What are somethings that is not necessary for a wedding?

I think a photographer is 100% necessary as that is the only memories you’ll have left of the day. A DJ isn’t necessary but if you want people to dance I highly recommend one. Feeding your guests a full meal if your wedding is at a meal time is necessary. Having a seat for everyone is necessary. Everything else is optional

I would reccommend a photographer rather than having people just use their iphones. Cut favors, save the dates, welcome bags. I'd keep the guest list low, and find a venue that allows you to bring in your own alcohol. Only serve beer and wine.

Nothing is necessary besides someone that can legally marry you. Past that it's all frills.

But there was no way I was having friends take photos of that day. You pay a professional to have the talent, and knowledge and the eye to capture moments and make you look your best.

I don't believe in making friends and family work on your wedding day.

Your theme sounds cute! I love when couples are unique to themselves! Is his friend a DJ? We have a friend djing ours and he is an actual DJ. If you skip pro dj you may spend that on coordinator. Also I agree pics are a must. They are one of the few things that last after the day.

Both are completely necessary. You don't want to put in all of your time and money and realize you never got an important photo like with parents or inlaws. Plus, a pro will bring out and really make shine your best features. As far as the DJ goes, they do more than just play music. A pro will be able to read the vibe of the room, getting people up and out of their seats. Plus, the DJ is your wedding MC. He or she will set up your grand entrance, announce important things like the first dance and cutting the cake. I fully believe that you should hire pros. Less stress on you guys and on your guests.

View Quoted Comment Yeah I really want to do both. I’m just nervous about the photography part like that’s suppose to be an important part and my parents are divorced and they can’t stand being in the same room together.

View Quoted Comment I guess he was a dj I’m not sure. But thank you our theme is a little difficult but the way I’m going i thinks it’s going to come out good

Technically you could go to the court house and do paperwork, so nothing other than that is necessary. I think it is more important that you reach an agreement together based on your budget and what type of wedding you are aiming for.

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Totally understand your hesitation. I guess my only bit of advice is something my seamstress actually told me. She said that you need to think about the people who will be looking at those photos in years to come. Whether it's children, nieces, nephews, etc. just think about how you want them to see you and your future husband. If you are okay with photos taken by family and friends, then there is your answer. I have tried to keep that idea in my mind throughout the planning process and it has really helped me.

For us personally our necessities were:

Photographer, full meal, DJ, officiant (obviously lol).

The rest was all just an "add-on" in our eyes!

Things I think are not necessary based on my experience -

Crazy Centerpieces or Table Décor

Favors

Programs

Paper RSVP's

Welcome bags

Too many personalized signs

Aisle décor

Things I feel are necessary:

Booze, Food, Music, Comfortable environment for your guests.

Photographer and video was a must for us.

Of all of the things that are musts IMO a photographer and DJ are right at the top!

Sure, people will be taking pictures with their phones but are candid camera phone pictures really what you want to remember your wedding day by? You will want professional shots on a real camera that are also guided by a photographer who knows the best shots to get, best lighting, and has an actual professional camera and editing capability.

And you mentioned that you are concerned about your parents getting along for pictures, but they don't have to be in any pictures together if that's what works for you guys. They're both going to be at the wedding so it's not like they won't see each other that day - and the photos will be 90% of you and FH anyway.

As for a DJ, if you want people dancing at your wedding then it is also a must-have. I'm not a fan of hiring friends - I've heard a lot of stories of it not going well. But if the friend is an actual DJ and it is a way for you to cut costs then that could work. If he isn't a DJ, then I suggest hiring a professional.

Things that you CAN cut are programs, welcome bags, favors, STDs, an elaborate cake.

You can find great, inexpensive centerpiece ideas, and maybe do just a beer/wine alcohol selection instead of full bar. That can be a real money saver while still keeping guests happy.

You need a professional photographer so that everything can be captured. The day goes by quickly so you need that professional to be able to know what to do and how to get the photos you want. DJs help the flow of the reception and introduce you as man & wife...but with that being said if you trust his friend to do all that--it could work. There are tons of things you can do yourself so you don't need more vendors and ordering more stuff

Good luck!!

Personally, I think a photographer is A MUST. Sure, guests take a lot of pictures, but they won't be able to take a pic of all the moments that you want captured, in the quality that you want. You might end up with a bunch of selfies!

I 100% believe you need a photographer. A great way to save money on a photographer is to go to your local highschool or college photography class and ask any budding photographers to do your wedding. An area I think you can save on is the favors. Instead of spending atleast $100+ on something guests will either forget to bring home or throw away when they get home, make a donation in their honor to your favorite charity.

Photobooth not necessary a photographer is necessary and not up for discussion in my opinion.