Secondly, I’d say if there is one thing to splurge on a little it’s something you will use again over the years. For me, that’s either the jewelry or the shoes.

Then again, from this self-professed shoe whore’s perspective: there’s always a REALLY GOOD sale.

So I found my $566 Alexander McQueens for $130 on eBay. See? You can have both if you search hard enough.

specifically in regard to shoes, i do have to say that i’m going with some pricey shoes (to go with my super-cheap ebay dress!) but i’m getting them in a bright color that i will wear again and again. but if you’re going the ivory satin manolos route, the chances of wearing those again are probably pretty slim…

But even thought it pains my cheapskate nature, I will say, reluctantly, that some splurges turn out to be worthwhile. After many sleepless nights on the Internet looking for a student photographer or someone else who’d “just create a decent record of the day, for cheap,” I let others talk me into hiring my dream photographer. She was 1/2 the going price in our locale, so “splurge” is relative, but it’s still something we hadn’t planned.

And, as it turned out, hiring her was one of our best wedding decisions. I treasure the photographs and can’t get enough of looking at them. (And once we receive the DVD, I plan to share prints of fabulous guest photos with their subjects, and spread the love!) The subject of a “useful splurge” will vary by person, but if there’s something you can reasonably afford that will ultimately make it your dream day, maybe it’s worthwhile.