Top 5 Details to Splurge on for your Big-Day!

Before we begin the “oh so fun” budget conversation, I must say how excited I am to begin blogging for you all. I’m constantly asked questions about wedding details, advice, budgeting, lifestyle, and more. I decided to begin answering all of these questions through this blog and my YouTube Channel! If you’re better with video, please check out my most recent video (attached) where we discuss this same topic in even more detail!

As for any couple’s wedding budget, it is completely unique to each person and situation. What is important to one couple may not hold any value to another. That is why establishing a budget and what you find necessary is so important.

As for me, I’ve planned and coordinated a plethora of weddings with many different types of brides and grooms with different needs and wants. However, I have gathered a lot of the same information about certain items, details, and vendors that I feel many couples wish they had splurged on….and they might not be what you think.

One: An Amazing Photographer

It can be tempting to hire your cousin’s friend who does photography on the side, I will admit. However, in my opinion, a seasoned photographer is always an essential. Finding a photographer that has an aesthetic that matches yours, that you get a long with, and has experience will make your day all the better. A photographer that is seasoned will know how to pose you, is respectful of the timeline, and have a great turn-around time.

Side note: Family photos. We love our families! However, having everyone in one small area, moving around, jumping in and out of certain photos, can be very stressful. Having a photographer that can command a room will make everything runs smoothly and quickly.

With that being said, if you are able to splurge on some details, a photographer/videographer is a must!

Two: The Dress

This is so important! Honestly, I feel that many brides don’t want to spend a lot of money on themselves. However, on your wedding day, it is your time to feel the most beautiful you’ve ever felt! Find that dress you love, make time to get it altered to fit perfectly, and love the way you look! There will be so many photos and you want to feel confident and happy with your dress, hair, and makeup! It’s YOUR day – it’s okay to spend some money on yourself1

Three: DJ & EMCEE

We love our DJs and Emcees! After the ceremony, your wedding coordinator will typically pass the baton to the DJ/Emcee. When a couple finds a DJ and Emcee that understand the vibe of the wedding/recpetion and the crowd, your reception will be amazing. They really set the tone for your reception and allow your family members to enjoy themselves.

The flow of the reception is so important and finding a DJ and Emcee on a professional scale will make a world of a difference. Especially finding a professional DJ that is able to read a crowd and see what music works and what doesn’t. It is also a plus to have an Emcee that is polished and respectful of your family and audience.

Four: Coordinator

Obviously, I’m a little biased! However, I do feel that this is so important! Wedding planning is difficult – if you’re in the process it you know. Every little detail adds up and it can be very stressful to keep track of everything. Check out the video linked in this blog and hear my reasoning behind this!

Five: A Bar!

Every family is different and if your family doesn’t drink – that’s fine! However, if your crowd does drink, it is always a big plus to guests if there is a bar. Whether that is an open bar, cocktail hour, a wine and beer option – it is appreciate by guests. Typically, the bar is always one of the most popular spots during reception and hosting some form of alcohol (if it pertains to your group) is something I would recommend splurging on.

& that’s it! Again, thank you so much for all the support on my YouTube channel and blog. Please go subscribe to my channel as there will be information over there that differs from this blog!

Let’s be friends on Instagram – @hiabbylee_ if you want to follow along my life. If you want to gain more information about weddings and bridal inpso, follow our team @sugarplumandco.

My Vendor Recommendations for Southern California:

• Photography: @annadelores
• The Dress (boutiques): @loho_bride @loveandlacebridalsalon @thedresstheory
• DJ & Emcee: @rayonthemic
• Coordinator: @sugarplumandco – – – of course haha 😉
• Bar: @thewhalingclub @pharmacie_