There’s no sugar coating this – weddings are expensive. The average cost of a wedding in America, according to The Knot, is $28,000. That’s the cost of a car, a down payment on a house and the total of my student loans. Why are they so expensive? Well, that’s an entirely separate blog post you can read here. Today we’re going to dissect what I, a professional wedding planner who plans over 20 weddings a year, believes where you should throw some money at for one of the most memorable days of your life. Without further ado, here is my wedding budget advice on spending money for a wedding day!

01. The Planner

Okay biased I know – but seriously. Wedding planners are the unsung hero’s of a wedding day. Think about how you’re supposed to get your entire ceremony, cocktail hour and reception set-up as you’re also supposed to be getting ready and relaxing. What if your caterer is late? What if a rental item comes broken? Who is supposed to dim the lights when it’s time to dance? Need candles lit? All of that, and so much more, is what your planner handles on the day of your wedding. You should splurge on someone who cannot only guarantee the execution of a beautiful day but can also help you along the way. Having someone like this is completely invaluable and often a wedding planner is the least expensive person on-site. If this sounds enticing to you, let’s chat some details together!

02. The Photographer

No, a photographer does not just click a button. Yes, they are the only vendor that gives you a tangible product that will literally last a lifetime. Not only that, an experienced photographer will be able to mitigate stress and make your picture-worthy wedding actually enjoyable. If you don’t hire a planner (which every photographer will want you to) these fantastic humans often fill that void by ensuring the timeline is stuck to. Splurging on one will be the difference between a wedding you happily remember and one you kind of want to forget.

03. The Florals

Once again – a little biased because I am flower obsessed BUT they really do make or break your wedding design. Spending money on flowers can feel weird because they are perishable however a good florist is unforgettable and you will remember them for the rest of your life. Coupled with a great photographer, you really will. Florists are artists who work pure magic and even if you only have the budget for a bouquet and a boutonnière (average costs around $300 for both) – do it! You will never regret it!

04. Fun Vendors (think an ice cream truck, cotton candy cart, etc..)

These vendors are often your most cost-effective vendors AND the ones your guests will leave remembering. If budget allows after booking your major ones (want to know what order to book? read this blog!) consider doing something unique! Some of my favorite suggestions are a cotton candy cart, a live wedding painter or even a tattoo artists if that’s your vibe! I don’t call them the “fun vendors” for nothing!

Some final thoughts..

Spend money on whatever your heart desires. Don’t care about live flowers? Don’t buy them! At the end of the day it’s all about throwing an event that celebrates your love with your future spouse – not about putting on a show. If you are willing to spend the money, my suggestion is to check out those people first.

Happy Planning! – with love always, Kirsten xo