Regardless of budget, event hosts are usually concerned with costs. Be it a wedding, baby shower or judicial investiture, the budget is usually reviewed on a line-by-line basis rather than from the overall bottom line.
With each and every client, the most consistent advice I give clients is not to skimp on the memories - and anything attached to them. Want to know how to best allocate your funds and still have a fabulous time? Here's our list of areas we suggest you do NOT skimp on the budget:
- Food: Ample portions of well-seasoned, promptly served food will keep guests happy. Happy guests create happy memories. Nothing is worse as a guest than having to wait for food to be served (either because of tardy hosts or the venue), except for having to wait for food service and receive an unfulfilling portion. If your venue and/or caterer offers a tasting, schedule one and choose entrees that best fit the occasion and guests attending. Make sure portions are generous. Another benefit to promptly served, healthy portions is a fewer number of overly intoxicated guests if an open bar is offered.
- Music: Some of the best shots captured are of guests having a great time on your day. What better way to get them active and moving than fantastic music. Whether your preference is a live band or a disc jockey, or if you prefer line dancing over ballroom dancing, with great music your guests won't be able to sit still too long. For some of your guests, it is quite possible that this is a long overdue night out without the kids. Be sure to make it worth their while, and show them a good time! (Besides, they'll probably need to work off some of the meal you just served.)
- Photography: All of the special moments from entrances to dances can be relived repeatedly through beautifully captured, professionally shot photographs. This is one the first areas hosts tend to want to skimp. "It just pictures" or, "my best friend has a really good camera, can't she take pictures?" are two statements often used in an attempt to justify cutting corners on photographs. At the end of the day, pictures (and video) will be all that's left. Let's be honest, if it's a wedding you're hosting - will you really wear the gown again? And, the flowers will die before the week's over. Spend the money where it counts - what will live on: Your Memories.
- Cinematography: Same with the photography, this is what will last after your special event is all said and done. It may seem like a high expense, but you'll be grateful on the back end. You may not pop it in every time you sit down for a movie night. But, it's a great post-wedding recap with the bridal party (a "release" party), and something to do on your anniversaries. If you're celebrating another life event, the memories of some of the guests present will eventually become priceless - trust me.
It seems like that's the whole budget, right? These are some of the big ticket items, I know. But, there are several other areas of the budget where you can scale back without sacrificing the event's experience.
For a review of your budget, visit our website and contact us today!
