Today, we’re discussing a topic that is very near and dear to my heart: hiring professionals for your wedding. One might assume hiring professionals is an obvious choice, but this is not always the case.
Planning a wedding is exciting, emotional, and yes, often expensive. With so many details to manage, it might be tempting to save money by asking friends or family to help instead of hiring professionals. While that may seem like a good idea at first, it can lead to stress and unexpected problems.
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it deserves to be in the hands of people who know exactly what they’re doing. This brings us to the famous quote from Red Adair: “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.” Although he wasn’t talking about weddings, that advice rings true, no matter the job.
As a former wedding planner, I couldn’t agree more and have so many personal examples. The old adage that you get what you pay for is so true! A few years back, one of my couples had an uncle who did photography. Unfortunately, he had never shot a wedding and missed many important pictures, including the bride making her grand entrance down the stairs to see the groom. The bride told me later they wished they had chosen a professional wedding photographer.
In my experience, having a friend or family member do a wedding professional’s job rarely works out unless they are a professional in their field. Hiring a professional for your wedding is an investment in peace of mind, quality, and unforgettable memories. Besides bad photos, here are five important reasons why hiring a wedding professional is one of the best decisions you can make.
-
Professionals Are Prepared for Anything
Wedding professionals have seen it all, from surprise rainstorms to last-minute wardrobe malfunctions, and they know how to handle the unexpected. They thrive under pressure and are trained to think fast and solve problems on the spot. Experience is everything on a day that leaves no room for do-overs.
-
They Work for You (Not for Cake and Champagne)
A professional is hired to do a job, and that job is their sole focus. A friend or relative may have good intentions but might get distracted while socializing or celebrating. More importantly, you risk straining your relationship when you hire a friend. Giving honest feedback or dealing with disappointment is not easy if things go south. With a professional, you maintain clear expectations, and your friendships stay intact.
-
They Bring Better Equipment—and Know How to Use It
It’s not just about having a fancy camera or high-end sound system—it’s about knowing how to use it well. Professionals come equipped with backup gear, understand lighting, timing, and venue logistics, and have the skills to adapt in the moment. Uncle Tom may own a DSLR, but he probably doesn’t have a second battery, backup memory cards, or a deep understanding of white balance.
-
They Provide Peace of Mind
One of the most underrated but invaluable benefits of hiring a pro? Peace of mind. Knowing that someone capable, reliable, and experienced is handling your wedding details allows you to enjoy your day. You’ll be fully present, not worrying about whether the music will start on time or if the photographer remembered the ring shot.
-
Let Your Friends Be Guests
Weddings are about love, celebration, and creating memories with the people closest to you. If someone is truly your friend, don’t make them work at your wedding—invite them to share in the joy, dance, laugh, and toast with you. If you don’t want them to miss the party, why ask them to carry the weight of your big day?
Regardless of who you decide to hire, here are some important things to know.
- Find out about their experience. Please find out how long they have been focusing on weddings and how many they do in a year. Check out their portfolio and client reviews.
- Ask for references and talk to some of their recent clients. It can be beneficial to contact those who had weddings similar to yours.
- Check their credentials. Make sure they are licensed and insured.
- Follow your instincts. Being comfortable with your vendors is very important, especially those you will be spending a lot of time with. They might be highly recommended, but if you don’t click with them, they are not the right fit for you.
- Get it in writing. To avoid misunderstandings and know exactly what the vendor is providing, be sure to get a contract. Then, read the contract carefully before you sign on the dotted line.
Your wedding day only happens once, and it is probably not the time to cut corners on hiring a professional. Not sure where to start? Check out some of our talented professionals who can make your wedding day unforgettable! Regardless of who you decide to hire for your big day, do your homework to make an informed decision. We would love to hear about your experience and whether you hired a wedding professional or a friend.
Feature Photo Credit: Knotting Hill Photography