Here, some recent brides share what — with 20/20 hindsight — they did right and what they did wrong.
Worth the Splurge
A day-after party, charitable donations, transportation for tipsy guests—these brides called it right for these expenses.
“I’m so glad I paid extra to get my makeup done professionally. I loved how I looked in my wedding photos—so much better than if I’d done my ‘usual’ makeup.” —Stephanie, Durham, NC
“We set up a wine-tasting for our guests at the reception and had food stations instead of a sit-down dinner. They cost more, but I liked having something different for our guests to enjoy. They seemed to appreciate it—we got rave reviews for both.” —Meghan, Philadelphia, PA
“We hired an excellent videographer who was able to really capture the day for us. We can now relive our memories any time. My kids love watching the video too!” —Kate, Boston MA
“I thought that the dress and flowers were worth spending a little extra on. I got to feel like the beautiful, perfect bride!” —Karen, Oakmont, PA
“Instead of buying favors, we made a donation to the American Heart Association in honor of my husband’s father who died from a heart attack five years ago. No one seemed to care that there weren’t any favors, and I can’t think of a better way to spend money than to give it to a good cause.” —Beth, Pittsburgh, PA
“We spent a lot of money on a talented photographer. She was able to capture all of the ‘action’ shots and got good close-ups, too. Now, we have amazing photos that are great mementos of that day.” —Mandy, Columbia, MD
“We paid to extend the reception an extra hour. The added time with our family and friends was well worth it. And everyone was still in full party spirit up until the very last song was played!” —Emily, Pittsburgh, PA
"I think it’s worth splurging on a photographer and videographer who produce high-quality work. After the day is over, the photos and video are what you’ll have to remember it. Nothing else lasts!” —Krista, Glenolden, PA
“We had a party the day after our wedding. One hundred and twenty of our guests came to my parents’ house for a cookout. It wasn’t a necessity, but I loved sharing more intimate time with friends and family—and extending the celebration one extra day.” —Kate
“Instead of a six-piece band, we added two extra horn players to make it an eight-piece band. I was afraid to spend the extra money, but in the end it was worth every penny! I think the music was much more vibrant and enjoyable that way. And they played our first dance—“It Had to Be You”—so beautifully. Everyone still talks about how great our band was!” —Helen, Guttenburg, NJ
“Our DJ was awesome. He brought along two assistants, which made him cost a little bit more, but they really got the whole crowd pumped up. With his assistants helping, the DJ was able to concentrate on what he did best: playing fantastic music!” —Beth
"We splurged on really good food—and enough of it! That was important to us and well worth it." —Erika, Jackson Heights, NY
Next: 10 Things Real Brides Regretted Splurging On ►
Should Have Skipped It
Sometimes the little things really don't make a difference, and piling up debt certainly never makes sense. Heed these words of warning.
"The food at our reception was way overpriced and it was only the standard, boring buffet. Sometimes I think we should’ve considered having a more casual wedding and ordering food from an Italian restaurant or even barbecue from a BBQ joint!” —Lynda, Sterling, VA
“I could have done without an expensive wedding cake and just served cupcakes. A friend of mine did that, and they were a big hit.” —Meg, Wilmington, DE
“Make sure that you and your DJ are on the same page! We went over our playlist with him, but he still ignored most of what we wanted and played stuff we didn’t really like. If I had to do it over again, I’d just program an iPod and get some speakers.” — Jennifer, Short Hills, NJ
“I wish I’d spent less on flowers. All I really wanted was an eclectic mix of herbs and greenery, because that’s more my style, but I got talked up by the florist!” —Melissa W., Brooklyn, NY
“I had baskets of toiletry items placed in the bathrooms for guests, but no one used any of the stuff. The ceremony programs seemed important when I was planning, but in the end I thought they were a waste of paper.” —Kate
“I’m probably in the minority here, but I couldn’t justify spending a ton of money on my wedding dress. Of course I wanted it to be beautiful and something I felt good in, but I really couldn’t see spending $1000+ on something I’d wear once. I found a dress at a chain retailer that I loved for $500 and was very happy with it.” —Erika, Jackson Heights, NY
“I was so nervous about not having enough food that I overdid the cocktail hour with too many stations with heavy food, like sliced roast beef and sushi. People had no room for dinner, not to mention dessert!” —Emily
“I wish my photographer had gotten more photos of the guests. Most of the shots were of just me and my husband. If we'd had candid shots of other people, the costs for the photography would have been more worth it.” —Beth
"I would have skipped favors. I noticed after the wedding that most people forgot their gifts on the tables. We gave them away to the kitchen staff." —Kathy, Gladwyne, PA
"We had a chocolate fountain. It was nice but definitely not worth what it cost. No one would have missed it if it hadn't been there. —Emily