Simply put: budget, guest experience, and personal meaning

The Big Wedding Industry Secret

Let’s be real for a second: every single wedding vendor wants to convince you that their service is the absolute main character of your day. They’ll tell you that without them, the vibe simply won't hit.

Spoiler alert: they are entirely wrong.

The actual MVP of your wedding? You, your partner, and the electric energy of celebrating with your absolute favorite people. Period. Everything else is just the supporting cast... yes, even the entertainment.

As much as I would love to claim the number-one spot, the reality is that your priority list shouldn't look like anyone else's. It should look exactly like you.

Rank the Lineup

Before you start signing contracts, sit down and map out your vendor lineup. You need to rank them based on the actual impact they will have on your specific experience.

The Potential Dream Team:

Venue

Catering

Entertainment (DJ, Band, Musicians)

Cake

Photography

Content Creation

Videography

Dance Floor

Photo Booth

Decor

Wedding Planner

Transportation

Put Your Money Where Your Vibe Is

Now, be ruthless. Rate them starting at 1 (absolute necessity, will cry without it) and go down the list. The things at the top of your list get the biggest slice of your budget.

The Culinary Obsessed: If you and your circle are massive foodies, push Catering to the top and feast.

The Party Animals: If your goal is legendary, unhinged memories and a packed dance floor, Entertainment needs to be your highest priority.

The Soft-Era Couples: If you just want to exist in the moment, do absolutely zero thinking, and actually enjoy your day, a master entertainer and a full-service planner is your best investment.

Stop paying for what the industry says you need. Invest heavily in your top priorities, and let the rest fall into place.

Drops Mic...

 

-Michael Nickolich  (DJ Mikey) - Lights Out Entertainment - Indianapolis, Indiana