In the earlier article, I share how sometimes, things aren't quite as straightforward as expected when it comes to wedding packages, and how some couples may find themselves in a fix and out of options at the most inopportune time! For myself, because I was not prepared to let fate determine the outcome of my wedding, I undertook to oversee everything myself. While I understand that perhaps not everyone would want to shift towards engaging individual wedding service providers for fear of the hassle, if, like me, you're open to ideas and suggestions, then do read on! You may find enough reason to fully embrace planning your own wedding and at the same time experience a most satisfying and memorable journey for yourself.
One, most of the professionals are either freelancers or run their own business; so reputation is of utmost importance to them. One bad review can be devastating; hence, as much as possible, they usually refrain from overpromising what they can't deliver.
Two, instead of accepting loads of clients that they could never manage, these professionals can determine their own schedule and decide whether to accept your business. In fact, I had not one but two popular photographers turn me down in order to focus on only one photoshoot per weekend. Their reason? They wished to concentrate their attention and skills on one couple’s big day rather than stretch themselves to handle three or four weddings over the weekend. Same goes for hair and makeup artists.
Three, none of them tried to hard-sell me! I was under no pressure to sign up for packages once I made it clear I wasn't interested in them. If anyone tried to press me, I could always walk away because there's always an over-abundance of freelancers out there who want my business. I didn’t have to stick to only one studio but was free to rent one gown from one studio and another gown from another studio, because I liked both designs.
Four, I actually saved a lot of money and was able to stay comfortably under my budget because I did not pay for frills that I didn't need. Rental car? I could borrow a friend’s. My bouquet of roses and corsages? I requested that service from my wedding venue’s florist who didn’t charge me much since they had leftovers after decorating my venue anyways. Faux jewellery? I bought them at a steal online.
Five, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey to find the right vendors, and as a result, my entire wedding planning experience was a satisfying and fulfilling one. As I mentioned, it was easier to stick to my budget, and I was still able to pick out all the styles that I loved. I also found that as I worked with the vendors, mutual trust was established, and in fact, I made great friends with some of the vendors. And I didn't have to deal with objections like, “Oh, we would love to do such and such for you, but I'm sorry, my company’s policy doesn’t allow it.”
So as you decide on your approach to wedding preparation, do consider these thought-provoking reasons that helped me and others like me venture out and "go solo" in regards to wedding planning, rather than be tied down to some package that was signed a year ago.
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Written by Kally Tay
* Kally Tay is a writer who used to be a bride from Annabel Law Productions and a friendship blossomed with Bel after her wedding. She loves to share her knowledge of being a mum and her corporate experiences though her blog at Middle Me.
