Your wedding will be one of the most important days of your life, but let’s face facts, it’s also probably going to be one of the biggest parties you’ll ever attend! If you’ve gone through the wedding planning process and all of your essentials are taken care of with a good chunk of your budget leftover, you may want to go for the gusto with a wedding addition you’ve always dreamed of.
Not quite sure where to spend the remainder of your wedding budget? Check out a few of the following ideas that are sure to keep your guests buzzing for weeks after your nuptials.
1. A true wedding band
A DJ can certainly put together a playlist of all of your favorites, but he or she simply won’t match the energy and excitement that comes with a full band. Pick a band that can play a wide selection of your song choices, as well as having the ability to play multiple styles to ensure that they can play any requests that come from your guests.
2. An open bar
Let’s face it, if you’re going with a cash bar at your reception, you will receive your fair share of moans and groans from your attendees. There’s no better way for a reception to die down early than if your guests have to pay out of pocket! If you don’t have the money to go for a full bar, opt for unlimited wine and beer or a signature drink to keep your guests happy all night long.
3. Catering
Everyone has attended a wedding that features overdone steak and fish entrees, ho-hum appetizers and very little in the way of variety. Don’t let your food choices fall victim to this trap! Using your extra money on quality hors d’oeuvres, dinners and even after-party fare is sure to receive rave reviews from your attendees.
4. Activities
Throwing a little wrinkle into your wedding reception planning is a dazzling way to shake up convention and give your guests something special to enjoy. Some ideas to consider are photo booths, a cigar roller, magicians, ice-breaker games at the tables, lawn games for cocktail hour or even a small box where guests can fill out cards with wedding advice are fun and festive ways to keep your guests busy and leave you with some charming mementos and photo opportunities.
5. Photography
Your wedding photos are the lasting images that will define your wedding day. Finding a professional with a keen eye for the best shot may cost extra, but he or she will have the best equipment, will take your needs to heart and can capture the perfect shots from the ceremony to the dance floor that you will treasure for years to come.
