Wedding Sense? Cents?

I was strolling through the internet and came across an article ripe with opinions on how to spend wedding funds. Not that the world wide web needs yet another opinion, but it's my blog so I'm going to give it.


Weddings have been a big part of my life for a long time. Ironically, I've been married yet never had one. Sure, I was the typical girl drooling over wedding magazines when I was young and picking out my china in high school. Okay, maybe that's not normal. None the less, I decided to turn my love for weddings into a business and started planning weddings and events in Orlando for a few years. I really, really loved it. 


Around that same time, I worked for an upscale bridal boutique as well. Helping girls select their dream dresses was really an honor and at times, maddening. I hated seeing girls fall in love with dresses and be 100% certain, only to have their moms, friends, or even fiances, shoot the style down. Sad. 


The bottom line is that I learned A LOT about the wedding industry, inside and out by working in it. Unfortunately, that equates to a potential disadvantage when I plan my future wedding or a friend is planning theirs.


Ready for some of my two cents? Here you go...


What miffed me about this article, is that some people were commenting on how you should pull back on how much you spend on your dress. I could not disagree more. In fact, the dress is one of two components I find to be the most important from the whole affair. Sure, maybe I'm biased because I worked in a bridal boutique, but here's my reasoning.


The dress makes the wedding. It's what makes you a bride. A wedding wouldn't be the same if you walked down the aisle in a purple polka dotted prom gown or a tshirt and shorts. A white (or ivory, blush, whatever!) bridal gown makes the bride. Most of us dream our whole lives about slipping into one, what it will look like, what type of fabric it will have, will it be poofy or slim? Long train or short? Veil or no? I understand that a lot of times money doesn't equate to a better or prettier dress, but one thing I just don't think girls should skimp on is their dream gown. Granted, mine is a $10,000 Oscar de la Renta. Will I get it? Probably not. My point is that every girl should have the full blown bridal experience. Visiting boutiques with their girlfriends, trying on all sorts of shapes, sizes, colors, etc. Twirling in the big mirror, playing with veils, and enjoying being a bride. RELISHING in the experience. You're only supposed to do it once and unless you renew your vows or find yourself re-marrying, you won't have the chance again. I would much rather CUT from other areas of my budget to make sure I feel absolutely exceptional in my gown. On another note, fabric quality plays heavily into the price of the gown as well. Check labels. Often times the satin dress you think you're buying is polyester. Some may not care, but my personal preference would be real organza, satin, Alençon lace, etc. Again, I'm not saying everyone should feel the same way I do or that my way of thinking is right...but I'm just providing some food for thought.


The second most important thing (and number one plays a HUGE part in it) is your photography. After the DJ stops spinning, the food is all gone, and the cake is reduced to crumbs, your pictures will be there to remind you for the rest of your life and beyond. Long after you're gone, your pictures will be there to tell a story. Take time to interview several. Ask for references. Read reviews. Find out if they have worked at your venue. When I say the dress goes hand in hand with your photographer, the quality and comfort will show and again...be there forever. Sure, we all want our guests to have a good time. We want the music to be poppin', the food to be delicious, and the cake to be moist...but it's about the two of you and the memories you will have forever. Personally, I'd cut back on other areas before I choose a lesser dress or a cheaper photographer. 


Lastly, cherish a great seamstress. Take a lot of your time finding the right one with great reviews. It can make all the difference in the world. There is nothing worse than a bride with a 2 inch gap between her chest and her strapless dress or one who is picking her girls up all night long. An excellent seamstress will ensure that doesn't happen.


I could go on an on, but I won't :) Again, my little disclaimer is not that everyone should feel the same as I, but to think a little bit about what's important to you and how to get what you want on your big day without scrimping so much, you forget some of the important elements. Overall, the most important thing is the marriage and the person you are spending the rest of your life loving <3