A wedding fit for a queen. All the decorations, at the best venue, the best location and the best meal. Then you look at your bank account and soon realize that your dream wedding might have to be just that……a dream. Or does it?

Obviously, if budget wasn’t an issue,  everyone would be having their dream wedding with all the fixings. Unless your bank account looks like a social security number, this may not be a reality for you. However, there are ways that I’ve seen people do a bang up job while still being within “mere mortals’” budget.

1. Location

If you want to save a few bucks, try looking at “unconventional” locations. I’ve photographed weddings at community centers and at parks. Be sure to check if the park will be closed to the public during your wedding. One of my weddings was done at the Kanapaha Botanical Garden in Gainesville, Florida. At this location, weddings take place after the park is closed. That way you wont have have uninvited guests ruining your special day.

2. Food and Decoration

Another area that can eat (pun intended) into your budget are the meals and decorations. Sometimes, depending on the size of your wedding, this can get costly….real quick. To save money, I’ve seen couples ask family members for help. You may have someone in your family that is awesome at baking. Ask them to bake a cake for you (and be sure to pay them). This was done at one of the weddings that I photographed, it was one of the best cakes I’ve ever had. Still, you may have a friend or family member that would give Martha Stewart a run for her money when it comes to decorations.

If none of these fit your situation, turn to the internet. There are tons of people out there with extraordinary talent that are looking to get a start and need the experience. Reach out to them (Craigslist, Facebook…etc.). If you use this option, arrange for a tasting/sampler or a consultation to ensure that you like the product before you commit. It shouldn’t have to be said, but I’ll say it , do not pay or sign a contract until you are completely satisfied.

3. Learn to DIY

If at all possible, learn to do a few things on your own. With youtube and other free content, you can learn how to do just about anything. I’ve seen brides doing their own hair and makeup, or making their own bouquet. Yes, this is yet another thing to do, but if it means saving a couple hundred dollars, it just might be worth it.

I get it. As  you work planning the wedding of your dreams, it can be hard to keep up with all the things that needs to be done. Between keeping so-and-so from sitting next to you know who, handling the arrangements or just keeping up with the itinerary, it can be a little overwhelming. However, dealing with a photographer doesn’t have to be difficult.

Here’s a quick list of a few discussions that should take place prior to the day of your wedding.

1. Are there any “special guests” that need to be focused on?

This may seem obvious, but believe me, it is crucial in making your day just that little bit more memorable. I had a wedding where the mother of the bride died just days prior to the wedding. During the ceremony a chair was set up for her, signifying that her mom was there in spirit. Had I not be aware of this, I would have not photographed this special memory for the bride. This may include a best friend in the audience that made a long trek to be a part of the wedding or any other “important” family member (or object(s) special to the couple.

2. Going against the  “status quo”

Every wedding is different. Even a seasoned veteran in the game can be thrown a curve ball. During a small wedding, instead of the bridesmaid and groomsmen coming down the aisle together, each person had a song and dance number. Because this was communicated, I was ready to photograph this little groomsmen coming down the aisle as Michael Jackson.

3. The Devil is in the details

As a photographer, we are always careful to photograph the venue and all the little details. However, not all couples like or want this delivered to them. Communicate with your photographer what you want and what your vision is. Every couple is unique. Some are more extravagant than others and others are more reserved. Do not expect your photographer to know exactly what you want. If there’s one take away from this, it’s this: communicate, communicate, communicate and communicate some more.

Without a doubt, 2020 was a rough year. Between natural disasters that plagued our world, the constant in-fighting between elected leaders and how can I forget, a global pandemic; I don’t know which made it worst.

My heart goes out to those that stood on the front lines to fight Covid head-on and to those that weren’t so lucky and are no longer with us. I am reminded of a bride-to-be that was to have her wedding on May 16, 2020. Like everyone, she moved her wedding to October thinking “we will be over this”. October turned to November, than December and finally January. Well, the wedding never happened. She ended up losing her deposit on several of the venues and finally  she decided to just get married at the courthouse.

Yes, 2020 was a rough year - but we press on. My hope for the future is that we learn from the past. As painful as the year was, let us not forget the sacrifice, the toil, the isolation and the fear that came from it all. By remembering these things, it prepares us for the future.

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - George Santayana