1. A Photo Booth

Without a doubt, one of the most fun wedding items worth splurging on is a photo booth setup during your cocktail hour and reception. Over the years, I’ve met couples who have regretted not having a photo booth, but I’ve yet to meet anyone who had one and thought it was a waste of money. Photo booths add an extra fun touch for your guests, and the offbeat pictures will always remind you just how much of a blast your wedding day was.

2. Professional Videography

While many couples choose to hire a professional wedding photographer, videography is often overlooked. But watching back professionally filmed highlights from your wedding day is nothing short of a priceless experience, since it’s only on video that you can actually hear the vows, see the first dance and relive the warm wishes of family members and friends. When your wedding day goes by in a flash, it’s great to have a live action keepsake to remember it by.

3. Good Quality Lingerie

Your wedding day lingerie can make a difference in the overall look and feel of your wedding dress, and for that reason, this is one area where you definitely don’t want to skimp. Talk with your bridal consultant about which types of lingerie are the best match for your dress, and then invest in the best quality items you possibly can. You’ll love the way you look and feel throughout your wedding day, and once the party’s over, your groom will no doubt also love your lingerie picks every bit as much!

4. A Fabulous Headpiece or Veil

When else in your life will you ever be able to wear a gorgeous tiara or veil? Unless you’re getting ready to walk down the aisle with Prince Harry or become a wedding gown model, the answer is probably never! So go ahead and splurge on whatever it is that most strikes your fancy, whether that means a cathedral-length lace veil or the set of Swarovski-crystal hair clips you’ve fallen in love with. Your wedding day is your time to shine, and you deserve to take full advantage of it!

5. Hair and Makeup Styling

You may be an expert at putting together just the right look for a night out on the town, but hair and makeup styling for wedding photos definitely benefits from a professional’s touch. A skilled artist will know exactly which products you’ll need to achieve a perfect on-camera look that will also look great in person. Hanging out with your bridesmaids and sipping a glass of champagne while someone else fixes you up is also the perfect way to relax pre-ceremony.

6. A Professionally Designed Photo Album

Sure, you can create your own albums using do-it-yourself services like Shutterfly, but a professional album designed by your wedding photographer is truly one of the longest-lasting, most beautiful keepsakes you will ever own. Your photographer is guaranteed to have ideas about how to display your photos in the best way possible, and working together to design your album is an amazingly fun experience. Who knows? You might even end up passing it along to your grandchildren someday!

7. The Honeymoon of Your Dreams

OK, so this one isn’t directly related to the wedding itself, but after months of planning, you and your groom will definitely have earned the chance to kick back in paradise. Think about which dream vacations you’ve always wanted to take, and if you can’t afford to cover the full cost yourselves, registry sites like Honeyfund.com give your guests a chance to chip in on everything from airfare and hotel costs to fancy dinners out. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so doesn’t it only make sense to follow it up with a trip that’s every bit as incredible?

Now that you know all about my favorite splurges, I want to know about yours! Which wedding items worth splurging on are at the top of your list?