Sunny in Seattle

We just got our wedding video back and we are SO happy we hired someone to film the event. Rewinding back a year ago, a videographer was on the chopping block and eventually we decided to have one. So glad we did! I thought of a few other things that I think were definitely worth the splurge and other things I’m glad I didn’t budget for or regret that I did.

Save your money

1.       Your garter. Unless for whatever reason you plan on taking pictures with your dress hiked up higher than your garter… the garter toss takes about 5 minutes of the whole event of things. I’m also pretty sure that the gentleman that catches is it will lose it between your reception and his car. I got one on etsy for seriously $5.

2.       Bride and groom gifts. The wedding and honeymoon (and rings!) were our gifts to each other. Not quite sure what else we can POSSIBLY need and want from each other.

3.       Wedding planner. Unless you are ridiculously busy and/or horrible at planning, try doing it yourself. You will have more appreciation for the whole event and will never be at a “loss” with what is going on.

4.       Table numbers, guestbook, and cake topper. No one cares as much about these things as you do. So if a mole noteskin book with a pen next to it works for you, then it works for everyone else.

5.       Anything that says, “Bride-to-be” or “Future Mrs. ____________”. You can only enjoy these items prior to your big day. Afterwards, they are void, null and pointless. Why don’t you just take a wad of cash and light it on fire.

6. The 7 star hotel resort on your honeymoon. If you are active bodies like we are save your money and get a middle of the road hotel that is nice enough. We booked a tree house in the Bahamas and spent very little time in it. I can’t even think about the money we could have spent on another diving trip or paddle boarding or food… (sigh)

Splurge

1.       A videographer. I know, you already just paid up the a—for a photographer but trust me on this, there are so many memories that the videographer will capture that you, your groom and your photographer will miss. Also, the photographer no matter how great he or she is, cannot deliver a playback of you and your bridesmaids singing to Wilson Phillips’ Hold On.

If you REALLY can’t afford one ask someone to videotape for you. Like a cousins boyfriend or a film student. SOMEONE, anyone.

2.       A post dinner/dessert treat. Drinking and dancing only leads to one thing, okay a few things but ONE thing is an appetite. We ordered an ice cream truck to come and dish out ice cream sandwiches, including a Maker’s Mark flavored. Everyone dug this and they danced the night away. I had another friend do an In & Out truck and someone else do milk and cookies.

3.       Open Bar – so our bartender closed ours because we hit our “budgeted” amount but before you can say, “I do”, we re-opened it. It ended up being three times what we budgeted but I think it was well worth it to see everyone let loose.

4.       I’m a girls’ girl and the time prior to the wedding I spent with my closest friends. We ate and drank a nice bottle of champagne together. Even earlier in the day, I treated my sisters to a spa day. The quiet time before the party was SO special to me and I am glad I budgeted both time and money to do this.

5.       Professional hair and make-up. Make sure your package includes a run through. Why? So that you are ON TIME for your groom, for your guest and for your sanity. You are about to get married and that last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your hair and make-up looks okay. I was able to focus on my groom, our commitment and our closest friends and family. Not once did I ever have to run to the brides room to make sure my hair or make up wasn’t catawampus.

6. Take both sets of parents out for a post wedding meal together (if possible). The breakfast we had was nice in every sense - it was intimate and delicious. This special meal is another that I am glad we budgeted time for. Not sure when the next time all six of us will be together, especially JUST us and our parents (without siblings, etc…)