's an "investment," but investments appreciate, photos simply don't. So in short, I think photography is probably most important, but there is a balance even with this, IMO.

Beyond this, it depends on the person. We will splurge on cake, for one. My cake baker is not the cheapest, but she's a veteran that's highly recommended, she has some flavors we like (such as chocolate chip cake, lemon poppyseed cake, and Bailey's buttercream icing) and her cakes taste super awesome. And depending on our final guest count, we may splurge on the bar (upgrade from beer/wine to full bar).

Everything else we've chosen to scale back or look for deals. My dress ended up being close to half off the normal price so I saved there. The ceremony will be held at an arboretum complete with flowery shrubs, and I am considering DIY WP flowers since I think spending thousands for florals that won't last past the day is insane. Our reception venue includes tables, chairs, and formal linens, and they are only charging for food. It's owned by the county park district and they don't charge nor accept gratuity, so we got a really good deal at $31/pp all-inclusive for a two-meat, three-side buffet reception including unlimited beer/wine and a full range of non-alcoholic drink service. My FI is having a friend who is an up-and-coming DJ do the music for our reception.

Since you're just getting into planning, PPs are right, make sure you don't just get anything and everything just because people say it's necessary. I found that there's really not a lot that's "necessary" and it depends on the couple as to what is and isn't important. Don't let potential vendors tell you differently, because they will try! GL!

crushme8602 · April 2011

A good DJ should be able to make your party a blast and engage all of your guests.

A good videographer is going to be there to capture your big day- including what was said (ceremony), and all of the things that you probably wont even see! Plus, then you will have something you can actually sit down and watch - as often as you'd like. We were going to skip the videographer to save money, and are glad we didn't.

Dayna3773 · May 2011

#1 - we've already established as the photog.
#2 - the cake. People walk away remembering the food, the dress, the DJ, and the cake. The week after the wedding no one remembers the readings or what the unity candle looked like. But the cake - they'll remember that one for a while!

Mandalynn9112 · May 2011

I say the venue, flowers/decor, cake and photos are what you'll want to splurge on. I never remember what people serve for dinner at weddings. To me the more memorable things are what the flowers were and how spacious and pretty the venue was and of course the cake or dessert. You want to splurge on photos as well because its what you'll have left to remember your big day.

What's worth the splurge?

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