Myth #10: A wedding dress is a wedding dress
When it comes to wedding dresses, it’s important to know that all dresses aren’t created equal.
You know those dresses with the high price tag? They’re designed to make you look drop dead gorgeous.
And that’s why some dresses cost $500 and others $5,000!
You see, when it comes to wedding dresses, it’s all about the quality of fabric, embellishments, construction of the dress, and the amazing fit.
But everyone has a budget and you don’t have to go broke to look good. A good bridal salon consultant can suggest dresses that fit and flatter while staying in your price range, so try calling a few to help you find the right dress.
Another option is to buy a used dress, this can save you thousands of dollars while making you look like a million!
Myth #9: Wedding food is all the same
Just because you’ve been to a few weddings with less than optimal cuisine, it doesn’t necessarily make it the norm.
These days, some of the hottest catering trends for weddings are composed of comfort foods from home cooking to French fries and even sundae bars!
On top of this, many catering companies are bringing delicious farm-fresh items to the reception table paired with localized gourmet menus that will make your guests faces and tummies happy!
Myth #8: A DJ will play too much cheesy music while a band will take too many breaks
Everyone’s been to a wedding reception where the DJ played outdated music with less than crowd pleasing results. Getting around this is easy. Just taking a few minutes to make a list and explain to your DJ up front about which songs you love and which you’d rather not hear (ever) can ensure your guests are entertained with a playlist everyone loves.
As for bands, a great one will pack the dance floor. But the problem is, as soon as they take a break, the floor clears and everyone gets cranky. Instead, see if they can slim down to a 2-piece or a 3-piece set instead of switching to their mp3 player.
Myth #7: You have to take out a loan to pay for a wedding
Planning your wedding is all about making priorities. Listen, there are plenty of ways you can save money and you don’t want to start your marriage in debt!
Maybe it’s always been your dream to have a designer wedding dress an upscale venue or an unforgettable bouquet.
Sit down with your fiancé, make a list of your definite splurge items and then look for ways to save in the other categories.
Myth #6: You have to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen
Just because your fiancé has a load of friends while you only have a few, it doesn’t mean you have to hire extras to “stand in” to even out the sides.
What matters most is that everyone who’s there is there to enjoy part of your day!
Ask some of the odd numbers to be ushers, readers or singers. You can even ask one of them to be your honorary toast-giver. And if those positions are filled, that’s okay too – there’s never been a rule that says both sides of the wedding party should have the same number of people.
Myth #5: Going DIY will save you money
This is a tricky one and the best answer is “yes and no”.
No matter what anyone tells you, DIY isn’t always the cheapest route.
For example, usually unless you have unlimited access to all the supplies you need 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+ people!).
Research before you start buying paper, flowers and décor in bulk to make sure it wouldn’t be worth your while (and sanity) to simply hire someone else to do it.
Make a list of what’s practical to DIY and what’s not and make sure you are considerate to who you ask for help. You certainly don’t want to burden family members and guests on your special day who would rather be celebrating with you!
Myth #4: A wedding planner is too expensive
Here’s the bottom line on wedding planners. Not only will they help you stay organized and suggest incredible never-been-done ideas, but a great wedding planner can also end up saving you thousands in your budget.
Most every wedding planner has close relationships with every vendor you’ll need from florists to rental companies and entertainment. Plus many event planners have access to industry discounts, which they’ll end up passing along to you!
Not bad, eh?
Hey, even if you can’t afford a full wedding planner, look into hiring a day-of the event planner (to take some of the wedding day stress off of you) or a wedding coordinator who can give you some vendor recommendations before you start planning.
Myth #3: If you went to their wedding, you have to invite them to yours
Don’t feel obligated to invite someone to your wedding just because they invited you to theirs.
This is your day, so only invite the people you feel closest to.
If someone assumes they’re invited, let them know up front (and sooner rather than later) that because of space or budget constraints, your guest list has a limit.
Myth #2: You have to wear a white dress
If you don’t like the idea of a big white gown and lace veil, don’t feel pressured into wearing one.
Anything goes these days from hair clips with feathers to fresh flowers replacing a traditional veil. There are plenty of bridal fashions in other colors — any color you can imagine!
You can even add color (and personality!) to a simple dress with a bold sash, bolero, or a cardigan.
Myth #1: Using my friends instead of vendors will save me money
Just because your friend has a laptop full of music and a lous set of stereo speakers or your brother has a new digital camera and they offer to “do your wedding for free, it doesn’t mean you’ll be happy with the results on your wedding day.
And even though a family member has a camera, IT DOES NOT MAKE THEM A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER. It only makes them a person with a camera and capturing special memories is not as easy as most people think.
For example, an experienced professional photographer knows how to shoot a mix of 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, and if money is a concern, just be open and honest about your budget from the start.
Your entertainment can make or break a reception, and remember there is no second chance to get it right. Most people make the mistake thinking, “It’s just music, all DJ’s are the same,” and that a cheaper DJ is the better value.
Not true. If you want your event to be fun, the #1 component to making is fun is the entertainment!
A friend’s stereo might sound great in the friend’s basement, but not when put into a banquet hall of 200+ guests. A DJ should have professional sound equipment and if lighting is important to you, ask about these types of special effects.
If you really can’t afford a vendor, kindly ask them for recommendations of lower budget professionals with a similar style.