With my apologies to anyone named Joe (especially if Joe is a professional in his industry) I would like to address the issue of hiring a professional vs hiring your uncle, aunt, friend, neighbor, or average Joe to help with your wedding in one way or another.
Having been in the wedding industry for over 15 years in one capacity or another I have seen my fair share of horror stories when it comes to not using a professional. Now I need to preface what I say by stating that if you don’t really care what your pictures look like or what your decor looks like or what the food tastes and looks like etc etc then it probably doesn’t matter if you read this or not. However, if you do care about those things when it comes to your wedding day then I can’t strongly emphasize this enough, GO WITH A PRO!
Your wedding isn’t a trial run, this is a day that you hope to keep with you for years and years to come. The wonderful memories of a day filled with friends and family is a once in a lifetime thing. For that reason I want to share with you some of the things I have observed over the years.
Cake Decorated By Mom Giving it A Try
Professional Cake By Sugar Kisses Cakes By Design
1 – For the most part your wedding day is a complex day with a lot of moving parts. Professionals do this for a living. They know how to handle the complexities of the day. A professional photographer has more than likely shot at the location you are at and knows the ins and outs of the best place to get photos. A caterer is licensed and understands the proper times to have food ready. A professional DJ has a back up plan if there are problems with the system. Professionals are prepared issues arise. Your uncle/aunt/friend more than likely doesn’t know these things or isn’t ready.
I can’t tell you how many times I was at a wedding and it was obvious that a non professional was shooting the pictures, or working on the video. Again, if it doesn’t matter to you then it isn’t a big deal, if it does matter to you then make sure you do it right.
2 – Peace of Mind and Good Memories – Professionals know where to be and when to be there. They are dedicated solely to making your day memorable. If you are waiting on your aunt to get her kids ready and then come photograph your wedding you might have to hang on for a bit and keep everyone else waiting too. If you have to stress over whether something will be done right, then you are not going to be having any fun at your wedding. One of the best business minds that I look up to was asked why his business was so successful, his reply was very simple, he said, “I hire good people who know what they are doing and then I get out of their way and let them do it.” For your wedding that couldn’t be any more appropriate. Let the professionals do their jobs, let your friends and relatives have fun.
3 – Quality – Lets face it, you get what you pay for. I can’t stress it enough. If having fantastic pictures is important to you then don’t skimp on the photographer, if having great food is important than make sure your caterer has been around the block, if music and entertainment are a must then don’t bring an ipod, the list goes on and on. As someone who is close to so many wonderful wedding professionals I have heard horror story after horror story of someones friend or relative messing up their part of the wedding.
4 – Problems – No one is perfect. Even the best professional can not be on his/her A game. However they typically have a back up plan or can correct problems if there are any issues. If your aunt/uncle/friend messes up not only are there hard feelings afterwards there could be resentment for a long time. Don’t put the pressure on someone who doesn’t know what they are doing.
5 – Cost – There are professionals for all budgets, obviously you don’t want to break the bank, but I can’t tell you how many times I have seen brides contact a professional photographer after the wedding to have pictures retaken, some times the fact that you are trying to save money can in the long run cost you more money.
6 – Industry knowledge/connections – I remember a wedding I was at where the uncle photographer couldn’t make it because of a sick child. I was able to get on the phone and immediately get a photographer there. Reason being is those involved in the wedding industry are very well connected with each other. It is a tight knit industry and for the most part all your wedding pros have people they know and trust. If someone “drops the ball” then these people will know and most likely have others they can contact immediately to help you out of a pickle.
7 – Get Samples, Examples and References – This is very important. Reason being is because there are many “professionals” who I would not consider professional. Make sure to see samples of their work, taste samples of their food and get references from others in the industry as well. I can’t tell you how many “professionals” are just amateurs in disguise. Just because someone takes money from you does not make them a professional.
It is your wedding, it is supposed to be a wonderful day for you to celebrate with those who are closest to you. I can’t tell you how to do it, but I can tell you that after having participated in and attended hundreds of weddings over the years that I have seen my fair share of problems and almost always it has been because an amateur was doing something that they shouldn’t have been doing.
Remember you get what you pay for
It Takes An Expert To Make Your Wedding A Masterpiece – Photo By Tiny Comet
Photo By Swensen Photography
Make Sure To Hire A Professional For Such An Important Day
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