Weddings are expensive. So you’re probably looking for ways to save money while planning your big day. Some wedding expenses are easy to cut, but there are other things you don’t want to skimp on.
While you can still find savings in these wedding expenses, these are somewhere you’ll want to leave plenty of room in your budget to make sure things go according to plan. After all, there’s being frugal. And there’s being so cheap it causes problems that make your wedding day feel more like a nightmare.
1. Your Photographer
While you don’t have to spend a small fortune on a wedding photographer, it’s a good idea to hire a professional.
Your guests might take wonderful candids, but those should only be a supplement. At the very least, you should have a pro take your more formal pictures. You could have them do only that if you need to cut costs without skimping on quality where it matters most.
After all, these photos are going to capture your wedding day and help you keep those memories alive forever.
2. Your Reception Menu
Again, you don’t want to skimp when it comes to food, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still save money. Prioritize choosing a professional caterer with the knowledgeable staff and equipment to keep your reception’s food flowing (and safe).
To save, rather than hiring a cheaper caterer, consider cutting a course, like dessert, instead of going for lower quality. After all, you wouldn’t want your guests’ biggest memory of your wedding to be getting food poisoning.
3. Your Wedding Limo
If you plan to have a limo take you to the ceremony or reception (or both), don’t skimp when hiring a limousine service.
What could be worse than showing up late to your own wedding because the limo broke down or the driver got lost? Choose a transportation company with a good reputation in your area, and make sure they’re properly licensed and insured.
4. Your Wedding Cake
Much like the food for your reception, your wedding cake should be of a certain standard. If you need to cut costs do it by skipping fillings, choosing a smaller cake, or swapping frosting for fondant.
That said, don’t skimp by choosing a cheap, amateur baker. Even though your friend who loves baking makes delicious pies, they probably aren’t up to the task of building a cake that’s big enough to feed an entire wedding party.
5. Your DJ or Entertainment
A DJ might not sound like one of the most important wedding expenses you’ll have, but they (or your other entertainment) could be. These are the people who are going to keep your guests entertained while you make the rounds, and they’ll help you create memories like your first dance.
Stick with hiring experienced pros to DJ your reception. And make sure they have a reputation for showing up on time, having an engaging personality or style, and having reliable equipment.
Avoid last-minute disasters by making sure you have pros on your team when it really counts. Not skimping on these expenses will help you have the wedding day you’ve always wanted.
