A wedding is a huge expense and we are all hoping for the best bang for our buck, but how many times have you been to a wedding where you thought, “Yikes! They’re doing ___ themselves!” There are things we just shouldn’t handle on our wedding day because our friends and family will either miss us or feel like a hired hand. In that vein, here is a list of 5 wedding tasks to give to a professional.

DJ

An iPod, Pandora, Spotify or laptop cannot get your guests moving on the dance floor or announce your wedding party. A DJ does so much more than play music.  He/She is the voice of the party, the emcee to the events and propels guests from one activity to the next. I ended up having to emcee my best friend’s wedding (yes, I know, I’m no Julia Roberts), it is no easy feat. To keep the party moving into speeches, announcements, cake cutting, and make the day fun, is crazy. DJs do all this, and often provide lighting, staging, and sound equipment, making your day a memorable one. Check out Crow Entertainment, DJ Manny V, J Street Productions, Eric Herod Entertainment and many more on our DJ Vendors Page.

Photographers

I am going to get on my high horse here. Professional photographers are artists and set the tone of how you will remember your very special day. Having a “faux-tographer”, a friend with an awesome camera that loves to take pictures, will not get the shots you love and will probably drive your guests nuts. Professionals know how to get in, get the job done and be unobtrusive. Also, consider asking guests to not take pictures with phones during the ceremony so that they do not inadvertently get in the way of the photographer. I’ve included a hilarious video of wedding faux pas that are being committed by guests everywhere. It is your day, it is ok to say, “Please enjoy the day with us in the present and not through a lens.” A professional photographer will get shots that you will display in your home for the rest of your lives. Leo DJ Photography, Tim Souza Photography and Hamilton Photography are just a few local DMV photographers that make the beauty you remember a tangible art piece. Check them and others out on our photographer vendor page.

The Cake

Let’s be honest, we are all looking forward to dessert. Simple or spectacular, the cake is a show piece at your wedding. Having a professional bake, design and set-up your dream cake is a must for a stress-free day. One false move and wham, your cake looks like a fourth-grade science fair project, Mount St. Wedding Cake, a volcano erupting icing. Not a pretty picture. And even simple cakes are difficult. Baking and decorating is a science, not a “I think I’ll put a pinch more” kind of thing. Be aware that delivery and set-up may be a separate fee to the design and baking of your cake. This, however, will save you the stress of how to set up, when to pick up or how to store your delicious display. SugarBakers Cakes, Flavor Cupcakery, and I Want Pretty Cakes are just a few local bakeries that provide a range of beautiful, tasty desserts for your tasteful day. Find more bakers here.

Wedding Coordinating

Do NOT Coordinate your own wedding. You will be the most unhappy bride ever. This is known by so many in the industry that caterers will insist you have someone other than you available to make decisions on the day of your wedding. You will be busy enough and even the most capable, organized bride needs someone with a cool head and knowledge of how the wedding industry works to evade and eliminate the threats that will arise to destroy your day. And they will arise. Spreadsheets and schedules only go so far. Relax and let Allison Barnes Events, Encore Events by Angie Gillis or any of our other listed Event Planners make your day go seamlessly.  

Alterations

Do not, Do not, Do not do this yourself. I am the daughter of a seamstress, and have many, many friends that are seamstresses and costume designers. Altering a wedding dress or even manufacturer made bridesmaid dresses are a beast. They generally do not have seam allowance to let them out, and the fabrics are extremely finicky. Alterations will add un-needed stress and possible mayhem if they are incorrectly sewn or steamed. Let a professional make your dress fit like it was made for you, because well, it was. Some bridal shops, like Scher’s Bridal Shop, even include the cost of alterations in the cost of the wedding gown. Make sure to ask if alterations are possible in house when you purchase. It can save you time and hassle in the future. Check out our Bridal Attire page for more choices.

Pro Tip: Have an emergency kit with threads matching the wedding dress, bridesmaid’s dresses and the tuxedo suits and shirts. A popped button, seam or bustle mishap occur at almost every event. Having a needle, and matching thread could save a small snag from become a huge tear in the day.

There will be enough challenges in your life as a couple to not need to overly complicate your first day as husband and wife. Professionals can be expensive, but the saying is quipped so often for good reason. You get what you pay for.