Which Wedding Vendor Should You Prioritize? Here's How to Decide.

When I planned my own wedding more than twenty years ago, our budget was tight. Like most couples, I had to decide what mattered most. At the time, I wanted a real wedding cake, and I wanted a real wedding dress, and I wanted someone else to do my hair and makeup. Looking back, the one thing I wish we'd made room for was a professional photographer. We have snapshots from the day, and I'm grateful for every one of them. But there are moments I'll never get back because no one was there to capture them, well. Twenty-three years later, that's still something I think about.

For years, that was the advice I gave every engaged couple who asked where they should spend their money.

Becoming a professional wedding planner changed my answer.

Part of my process when a couple hires me is an Investment Strategy Meeting. Before we ever talk about vendors, we talk about priorities. Some couples care most about incredible food. Others want amazing photographs. Others want guests dancing until the last song. Others want a beautifully designed space.

There isn't a universal right answer.

After the investment strategy meeting, I give couples a curated list of vendors that fit their priorities, their personality, and their pocketbook. Why do I do this? Because I can't tell you which vendors are the ones you should focus on, if I don't know what your priorities are, or what your budget is. Most times, I'm able to show couples ways to stretch their budget so they don't have to forego as many vendors as they expected.

Reduce Guest Count Before Eliminating Vendors

Some vendors' costs will decrease significantly, the lower your guest count is. Caterers charge based on how much food will be needed, which is directly tied to how many guests are attending. Florist costs will also greatly depend on the number of centerpieces that are needed. Rental costs (tables, chairs, linens) will also decrease with fewer guests. And the opposite is also true. I am not saying that any of these vendors should be eliminated, but knowing how to make adjustments in your budget might make it possible to ensure you have the vendors that are highest on your priority list.

Consider Changing Your Date or Time

Most weddings take place on a weekend, in the late afternoon or early evening, during peak wedding season. Any and all of these can be changed to dramatically impact your budget. For instance, changing your reception to a Sunday or weekday at 1:30 pm, December-April; having a dessert station in lieu of a cake, and passed hors d'oeuvres; with no alcohol served, can dramatically reduce the cost of your reception.

If you have a late morning or early afternoon wedding, you might also consider a wedding breakfast, as is traditional in England. Close family and the wedding party enjoy a full meal immediately following the ceremony, while a larger evening reception can focus on desserts, light refreshments, or dancing instead of a full plated dinner.

Think Beyond Traditional Venues.

Whether that means looking in places like the Clovis Veteran's Memorial Building, or asking a family member if you can use their backyard (offering to help beautify or landscape the backyard in the months prior will go a long way towards getting a "yes.") Venue rentals are often the highest cost for a wedding, and a non-traditional venue is one way to lower costs.

So Which Wedding Vendor Should You Prioritize?

I'm aware that more and more couples are paying for their own weddings, and really do have budgets that require them to sacrifice having some vendors. In that case, this is what I recommend: If the couple are foodies, or come from foodie families; maybe catering is where you want to dedicate your budget (etiquette tip: if you have your reception around a usual meal time, you should always provide food of some sort.)

If having a high energy party is your priority, the DJ is where you'll want to dedicate your budget. (DJ's also usually act as MC's, too.) If having posed photos and professionally edited options is what's most important to you, focus on the photographer. If having the most beautifully decorated space is what will make your heart happy, go all out on the florist/decorator. If you want all your guests to enjoy the day, without needing to do any set up or tear down, put your money towards a coordinator and event staff.

One of the biggest misconceptions about wedding budgets is that every couple should spend their money the same way. In reality, the best wedding budget is one that reflects your priorities.

My job is not to decide for you, which wedding vendor you should prioritize. It's to help you make the most of the budget you have, so you can create a wedding that feels like you.

If you're still in the dreaming and planning stage, join my email list for more practical wedding planning tips delivered right to your inbox.

If you're ready to start building a wedding budget that reflects your priorities, I'd love to meet with you for a complimentary consultation.