The one question I think I may get asked the most is, "How much should I spend on ...?" My first response is usually, "What is most important to you?" This question goes far beyond a mere dollar sign, but it embodies what your vision for the day happens to be. Every bride (and sometimes groom!) have certain aspects of their wedding which are more important than others. This can vary by couple. Some might highly value a church that is ornate in architecture, others may want their venue to resemble a botanical garden's worth of flowers, and another may just have to have that polka band. It all depends on the couple.
My suggestion is to first develop a budget...a realistic budget. Then make a list of what is most important for you on your wedding day. Shop around for vendors that provide that {dream} service, write in the average price as a line item in your budget and structure the rest of the elements accordingly.
One caveat that I give clients, is to consider the priceless value of a seasoned photographer's eye as one of the top two items on their list. When all the vows have been said and the last song has been sung, the only memories you will have for this day are your photographs. You can spot a good photographer by looking at images from a previous wedding shoot (the entire wedding). And if you can feel the emotion of that couple's day just by looking at the photographs...you have found the right photographer! Am I saying to break the bank with a photographer, no. {but if you have it, spend it!} But do set aside a decent percentage of your budget for it. And...be sure the photographer you choose, knows your style as a couple and you are confident that they will capture the details that will make your wedding day what you envisioned it to be.
photography by jessica claire photography
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