It is becoming for common for couples to pay for their own wedding day (and festivities leading up to the big day). Couples frequently ask where they can get the most bang for their buck regarding vendors. Hopefully the list below assists in answering this!
SPEND!
The first place that I will ALWAYS tell a couple to splurge on is their photographer. Be sure to find someone who does offer great deals, flexible packages and most importantly fits your style. Ask to see portfolio work (or seach for their website before meeting) and ask the photographer what they would describe their style as. Your pictures will be the most concrete memory you will have years down the road, so don’t be disappointed!
Another place that I advise to splurge a little for is the food. Your guests will use the food as a conversation piece during dinner courses. If your guests have to leave during the reception for a bite to eat, they will remember your wedding for the bad food!
Your DJ will keep your guests entertained while you mingle amongst the crowd. If the dancefloor is empty, your party will get boring quickly and people might start to leave early.
Flowers can also be a large topic of conversation over the day. From the bouquets to the centrepeices, you do not want droopy roses before dinner even begins! Be sure your florist understands what each type of flower can do under certain conditions (outdoor weddings, winter months etc.).
SAVE!
Invitations are something you can definately save money on if you understand the basics of computers. Look for sales and coupons to help you save even more. Be sure to use the included ‘test’ sheets before printing in large quantities or you might be left with a stack of mis printed invites!
Live Entertainment. I know in some cultures it is traditional to have live dancing of some sort. If you are including some sort of entertainment other then a DJ for your guests, remember this. The day is long and your guests don’t want to be sitting around watching a show when they would rather be dancing off the meal you just fed them!
Placecards / seating chart / table numbers – This is another category that you can handle yourself. There is no need to pay someone when you can task this task on a little at a time when your RSVPs start to arrive.
Videographer- I am speaking from experience here! I hummed and hawed for quite a long time whether or not I wanted to put money into this category. I am glad I went with my gut instinct and decided against having one. A family member ended up videographing my wedding and I have watched the DVD once in 4 years.
