DC Wedding Planning - Cut Costs, Not Corners!

When it comes to planning their DC wedding, couples learn quickly that there is no way to have it all. With the average Washington DC Wedding costing in excess of $37,000, prioritizing is one of the most critical tasks of the DC wedding planning process.

As an award-winning Wedding DJ in Washington DC, our passion is helping couples have the best experience possible and to be an asset in all facets of wedding planning. 

This article is one in a series of articles intended to help with DC Wedding Planning but to help anyone who is planning their dream wedding.

Where should we not cut costs on our DC Wedding?

If you have begun planning your wedding you likely discovered two things quickly: how many options and choices you have and two, how all of it can add up to a hefty price tag.

You can have a great DC wedding on a budget but there are some areas that should be handed off when it comes to trimming your wedding budget.

Here are the items that are essential to having a great wedding:  

Bar

Guests do not have as much fun at a dry wedding as they do at one with a bar. If you want your reception to be a great party do not cut out the bar.

If your budget is tight and you are looking for a way to save, consider a D.I.Y.bar. A D.I.Y. bar is not a cash bar and not a hosted bar.  Buy your own alcohol and hire bartenders to serve it. Make sure your hired bartenders also come with licensing and insurance. This will save you and your guests a bunch of dough.

Keep in mind that not all venues allow you to D.I.Y., but some will let you buy the bulk alcohol through them at cost, instead of paying per drink. If you buy the alcohol at a large chain store (like Total Wine) make sure they let you return any unopened leftovers — and make sure your bartenders know to only open what they are serving.

If you need to have an open pay-per-drink bar at a wedding due to venue restrictions, you can estimate a bar tab of $60+ per person, depending on the crowd.

DJ or a Band

Pick the wrong band or Washington DC DJ, and you might as well send your guests home after dinner. If you only have one vendor, have a DJ. They are the life of your party.

Obviously, food is important too but you can have pizza delivered, have a great DC DJ, and everyone will be happy. The DJ will set the vibe of the party and it’s critical to have a good one. 

A great DC DJ is not cheap, and a cheap DC DJ is typically not good. You should budget about $1,500+ for a DC Wedding DJ for your Cocktail Hour and Reception. If you need a DC DJ to provide sound for your wedding ceremony you should plan to add $300 - $500 to the wedding entertainment budget.

We know that $2,000 - $2,500 sounds like a lot, but music and entertainment dictate the mood of your DC wedding reception. This is not a task for amateurs. Trust us on this one!

Photography

If there’s only one spot we’d urge you not to skimp on, it’s the photography. Even if you don’t have the best chairs at the reception or not as many flowers as the latest spread in Style Me Pretty, you can still have incredible photos that last a lifetime.

A photographer provides you with tangible memories you’ll have forever. These are the images you’ll be showing your kids and grandkids, so you better love them! Do your research to find a shooter who suits your style—even if they're a little expensive.

Our advice: Hire a photographer with an assistant for two roaming lenses throughout the celebration.

Videography is a must, too. Yes, a photo can provide a snapshot of a moment in time, but a professional videographer can capture movement and sound (meaning, you’ll be able to hear Grandma Sue’s laugh and watch your dad boogie on the dance floor decades from now).

Food

Yes, your nearest and dearest will attend your wedding to watch you say your vows. But they’re also there to party -– and they’re going to want some good food and plenty of it. It is so important to hire a reputable caterer who will provide food that you have tasted and enjoy eating! The last thing you want on your wedding day is a group of “hangry” guests.

Trust me, the menu can have a huge impact on how your guests will rate your celebration!

Lighting

A sea of hanging lanterns or twinkling string lights can turn a tent into a totally romantic venue. We also love spotlights on dramatic centerpieces and an ultra-modern, illuminated monogram projected on the dance floor.

Whatever your wedding style, the right lighting will make your celebration extra-special.

Nothing is more versatile or provides a greater impact on the appearance of a venue than lighting. Lighting has a much larger impact than floral. Lighting can be changed as the event progresses changing the mood from elegant to full party mode.

Conclusion

The number of decisions to be made when planning your DC Wedding can seem overwhelming. When it comes to guests’ enjoyment and lasting memories there are only a few that really matter. If you have tasty food and enough of it, entertainment that keeps the crowd engaged and interacting, a great photographer and a videographer to capture the interaction, and some lighting to set the mood; you will have a terrific Washington DC Wedding that your guests will rave about!