There are wedding resources out there that tell brides to budget by assigning percentage values to each aspect of wedding planning. But that is such flawed logic! Every bride is different, with different personalities and different priorities. How can any one tell all brides that flowers should be x% of their budget?

When we work on budgets with our clients, we talk about priorities first, and then taste/style. This helps us come up with a pretty accurate guess at what they should expect to spend on each aspect of their wedding.

When weighing your priorities, try to think down the road. What will still be important to you in 10 years? 20? 50?

In looking back on my own wedding (back in 2003! eek!), I am struck by how my priorities have changed. If I were to have it all to do over again, I would spend more on photography. Because after the party is over, it's the pictures that remain and, in if they're on your walls, you seem them several times every day.

Time it was, and what a time it was, it was
A time of innocence, a time of confidences
Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph
Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you
-Paul Simon

Happy Planning! :)
-jessica