the wedding guide
Working with a tight budget? I would recommend reducing your guest list. The number of people greatly affects the size of the space you choose and catering costs. – Marcia Julien, Sarah P. Duke Gardens Request services to be completed at the salon. Off-site services are more expensive due to travel. In addition, if you can go with hair worn down and curls, we can book the appointments as specialty blowouts. Specialty blowouts, exclude any pinning, are half the price of updos. – Abby Cabasquini, 140 Salon and Blow Dry Bar You don’t often need the photographer to be there for getting your hair put in curlers or eyelashes on (because no one ever prints those) or to stay for all the drunken dancing shots (although, these can be very entertaining). There are things that I think couples shouldn’t skip though, and that is an engagement session and an album. I do think they are worth every penny. – Rebecca Ames, Rebecca Ames Photography You want to shoot for someone who PHOTO BY REBECCA AMES, REBECCA AMES PHOTOGRAPHY is charging a price that equals his or her experience and overall talent. The best way to find that out is to ask them for sample work like videos or mixes. Also ask them if you can visit them playing at a public event so that you can get a sense of their talent and skill level. – Alex Choi, Vox DJ Co
82
|
durhammag.com
|
december/january 2019
TAK E T HI S ADVI C E !
We offer a precious metals recycling service to offset costs. And, if [you’re] open to non-traditional engagement stones, there are even more inexpensive options. Sapphires are an amazing alternative. – Delouis Wilson and Kristine Wylie Warsaw, Jewelsmith Consider a presentation cake with additional sheet cakes to serve all the guests. – Stephanie Richardson, wedding cake specialist, The Mad Hatter’s Cafe & Bakeshop Go for basic linens, glassware and flatware. Centerpieces, whether it be candles, flowers or DIY touches from the couple, can go a long way to impress your guests. – Paige Faucette, Themeworks [Have] each person pay for their own makeup. If I am working with a hair stylist, then I can partner with the hair stylist to work out a package deal. – Angela Sladeczek, Artistry by Angela Some photographers will work with you to develop a reduced coverage collection. And don’t hesitate to ask about discounts you may qualify for! We have an educator and military discount and also run discounts for people who find us at wedding shows. – Elyssa Kivus, Kivus & Camera The caterer should work with couples to round out the menu providing a nice selection across the hors d’oeuvres and dinner that will fill everyone up without going overboard. It’s OK to shop vendors and find one that you feel comfortable with and that offers a fair price. Just don’t skimp on the service staff – professionalism is key. – Kristen Roberts, Chapel Hill Restaurant Group