by Lauren Ice

Created on: April 23, 2009

A wedding reception is in essence an extravagant party thrown in celebration of your love and commitment. It is a day that you will remember for the rest of your life, so obviously you want it to be perfect. When budgeting for your wedding consider the things that you will remember in 10 years. Will you remember the $20 a piece wedding favors, or your dress?

4 Things to splurge on:

1. Photography. The photos will be your window back to your wedding day. They are the tangible memories from the day you became his wife. Don't be afraid to go with a more expensive photographer who's photographs you love. Finding a photographer who you get along with and who understands what you want in your pictures, can take some time, but once you find them, spend the money it takes to get them to your wedding.

2. Your appearance. Why would you go to the largest party to ever be thrown in your honor and not look gorgeous? Spend the extra money on your dress, your hair, and your make-up. No one needs $2000 worth of pictures of themselves that don't look fabulous.

3. The honeymoon. This may be the only vacation you take alone with your husband. You may have children before you have time to take another. Even if that is not the case and you and your fiance travel often, your honeymoon is a trip dedicated to your love. Remembering how luxurious the spa at your resort was or how exciting it was go cliff diving is much better than recalling the six hour flight in cramped seats just to arrive at your dirty hotel room 45 minutes from the beach. Whether you travel internationally or go to a quiet bead and breakfast an hour from your home, go all out.

4. Your reception venue. When you find the perfect location for your reception, it can take your breath away. This place will be the backdrop for your magical day. You will be reminded of it every time you look at the wedding pictures. Would you rather see a magnificent ballroom or the basement of a VFW? Also consider if you would rather find a less expensive venue and spend more on decorations to transform it to match your vision.

When planning your wedding you will know what is the most important to you. Spend extra money on those things. You may want the finest food and wine, a seven tier wedding cake, or a thousand lilies. All that is important is that you spend your money on what will make the day perfect for you and your fiance.

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