We all want to get the best bang for our buck – especially when it comes to our wedding expenses. Once you start getting quotes from vendors you realize quickly the true costs of wedding day essentials. And soon you will start saying to yourself, “We can do this cheaper on our own.” While there are great DIY wedding projects out there, there are some things that are best left to professionals. Plus, truly, they are absolutely worth the cost.
Delivery Fees. Some couples believe that it will be worth saving a couple hundred bucks to handle their own pick up of certain items. But the hassle of organizing the logistics and people, who most likely have to be dressed and ready for photos later, can get complicated quickly. Plus, there is the added liability of items being damaged, time tables running late, and the how and where the items will go in the venue. When it comes to cakes, floral, specialty rentals, and catering, it will save you a great deal of hassle to leave it to the pros and pay the fees.
Personal Flowers. Considering creating your own bouquets and boutonnieres to save some money? Sure. When do you plan on creating those arrangements? Where will you get the flowers you want in a timely manner? Do you have storage for the bouquets? Do you have the proper temperature settings for storage as well? Know that more work goes into creating stunning bouquets than wrapping a ribbon around some flowers. Even if you have limited blooms at your ceremony altar or on your reception tables, it is worth having a pro create your statement floral designs.
Music for the Masses. There is a true art to what a DJ can do for your wedding. Knowing the right song to play at the right time takes experience. Sure, maybe your little cousin can fade in and out your processional music, but creating a playlist to play over a venue house system won’t create the dance floor experience you want and your reception will fall flat. Not to mention, the numerous people making requests and wanting to control the music selection. Trust us, it is a nightmare – hire a DJ or Band. Also, consider the emcee responsibilities: announcing you as MR & MRS, announcing your bridal party, releasing tables for the buffet, announcing cake cutting, etc.
Mama’s Famous Italian Cream Cake. We all have that aunt that makes the most delicious cakes. Save that scrumptiousness for a shower or rehearsal dinner. The work that goes into your wedding cake goes far beyond yumminess and pretty flowers. A pro will know how much cake is needed for your guest count, how to transport the cake safely, will have appropriate storage, and can properly serve the masterpiece.
Homemade Decor. Many big DIY-ers want to create their own centerpieces in order to save cost on florals and other specialty rentals. Yes, some brides have had success with this route, we won’t deny that. However, once you add up the cost of materials, the time creating the centerpieces, the delivery, setup, packing it up, and storing it, in the end it will be more cost effective and much easier to hire a florist or stylist. And the likelihood that vendors or other brides will purchase your creations after your wedding?? Very very slim.
Point and Shoot. Some people don’t care much about their wedding photos…until they get them back and they don’t accurately reflect the day. Wedding photography is a genre set apart from family photos or sports pics. A nice camera does not make a wedding photographer. With a wide range of styles and pricing, find a wedding photographer who deserves the title.
Bossy Aunt Karen. Having a coordinator or point person to keep the day on schedule is essential. If you are considering having a friend or family member take this role, at very least be sure that they have no other role in the wedding. And be prepared for them to not truly enjoy the celebration of your nuptials or understand how to handle emergency situations (they always happen, whether big (vendor not delivering all of the linens) or small (cleaning up the bridal party mess). Also know that your other professional vendors are used to working with pros and amateurs who don’t understand the wedding world may make situations unnecessarily difficult.
Cleanup/Strike. When the last dance has been danced and the guests are ready to find their beds or move to the next party location, no one wants to be responsible for the breakdown and cleanup of the wedding festivities. Whatever personal items or decor you bring in, you must also take out, but the major lifting needs to go to the professionals. The catering and bar clean up alone is a large undertaking. Florists need to pick up their items along with speciality rentals and decor. Don’t overload yourself or your guests with the responsibility of cleaning after they have been celebrating for the last few hours. Check with your venue and your wedding coordinator to determine which pros are responsible for the cleanup of the evening.
