Wedding Planning Myths

So as I was browsing sites, I saw the theknot.com - everyone's go to wedding site (don't lie, you know you go to The Knot) has a list of 10 wedding planning myths for brides who want to plan their own wedding. I thought I'd post a few here, because these are ones I definitely believe:

Myth #1: Hiring friends is the same as hiring wedding vendors.
Just because your friend is a fantastic fashion or photojournalist, doesn't mean you'll get the same results on your wedding day. For example, an experienced photographer knows how to shoot a mix of photojournalistic action shots (getting ready, your first dance, exchanging vows) while also capturing all the must-have family and bridal party photos. Same goes for the other categories like flowers and music. Look for local vendors in your area for leads, and if money is a concern, just be open and honest about your budget from the start. If you really can't afford a vendor, ask them for recommendations of lower budget professionals with a similar style.

So, so true! If you don't care, then great, save the money. HOWEVER, if you care about how everything turns out - and you value your friendship - you will try to hire a professional vendor. But if you can't afford a vendor, then HIRE your friend. HIRE your friend. Why do I emphasize that? Well, let me tell you why this arrangement usually goes wrong - 

YOU! Yes, you. The person getting married who is asking your friend for a favor. You abuse your friend. And you don't realize it. You expect your friend to do for FREE what you won't pay a vendor to do. You expect your friend to go above and beyond what a vendor would do. A professional wedding photographer will give you a set amount of PROOFS, and certain printed photos. You will ask your friend to give you ALL the photos, and not think anything of it. 

If you need to hire your friend, make sure you get a contract beforehand, and treat them like a business first, a friend second. 

Myth #4: A wedding planner is too expensive.
Here's the deal: Not only can a wedding planner help keep you organized and suggest incredible never-been-done ideas, but a wedding planner can also end up saving you thousands and keeping you on track with your budget. Many planners work closely with florists, rental companies, and other vendors and often have access to industry discounts, which they can pass along to you! Not a bad deal, eh? Even if you can't afford a full wedding planner, look into hiring a day-of planner (to take some of the wedding day stress off of you) or a wedding coordinator who can give you vendor recommendations before you start planning.

I am an inexpensive planner. I can give you a good deal, and if you really can't afford a planner, I can point you in the right direction. Lots of planners will do this for you. Call us.

Myth #5: Going DIY will save you money.
Make no mistake -- DIY isn't always the cheapest route. Unless you have unlimited access to the supplies it takes to create your own stationery or flower arrangements, the cost of these items alone is really going to add up (not to mention the amount of time it takes to create invitations for 100!). Do your research before you start buying paper and flowers in bulk to make sure it wouldn't be worth your while (and sanity) to simply hire someone else to do it.

DIY is expensive. And time consuming. Please follow this advice. Please. 

Myth #7: You have to take out a second mortgage to pay for a wedding.
Listen up -- there are easy ways to save money, so don't start your marriage together in a terrible amount of debt. It's all about setting your priorities. Maybe you've always known you want a designer wedding dress, a venue with a view, or an amazing bouquet. Make a list of your splurge items, and then look for ways to save in the other categories.

Please women, STOP letting these vendors tell you that their services cost so much! They mainly charge that much because they are hoping that brides won't think about the budget. One tip I gave a bride - call a transportation service and tell them you want a limo to go out for a night on the town, just you and your boyfriend. Four hours, dinner, movie, pickup and drop off at home. Find out the price. Then call the next day, tell them you want to hire them for a wedding. Same four hours. 

If the price goes up, you don't want to use their service. Shop around. 

If you want to see the rest of the tips, go to www.theknot.com.

Until next time!