As any bride can tell you, this is a tough question! Throughout my wedding planning process (spanning the past 14 long months) I’ve had to ask myself, what is worth splurging on and what is not? I think it’s different for everyone. For me, I decided to cut corners on ceremony programs and calligraphy, among other things. I’m sure some of you would gasp in horror at the white address labels on my invitations but to me it really wasn’t a huge deal and it saved me some much needed moolah. Same with the programs, does anyone really read or keep them? I could just see myself taking scarce time and money to create the programs, only to see them left on the church pews. Not happening.

Some things I did splurge on? Almost everything else really! Just kidding (sort of). Seriously though, my main concerns were the venue, bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses. I figure if I look good, my girls look good, and the venue is amazing, that’s all anyone will remember, right? OK maybe there are some other important details (the groom I suppose, but they have it so easy – slap on a tux and they all look like 007), but these were my big three. I still cut some corners for my bridesmaids though, allowing them to wear whatever black shoes they want. Hopefully most of them already have something they can wear and if not, they don’t mind investing in a black pair of their choice. So, think about that when you’re choosing your girls’ dresses. Fall in love with a dress that’s a little pricier than you’d like? Splurge on the dress (what people remember most) and consider being lax on the shoes or even hair/makeup (i.e. maybe allow the girls to do their own makeup/hair if they like, to save some money). As for you brides, always splurge on yourself. The sparkly Christian Louboutins patiently waiting in my closet are proof positive that I did!

XO

Lindsay