Good Morning America has got the wedding florists, bakers and photographers of the world up in arms with their most recent piece with “tips to save money” on your wedding.
There and plenty of reasons to point out how one particular planner is incorrect (for example simply adding a vase to a centerpiece does not add $100 per table and high school photographers are not an option if you are “on a budget”, but still want a professional experience!), however, the thing that strikes me the most is how wedding planners (who brings their own price tag to the table!) are creating an atmosphere of fear by playing off of the emotions of engaged couples who may want a beautiful wedding day, but don’t want to get ripped off.
Here’s the truth: there’s a vendor for every budget. I am not a floral designer that can serve any budget. There are photographers who charge $10,000 for their work and there are some who charge $1,200. If your budget does not allow for the $10K florist or photographer, there are options.
Most couples cannot afford the most expensive vendors and high-end vendors don’t exist to make you feel badly if you cannot afford them. They simply serve a different clientele/market.
The bottom line in my opinion is this: Planners who perpetuate the myth that they can save you money by omitting vases and suggesting “grazing stations” for your cattle…I mean guests…are liars. Plain and simple.
Wedding planners who are worth their salt know that a beautiful wedding is an investment.
When you are on a budget the first place to start is by planning a small wedding. Plan for less than 50 guests if you want to save money. It’s much smarter than planning for 150 guests and serving dinner in a trough with ragweed centerpieces and a photographer who pulls up on a skateboard.
