“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur”

According to Business Insider, the average wedding cost in the US is $33,391. You might say “There’s no way, I’ll spend that much on my wedding” – then find yourself stressing a few weeks later as the costs start adding up. All of a sudden you catch yourself saying “Ok what can I cut out”. Cutting things out can be liberating but it’s SOOOO important to remember, “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur”.  Also, this is so cheesy and I hate saying it but the truth is, “You get what you pay for” and believe me- 99% of the time it’s not in a good way. But have no fear! We are here to help you! Below are 3 things you should definitely not cut out of your wedding budget.

1. Photography (you had to know I would list this first right???) 

Sure your cousin’s neighbors best friend is good with a camera and most of the photos on their Facebook page are pretty good. – That’s the thing MOST – most is not good enough. Consistency is the key. Would you be ok with having only some good wedding photos and some blurry ones? What if the blurry photo happened to be “The Kiss”? That’s 1 second you will never have again- and one of the most important of the ceremony.

The one thing many couples don’t account for in their wedding budget that is very important is their Wedding Album. I understand it can be an added expense, but it is one you will NEVER regret. These memories are not just for you but for your future children and their future children. Did you know that when we photograph a wedding we have already started designing your album- we envision it from the time shoot your engagement session. We go into your wedding day envisioning how we are going to document your day for future generations. Every photo we take is carefully planned. You invested in a great photographer and great photos, now where will you go to see them in 20 years? Will you go digging for that CD of images (do people still use cds)? Will that usb be compatible 20 yrs from now (floppy disks certainly aren’t)? Will Facebook and Instagram still be around? You need tangible heirloom items like prints and albums to document your family history.  

I know it looks like we just showed up with a camera, but we prep for months in advance for YOUR big day! As professional’s we create timelines, talk to the officiant days before the wedding, try to memorize family names and most importantly, we make sure we have back up cameras and assistants to ensure every moment of your day is beautifully documented. All of our clients become like family to us and we are happy that they choose us again and again- especially when they begin their own little families for pregnancy announcements, maternity portraits or when it’s time to celebrate their anniversaries! 

 2. Professional Makeup Artists (which kind of goes with photography).

First of all, having your makeup done for a night out and having your makeup done for a wedding are completely different things. For example, many makeup products today are mineral-based, and while that’s great for everyday wear, it’s bad for photographs, because the minerals can reflect light and make you look sweaty or washed out on camera. It may even read as a different color (no bride wants to look like an orange muppet on their big day).

Are you a crier or are you having a Texas Wedding? Have you considered the crazy heat yet? You may want that mascara and foundation to stay put through those vows and professional makeup artists know exactly what products to use and how to apply them properly in order to withstand the elements. I’d hate to photograph you coming down the aisle with the biggest smile- but also with dark streaks running down your face. Which brings me to one of the most important things – Cleanliness. 

“My friend is pretty good at makeup and her makeup is always flawless”

I get compliments on my makeup and I think I do an ok job but ask me to apply makeup on someone else and I can’t do it. I’m good at my own makeup because I have over 20 years of experience -With MY OWN FACE- but I always seek a professional for my own family portraits or headshots. If you are going to invest in a great photographer- why wouldn’t you invest in a great makeup artist? Those photos are going to be heirlooms that are going to be looked on and cherished for generations to come, YOU NEED to look your best. Ok- but my friend IS a makeup artist. Do you really want your friend to work on your wedding day or would you like to enjoy it with your friend?

If you are thinking of hiring your friend 1st– make sure you have a contract (if they are professional they already have one) 2nd, ask yourself these questions: 

• Will they be on time? (Quick Tip: Plan on having everyone’s makeup done 3-4 hours prior to the ceremony. Makeup is one of the first things that can throw off a timeline- save yourself the stress)
• Do they have a professional makeup kit? (you don’t want them to use their own makeup they use on themselves on you right?)
• Do they have their own equipment? This includes sanitized applicators, their own professional light, makeup chair… Cleanliness helps prevents breakouts, skin rashes and/or allergies (no one wants Pink Eye on their wedding day)
• Would you be ok telling them you don’t like something and will they change it for you or will there be awkwardness? 

“But I hardly wear makeup and I want to be natural”

I hear that a lot from brides to be. Some brides are not used to using makeup, especially if they have allergies or sensitive skin. This is why it is important to choose your professional wisely. A professional makeup artist can give you the look you love! Trial Trial Trial- I can’t say it enough. You need a trial run. This is best scheduled for a few weeks or months in advance. Many bridal trials are done for engagement or bridal sessions or you can even schedule a date night – go dancing put that makeup to the test! (TIP: It’s best to schedule your makeup artist months in advance- especially if you are having a wedding in peak season (June and October/November). 

You deserve to relax and be confident in knowing that your makeup artist will enhance your beauty for the most important day of your life. If these tips don’t convince you, check out my blog on How a Makeup Artist Almost Ruined my Sister’s Wedding.

Special Thanks to Jen of Viva La Glam Makeup for your help with these makeup tips 🙂

 

3. A Wedding Coordinator (full or day of)

You have been planning this day forever! You should be enjoying your day- not managing every last detail. A bride and grooms job on wedding day is to relax, enjoy the day with friends and loved ones and celebrate love- NOT to be decorating the venue or calling missing musicians right before walking down the aisle (yes, this has happened before). Your coordinator will calm situations that arise, do the decorating, call vendors for you, EVEN hold your dress up for you if you need to go to the bathroom- seriously if you need someone like that, then make sure you check out Mitzi, from Bride on a Budget Events (I have seen her bend over backwards for her brides)! 

Well, I hope this has helped you. Our mission is to help our couples and their friends and family enjoy the special day together stress-free! It’s just as important for your family to enjoy the day with you and we are so happy to capture all the fun with them! 

 

Need more wedding tips or reliable wedding vendors? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter here for more tips, tutorials and promotions! I promise not to bug you 😉