| Now more than ever, it is important to get the most | | | | vendors are willing to offer discount pricing on the |
| for your money. But a limited budget shouldn't stop you | | | | "off-day" event. |
| from achieving your dream wedding, if you make the | | | | The Photographer and Videographer- |
| correct choices in several key areas. | | | | This is the 21st Century, and photos are no longer |
| It's often been said that it only takes three people to | | | | enough. A wise decision here will give you and your |
| pull off a wedding- the bride, the groom, and the | | | | family lasting memories of your special day, and there |
| minister. If you want guests and memories, you'll need | | | | is no part of your wedding where it is more important |
| a few more. The venue, photographer and | | | | not to overspend. If you are considering an egotistical |
| videographer, and DJ are the critical choices you'll | | | | photographer who is charging so much that you can't |
| make, and if you choose wisely you'll have an | | | | afford video, then you need to shop around more. A |
| enjoyable and memorable wedding experience. | | | | skilled photographer with moderate pricing and an |
| The most important factor is this: AVOID THE | | | | enjoyable personality will be more pleasant to work |
| EXTREMES! A good purchasing strategy is to find the | | | | with, and allow room in your budget for a videographer. |
| five most likely candidates, then eliminate the least | | | | Why is it important to have both? Because photos |
| expensive and the most expensive, and give a closer | | | | alone will not convey the depth of emotion found in a |
| look to the three that remain. Chances are very good | | | | falling tear or the crackle of a voice. A well produced |
| that the cheapest is the least experienced and | | | | wedding video will bring the day immediately back to |
| qualified, and on the other end you're likely to be | | | | mind in full sound and color, show many moments that |
| overspending for no reason. Let's examine these items | | | | were missed in the commotion, and provide a way to |
| in detail. | | | | share the entire occasion with out of town people |
| The Venue- | | | | unable to attend, even friends and relatives that you |
| In an attempt to save money, many folks are opting to | | | | don't have yet. |
| have their event hosted at a private facility such as a | | | | The DJ- |
| home. If you're fortunate enough to know someone | | | | A good wedding dj does so much more than just play |
| willing to do this for you, it's off to the races! Just keep | | | | music. They are the uniting aspect who brings all of the |
| in mind that a lot of considerations will pop up along the | | | | components together and provides the rest of what |
| way. Parking, restrooms, neighbors, zoning and noise | | | | you need for a successful affair. Microphones and |
| ordinances, garbage collection and disposal, and | | | | sound systems to hear the audio (both music and |
| catering and beverage concerns (plates, napkins, | | | | spoken word), dance lighting for energy and |
| glasses and silverware, servers, bartender, liquor | | | | excitement, and event planning and coordination are all |
| license, etc.) are just a few of the many difficulties | | | | elements which they bring, plus a commanding |
| you'll encounter. Add to that the legal implications of | | | | presence to keep things together and moving along as |
| liability based on property damage and injury, and the | | | | you and your guests progress through the dynamics |
| very real possibility of a lawsuit from the serving of | | | | of the evening. |
| alcohol, and this becomes overwhelming very quickly. | | | | As with the other main vendors, price should be A |
| That's why it is better to go with a reasonably priced | | | | consideration, but not the ONLY consideration. |
| professional wedding and reception facility with | | | | Personality and experience are vital, and it is possible |
| experience in all of these matters. You'll save money in | | | | to find the best wedding service providers offering the |
| the long run and retain your sanity. | | | | best value if you avoid the least and most expensive |
| The biggest non-secret in the wedding industry? Book | | | | ones. Passion, care, and a good work ethic are rarely |
| your event on any day other than Saturday. This single | | | | found at the ends of the pricing spectrum. |
| decision will result in significant savings overall, as most | | | | |