Married ladies: what was the best vs worst money/time spent?

Someone once told me 'you get what you pay for' and I really tried to keep that in mind during wedding planning. We knew the venue would set the tone for the whole day so we didn't want to skimp on that. It was at the top end of our budget but worth every penny! They handled everything for us, we didn't have to a lift a finger, they treated us like royalty, it was a beautiful venue and the food and service were top notch. I don't really regret anything we spent money on though in retrospect the wedding gown and alterations are too much money for one day and I tried not to spend more than $2k on it which is not even a lot.

I try to be intentional with my money, and I really have no financial regrets with the day. I was uber mindful of budget simply because my groom is more indulgent. This worked out in the final weeks as (covid anxiety) Declines freed up a big chunk of money. I was able to add a couple more personal options. For the wedding itself planned in 5 months, we came in at 20% under initial budget, not including the 2022 honeymoon.

Looking back, I could have spent more money on our one (1) party and added more design elements (but glad we saved). We didn't have any additional wedding parties (again covid). You think you will have a ladies party later, but then life happens.

best investment: couples counseling, partial planner (I was crackin')

unnecessary investment: mailed save the dates (had a date change), and veils (I feel guilty mine was gifted).

Best of luck to all the planners!

Best things: A wedding planner was our #1 most worth it splurge! Band was so worth it, we better than I expected (FH wanted a band, I didn't really care. But it was awesome!), our photobooth was amazing too! We also picked our top photographer!


Not worth it: premium bar (FIL wanted this, but tbh I don't think anyone would have cared or noticed) Wedding cake, dance floor (we actually ended up uninstalling it before people came in to the reception lol) extending the venue rental by 1 hour (most people didn't stay and I was soooo tired!)
I wish we would've spent more on personalized elements and added one more extra "fun" thing to the night!

Still planning myself, but when I worked as a wedding planner the biggest advice was to splurge on 1) a photographer/ videographer and 2) florals/ décor. The pictures (and video if you're so inclined) are things you'll look back at forever, put up in your home, etc. so having quality services there will make a huge difference and be something you'll have long-term. Decorative items (flowers, lighting, candles, etc.) can also really set the vibe, result in great pictures, and getting someone who knows what they're doing can also help allocate $$$ whether it's using an in-season flower vs expensive ones, cheaper linen fabrics, etc.

We usually told people to skip favors all together since they get left behind. Bar packages with beer, wine, and a signature drink or two usually beats a full bar unless your guests are REALLY big on their booze. Also generally avoiding things with "wedding" in the title (ex. wedding shoes) because the prices are super jacked up and you'll save a bunch with just a normal item. For instance, with the shoe example, there's a bunch of "regular" shoes you can get in white if that's what you want, or find shoes in a fun color (nobody sees your shoes anyways).

I am so glad i spent more on food.

i kind of regret having a candy table. it barely cost me anything, really but i feel like people didn't take as much as i thought... and i had ALL brand name candy too

I’m glad I splurged for a photo booth! My guest loved it and so did we. Nothing I really regret spending money on.

What a great thread! As someone who is still planning, this is helpful!

Great advice and such interesting views after the fact considering what is listed as must-haves during planning