It is no secret that weddings can be super expensive and creating your wedding budget can be overwhelming. This is why the budget is ALWAYS our first step to the planning process at In the Details. We like to get to know you, as our client, and learn what is important to you. Ultimately, the areas you care about most is where we will suggest putting the majority of your money. Sounds like common sense – right? But to some people, it is not. Without personally knowing you or your priorities, these are the areas that we, as wedding planners, recommend that you splurge for your wedding day!

1. Bridal Bouquet: The bridal bouquet is always my first suggestion when people ask where they should splurge for their wedding. A beautiful and high end bridal bouquet will typically run you around $350. In the grand scheme of things, that is likely a very small portion of your budget. Your bouquet will be featured in so many of your wedding photos – especially the ones that will be hanging in your home and sitting in an album on your coffee table. This will be your companion as you walk down the aisle and will enhance your bridal look as well. You could DIY your bouquet for $50-$75 OR spend a few hundred more for a bouquet that will make jaws drop. There is also something to say about having a professional create the bouquet with their artistic touch. This is not the place to skimp!

2. Venue: As is with everything in life – you get what you pay for here! If you go the cheap route with a venue you will make up for it later either by buying things your venue doesn’t provide or by putting a heavy work load on yourself and your friends/family. A higher budget venue will likely include tables, chairs, other rentals, a venue coordinator, space to get ready and overall a great experience as you go through the planning process. So sure – you could opt for the barn that doesn’t provide rentals or have anyone on-site day of….but in the end you are going to have to rent everything yourself (which will end up costing more most likely) and then needing to rope others in to help you set up. Not to mention, if anything venue related goes wrong the day of, you want to have someone there who knows the space and can help! So before choosing the $3,000 venue over the $10,000 venue, make sure they have everything you will need for a successful (and beautiful) wedding day!

3. DJ: Lastly, we recommend investing in your entertainment for the night. I know people always say “your guests will remember the food” but in all honesty – a lot of wedding food starts to taste the same after a while. Trust me, I would know. I’ve had a lot of it! It will probably take you doubling your catering budget to get food that is memorable and special. Your guests will remember if the wedding was FUN most of all. This is where a good DJ comes in. They keep the events moving seamlessly and get your guests excited for what is to come throughout the night. When it comes time for dancing, your guests should already know and love your DJ. This will make dancing that much more fun! I’ve seen the power of a good DJ. You might have to pay $1-3k more than you were hoping but that is nothing compared to doubling your food budget.

In the end, there are so many ways you can splurge on your wedding. Your budget really comes down to what is important to you, your expectations for level of service and how flexible you can be. We understand not everyone has the ability to splurge in these areas and that is ok. However, most couples are looking for a few ways to make their wedding extra special and we think these are your best options!