Emphatically, NO. You also don't need a florist, photographer, officiant, wedding rings or a wedding party. What this whole wedding event is about, is to celebrate this day, with your statement to the world, that you're "in it forever", and doing it only once (so let's do it right the first time). How do you want to remember this day? For next to nothing, you can get married at the local courthouse for under $200. Most brides want "something special" to remember this day. And, $200 will not cut it.
The first and foremost consideration, is your total budget. In the United States, the average cost for a wedding is over 30 thousand dollars. There is then a "percentage" breakdown of each facet of your special day. Catering, staff, venue and bar typically costs 45% of the total. So if your total budget is 30 thousand, then just the above, will run about $13, 500.
Here is the national average of costs, broken down in percentages of the total budget (these numbers are comnpiled from many bridal magazine sources):
Venue / staff / food / bar 45%
Photographer / Videographer 14% (double if you hire both)
Honeymoon 12%
Dress / Tux / Hair / Makeup 11%
Cake 10%
Transportation / Gifts 10%
Flowers / Decor 9%
Entertainment (Band or DJ) 9%
Rings 4%
Officiant 4%
Stationary / Cards/ Invites 3%
This list in not complete, but gives you a major portion of your expense for your wedding day. Sure, you can trim here or there, and add here or there, but keep in mind, that a Craigslist DJ will not give you the same performance as the seasoned pro DJ, with custom lighting and logo projection on the floor or wall, who has high tech state of the art equipment and sound gear. Can you get by for less... sure... do you want to?
If you'd be happy with an iPod wedding, then go for it... but at least search out other brides who've gone this route, and see what they have to say (VERY few comment after the fact on the bridal boards... I bet there's a reason for that). Would a instant camera on every table accomplish what you're after, or do you want high quality, edited and arranged professionally photographed pictures. You WILL notice a differance, but what is your fairytale dream whispering on the inside of your head? A Nationally published bride magazine, took a survey, and discovered that 80% of brides (after the fact) wished they had spent more on better quality entertainment. Source: http://www.perfectweddings.us/2010/03/wedding-statistics.html
A great DJ will "MAKE" the party. IPod... not so much.
Do you want a "Cake Boss" work of art, or will you go to isle #9 at Wallmart for your cake? Are you after the diamond ring that you'd drempt about since you were a little girl, or will a cigar band work for you? It really boils down to what YOU want, and can afford. Many brides who fill the ranks in DIY bridal magazines, all tout the concept of cutting costs to the point that the wedding turns into a disaster. DIY is perfect if your uncle Harry is a skilled baker, or your mom can arrange a vase of flowers... but use caution with nonprofessionals doing professional service. Do you want a guy who know how to use a wrench, to fix your car alternator? I can change a tire, so I bet I could swap your engine...right! I know you understand the concept I'm getting at.
So what makes the differance between a professional and "the other guys"? Read my other blog entry (below) for my opinion.
