The urge-to-splurge on every wedding facet is a tempting one, but the truth is, you only need a few splurges to make your big day more than memorable.

Splurge #1: Photographer & Videographer

Your special day will be immortalized by these two elements, so it’s crucial to get it right! If you live in a big city like I do, then hiring services within your budget is very possible (thanks to a competitive market).

I used LinkedIn ProFinder to find my videographer. Post your event specifications and qualifying professionals will approach you with their availability. You can view portfolios and make your decision that way (pros typically offer an intro phone call to get a scope of your vision – it’s a very good idea to touch base that way)

Our wedding video

You can also use sites like Thumbtack. You’ll post your event details and then professionals who are available will reach out with quotes (which you can negotiate) and will include a list of all the elements included in their services.

With your hired photographer and videographer, it’s important to establish a good rapport prior since they’ll be capturing your special day! You’ll also want to cross check their portfolio to get a thorough idea of their work, reviews and make sure they actually deliver you your footage! Definitely establish a contract and deposit prior.

If you’re really strapped financially, also tap into Craigslist and Facebook groups to find photographers or videographers who are looking to build their portfolios and willing to do it for very low-to-no cost. This works especially well in big cities like Los Angeles where many pros are looking to build their portfolios and are willing to work at lower rates.

Splurge #2: Hair & Make-up

Although I skimped on this cost, (you can read about it here) much in the vein of the Photography & Videography section above, this is a day that you’ll look back at forever, so you want to make sure to get it right, whatever “right” means for you! If that means a splurge, then by all means, dedicate part of your budget towards this expense.

Western societal conditioning means a lot of attention is given to the bride. She’s basically the visual centerpiece of the event. (Nevertheless, do remember you’ll have to pay trial fees for make-up artists, the expense is not just for the wedding day).

Did my own hair & make-up for my elopement

To start your search (& maybe even keep costs down):

Search Instagram for hashtags like #weddingmakeup #bridemakeup, find locals in your area

Visit Sephora, the Mac Counter or any department store beauty counter (Macy’s, etc) & get a professional make-over that way.
Neighborhood Facebook group recommendations or post to your feed & “ask for recommendations”
Priv (an app for in-home salon services) offers wedding services
Glamsquad (also an in-home service) offers wedding services
Thumbtack for affordable hair & makeup professionals near your zip code

Splurge #3: Open Bar

It’s your day, but of course you want your guests to have a good time. Open bars easily top the must-have lists of wedding requirements for many couples.

Depending on the restrictions of your venue, do a Costco run for booze and then hire a bartender from Thumbtack who can supply their own bartending table. Many hotels will let you bring outside booze for the venue held in one of their ballroom spaces. (I’ve personally used Thumbtack before for bartending and photography needs - completely satisfied!)

Alternatively, you can make a signature drink for your wedding like Golden Wedding Punch and serve it in a big punch bowl with ladle.

Honoring Your Non-Negotiables

Did you always envision a 5-tier wedding vanilla chiffon wedding cake? A bedazzled ball gown wedding dress? A donut wall or churro cart? Then honor yourself and feature these lifelong visions in your wedding.

You can still shop around and price out different vendors or ask friends and family for referrals. Sometimes vendors will give a referral discount or extend an offer on their Yelp page. It also never hurts to just ask about discounts! First time client or new customer discounts are sometimes unofficially available.

Friends and family might also have skill sets that you don’t even know about! I discovered I have one girlfriend who has a whole side-hustle wedding planning business. She ended up being a tremendous help with my sign painting and flower arrangements.

Also on the non-negotiables front: your wedding guest list. It doesn’t always pan out that you and your fiancée are from the same hometown. This makes the logistics of choosing a location that can accommodate both sides a tricky one. Most likely both of you have certain guests that must be at your wedding or it won’t feel complete. Make sure to pick a city and venue that fit both of your best interests, unless one side has a lot more means than the other and can do the majority of the traveling.

If one of you is local to the place you’re getting married, you might want to reach out to friends and relatives to see if anyone can provide temporary lodging for out of town guests. You can also reach out to hotels and inquire about discounts. They might not offer a lot if you’re not holding an event at their hotel, but even a 10% off is better than nothing. Also search for affordable air bnbs that can accommodate large capacities. One time in Boston for a friend’s wedding, the bride rented an air bnb for about 7 of us girls to share.

Love Don’t Cost a Thing

Consider wedding decisions/non-negotiables that don’t cost anything:

Who walks the bride down the aisle/gives the bride away
Song to walk down the aisle to
First Dance song
Choreographed dance performance or full on lip dub like this epic one

If you’ll exchange personal vows

Speeches or toasts by guests of honor
Incorporating ceremonial customs like unity jars, “tying knot” or smashing of plates
Name changes! (to be fair, legally you might incur fees later like changing your name on your passport)

These details will make your wedding extra-special, won’t cost you a dime and at the end of the day, are the details that matter.

Don’t Forget! Timing Is Everything

The time of year you get married can alter the price tag quite a bit. The wedding peak season runs from early spring to fall, with June and September being the most expensive months. If you’re not committed to say, a summer beach wedding, your flexibility can definitely make a difference in cost.

Also give yourself a fair amount of time to plan and shop around for the best venues and vendors at the best rates. Giving yourself that time will allow you to do all the planning in stride. Just remember, It IS possible to have most of what you want within reason and you’ve got this!

What about you? Are you married, planning a wedding, or just having fun Pinterest board-ing about it? What are your non-negotiables, I definitely want to hear about yours!

On a budget? To listen to how I pulled off my budget-savvy beach elopement in 2019, tune in to my podcast episode, “The Best Way to Get Married in 2019”

Worthy Wedding Splurges (+ ways to STILL SAVE on them!)