Weddings are expensive. We all know this. So it’s perfectly natural to cut as many corners as possible. Thoughts like, “I bet those party favors wouldn’t be all that tough to make at home.” Also, “Would anyone really notice if the flowers were fake?” These questions are probably running rampant through your head right now. However, cutting corners can be a dangerous game. Here are a few examples of when you must buckle down, dish out the dough, and hire a professional.
1.) The band or DJ. No, just because your cousin owns an iPod and knows how to work it does not mean he is even remotely qualified. Can he determine which blend of original music and cliché wedding songs is best for your wedding reception? Does he know how to get people up on the dance floor and censor the version of your favorite Drake song? The answer to all these questions is no. Even if you answered ‘yes’ to one of them, it doesn’t count. Hire a professional entertainer.
2.) Hair and makeup personnel. This one isn’t always necessary, but you need to hire a professional for the most part. I can’t count the number of weddings I’ve been to where there have been delays because the bride was in the back “touching up.” Do you know why she was constantly “touching up?” Because her hair went flat because she didn’t know how to do it in the humidity. Also, because she was sweating and the makeup she usually uses was coming off. A professional hair stylist can create a hairstyle that won’t go anywhere. A true makeup artist can give you a look that will last the whole night.
3.) The photographer. There seems to be an epidemic in this country right now with people who claim to be photographers and people who actually are photographers. Your sister-in-law, who just got a new camera, is not a professional photographer. Does she understand how to use lighting? Where to stand to get the best shots without being in the way? What about how to properly edit photos, how to take naturally flattering pictures, or which angles set you apart…the fact is, it looks easy, but it’s not. You’ll want to remember these for the rest of your life. Make sure you get them done right.