An intimate celebration certainly has its advantages, one of them being more money to spend on upgraded details and other wedding investments. If you are considering a few small wedding splurges, we’ve rounded up the ones you absolutely will not regret. From kickass photos you’ll cherish forever to that haute couture dress you never thought you could have, these extras will kick your minimony up a notch (or two or three!).
Upscale Stationery
There is something about receiving a beautiful wedding invitation in the mail that just makes you feel special, right? Show your guests what VIPs they are with luxurious, upgraded wedding stationery. Custom designs, hand-written calligraphy, fine textured papers, metallic ink, embellishments, or a combination of all of these will certainly up the wedding stationery ante and set the tone for what is sure to be a special occasion. Your family and friends will know they’re in for a real treat as they anxiously await the big day!
The Wedding Dress of Your Dreams
Nothing haunts us like the things we didn’t buy, and that is especially true when it comes to a wedding dress. Girl, buy the dang dress. Yes, it’s only one day but you know what…so what?! It’s YOUR day. You don’t want to live with non-buyer’s remorse, do you? You deserve to look and feel like a million bucks, even if it costs you a lot of money to get there. If you are living your best life in a dress that was seemingly JUST MADE for you, there’s no way you’ll have to fake a smile on your wedding day. That bridal glow will be real and it’ll show. SERIOUSLY.BUY.THE.DRESS.
An Amazing Photographer
A picture is worth a thousand words and a talented photographer is worth even more than that. You’ve probably heard this before but it’s so true and a point worth repeating – your photos will be the only thing you have left after the cake is eaten, the last song is played, and the day is over. You should love them. Scratch that. You should “abso-freaking-lutely-can’t-stop-staring-at-them” love them. Don’t consider your wedding photographer another “expense”; think of it as an investment. And luckily, with a smaller wedding, you can afford to spring for a really amazing wedding photographer who will be worth every penny!
A Wedding Videographer
If there is an absolute MUST on this list of small wedding must haves, it’s a wedding videographer. Yes, you will treasure your wedding photos for years to come. But there is nothing – and we mean NOTHING – like getting to relive the day all over again. Video captures the day in a way that the best photos in the world will never be able to (sorry photographers!). Do your future self a favor and make room in your budget for a wedding videographer. There is nothing like hearing your wedding vows spoken again, seeing your first dance from another perspective, or watching your grandma shake it on the dance floor.
Mouth Watering Food
Your guests likely won’t remember the food served at your wedding reception unless it’s really, really good…or really, really bad. Wouldn’t you rather it be the former? Food brings people together but a fantastic meal can become an experience for all the senses. Team up with a caterer who focuses on fresh ingredients, unique combinations of flavors, and artistic presentations (you eat with your eyes first!). It doesn’t matter whether it’s a served meal or family style, three courses or six. It is the attention to details and the gastronomical experience that will make all the difference to your guests. Give them the BEST wedding meal they’ve EVER had!
Thoughtful Gifts
A personalized, hand-written thank you note at each guest’s seat? A gorgeously gift-wrapped package handed to them before they depart that evening? These are a lot easier to manage when the size of your crowd is 20 and not 200. Most wedding favors are thoughtless, kitschy, or unuseful. But with a little extra care and a larger budget, your thank you gifts will be limited only by your imagination. They could be as fancy as picnic baskets filled with local cheeses, a bottle of wine, and a plush blanket monogrammed with the guest’s initials. Or they could be as simple as a sweet letter you’ve taken the time to pen to each and every one. Either way, go all in on saying thank you!
Did you make any upgrades to your small wedding? What is the one thing you will never regret splurging on? Comment below or upload a photo and tag @burghbrides and use #burghbrides so we can see!
