Was It Worth The Spend?

Nov 22

I polled some of my recent couples and asked what was “worth the spend” on their wedding day and what were some things that weren’t really worth it in the end.Here’s what I gathered from chatting with them.

1.Flowers + Decor

This one always gets mixed reviews. There are people, like me, who LOVE florals and all the details. There is no such thing as “ too many flowers” for us and there’s no such thing as a detail that’s “ too small to matter”. We love them all. There are also people who don't. That’s okay. There is no right or wrong answer here. No one can tell you what’s right for you two. In the end there are a few things to keep in mind when you are designing your day:

Pick a design that feels right to you. If you are a minimalist there are ways to stay true to that while also looking elegant. Likewise, if you are a maximalist, there are designs out there for you as well.
Decide on a budget and do your best to stick to it. By doing so you can continue to love the design you've chosen instead of being filled with dread. If you're going over budget and it's creating stress you may come to have negative feelings about your day and that's the last thing we want.
Let it go. Just like the Disney song says. Just let it go. This one is HUGE. You have to know that the florals will die, the candles will burn out + and glasses will break. It's part of it. While you can certainly talk to your florist/planner about donating your florals and selling your glassware after the fact, in the end, you just have to let it go on the big day. Look around, take a mental picture, enjoy what you imagined into reality + know that I'll be capturing all of the details you've found to be important to the two of you.

2.Photographer

More than one of my recent couples sent this in. it’s a common sentiment amongst my couples. This is a subject that I discuss constantly on my socials and cover in my initial consults with my couples. Here is the short story: Hire someone whose work you love and find yourself drawn to. Pick a style that you feel like is timeless to you. Hire someone that makes you feel SEEN and COMFORTABLE. That's where the magic happens! A Bride messaged me and said "Splurging as needed for the right photographer is SO worth it! There are no re-do's!" and she is so right. Have a look at my wedding portfolio for more!

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3. Veil / A second Reception veil

If you fall in love with more than one veil here is my permission and support to buy them both. Who says you can only have one? We don't need that negativity in our lives. One Bride recently had two. She had one for her Catholic Church ceremony and it was cathedral length. For the reception she did a veil change to one that was studded with pearls and was floor length. It was such a vibe for the first dances + all night at the reception. If you don't wear a veil at your wedding, when else can you? I say DO IT.

4. Bridal Glam

Make it stand out

Go all out on your HMUA artists. You want to look your best for your wedding and finding an artist who can make the look last well into the evening is worth their weight in gold.

5. Champagne Towers

They're here to stay and I am here for it! They are a great "dance floor" opening statement and make for a gorgeous photo op. Timing with the champagne tower is everything. Let's talk about it! You can see more on Kristen + Kevin's gallery.

6. Rose Petal Toss exit from the church or the back down the aisle.

I, personally, love these. They are classic and always photograph beautifully. Not to mention, no one can get burned with a rose petal like they can with a sparkler AND you have everyone still there to celebrate you as opposed to doing something at the end of the night after a majority of your guests have left.

7. Sketch Artist for guest favors.

This was one of my favorite guest favors the past few years. If you are going to give your guest a favor or a thank you for attending this is one that wont end up lost on their counter or the trunk of their car. These are works of art and I heard nothing by " oohhhs" and "ahhhs" as I walked around.

8. Bridal Shoes

If you aren't a shoe person these won't be worth the spend. If you LOVE a pair for the aesthetic of them you can always have two pairs. One for photos and one for wearing. In the end, while I LOVE fancy shoes, I want your feet to be comfortable. Please remember to break in your shoes (this goes for both of you) so that you can dance the night away!