We get it. Weddings are expensive. There’s a lot of time, money and effort that goes into making your big day so special. One thing is for sure, it’s going to be the best day of your life! I’ve decided to put together a little guide for every bride who’s taking a look at her wedding budget and trying to decide where their money is best spent. Let’s dive in.

1. Your venue 
   While it’s a given that your venue can make or break your wedding style, when it comes to choosing the perfect one here are some things to consider:
   a) Location. Is there an option for indoor and outdoor ceremony site? Easy access for all family members and an onsite getting ready space for both the bride and groom? TIP: It’s always great to have a back-up rain plan. Take it from the bride who planned her wedding perfectly and then it poured the rain her entire wedding day!
   b) Rentals/Linens. Is your venue all-inclusive? What comes with the rental price? Will you have to rent tables and chair or linens for an additional cost? All good questions to ask before signing your venue’s contract!
   c) Décor Setup. A lot of venues have an onsite team that will set up and tear down so you can party all day!! Make sure to ask about the additional fees for this service if not already included.
   
2. Your Photos AND Video
   It’s no secret that this was going to be in the tip list, but think about the things that are going to out-live your wedding day. I recommend couples put the majority of their budget to the memories that will be there for your grandkids to cherish. Photography and videography are SO important. You can have the best food, entertainment and florals but without a great photo/video team to capture the magic, those memories will quickly fade over time. Choosing the best fit for your photographer and videographer are crucial in having the best wedding experience!!
   
3. Planner
   My goodness if I had a dollar for every bride who said she was stressed out while trying to plan her wedding!! All of these key points are important but this is one of the top 3 for a reason! Hire a wedding planner! It’s the only way to ensure those last minute/big details don’t go unnoticed. All you want to worry about on your wedding day is sitting back and sipping some bubbly with your girls while getting your hair and makeup done! Hire a planner and day of coordinator!!!
4. The Florals
   Most may say there are ways you can save by not going all out of florals but over the last five years there’s one thing I’ve noticed about wedding day flowers, they add SO much to your photos! Invest in your wedding bouquet since it will be in so many photos and focus on 3 main elements of your wedding design to add gorgeous florals.

   

5. The Party
   Celebrating your union of love is SO MUCH FUN!! Make sure to invest in a band/DJ who is going to keep the party going. We had live musicians for our ceremony and our guests are still talking about how beautiful it was. I have some amazing recommendations for great entertainment for your reception!!
   

I love helping all IHI brides have the experience of a lifetime. It is truly rewarding to see so many beautiful weddings every year. My best piece of advice is beyond the “things” of the wedding day. Invest in your marriage most of all. Yes, the ceremony is beautiful, your photos are timeless and you will LOVE walking down the aisle in your dream dress, but the MOST important thing to remember are the words from Matthew 19:6 “What God has joined together let no man separate”. Marriage is a beautiful gift and gets even more beautiful with time!

xoxo,
Zoe

Zoe Evans