Wedding Blog

Unless you are a celebutante or you're marrying a rock star (I'll take Justin Timberlake, please! That boy can shake a tailfeather. I'd like to be his Mrs. Robinson if you know what I - oops, forgot where I was. Sorry, loving husband…), you probably need to adhere to some budget restrictions when planning your big day. Some of us must tighten the old belt a little bit more than others, and it's our goal at mywedding.com to help you figure out how to do so comfortably, and without sacrificing an ounce of style. I have categorized a few areas where I believe that it's often necessary to spend a lot in order to get the highest possible quality, because there are certain things that truly require an expert's approach. I've also listed some other wedding day budget-busters that I believe can be avoided with the use of a little creativity, with an end result as good as if you had paid top dollar.

Where To Spend Your Dough:

The Photographer
This is a once-in-a-lifetime event (I hope), and you want to make sure that your special moments are captured beautifully and with an artful touch. It is worth doing plenty of research on photographers available in your area, and choosing the one whose perspective and past work most closely reflects your taste. Be sure to communicate openly with the photographer about the style of pictures you prefer (candids vs. posed photos, black and white, artsy, etc.) and other specifics well before the day so that you're sure to end up with the shots you want. Depending on where you are a great photographer might cost a pretty penny, but when you're showing your wedding album to your grandkids in 40 years you'll be glad you anteed up for the very best.

Your Wedding Planner
If you choose to hire a wedding planner, that person should be worthy of the trust that you place in them, since you will virtually hand over the reigns en route to this monumental event. If they do not do their job properly, it can lead to monster headaches will cause you to go Bridal in no time. For this reason, you should hire an experienced professional who can provide you with stellar recommendations from past clients, and it's probable that you will have to pay for their qualifications.

Tunes
Whether you're going to use a DJ or a live band, the music definitely shapes the mood of your reception. Think about it: Do you want a college kid doing a weekend gig to be in charge of your wedding soundtrack? You are running a serious risk of MC Smoothguy helping himself to a few rum and cokes and blasting 'Baby Got Back' during your first dance with your new spouse. Trust me, you will be happy that you spent some extra bucks to avoid this situation.

Where You Can Save By Doing or Delegating, or Simply Being Resourceful:

Wedding Favors and Gifts for Attendants
These are meant to be tokens of your gratitude, not lavish gifts. They should reflect generosity of spirit rather than pocketbook, so get crafty and spend wisely here. Simple favors that will be useful to your guests will be appreciated much more that expensive knick-knacks with your names plastered all over them.

Wedding Programs
My husband and I decided not to have programs at all for our small ceremony, which in retrospect was a mistake. I would like to have one as a keepsake, if nothing else. Also, as a wedding guest, I like having a program to refer to. That being said, I think that programs can be done simply and elegantly without being expensive. You can easily do them yourself if you have the time, and if you don't they can be done at an office supply store or copier (such as Kinko's) without the price tag of a fancy stationer.

Table Centerpieces
I am certain that there are creative ways to make your centerpieces unique and gorgeous without breaking the bank on them. From colorful fruit to floating foliage, I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve so stay tuned for an article devoted entirely to them. In the meantime, don't let anyone talk you into decorating with diamond-encrusted ice sculptures.