Patrick MeehanMay 19 · 12 min read

The Not-So-Glamorous Side of Running a Wedding Business

Running a wedding business is more than timelines, photos, and pretty details. Here’s a plain-English look at how Total Weddings handles client payments, deposits, sales tax, contractor invoices, W-9s, mileage, credit card fees, and the behind-the-scenes systems that keep everything organized.

Patrick MeehanMar 12 · 3 min read

Photography

How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Do You Really Need?

The answer depends on the timeline of your day and which moments you want captured. Some weddings only need a few hours of coverage, while others benefit from a photographer documenting the entire day. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide what’s right for your wedding.

Patrick MeehanMar 10 · 3 min read

Planning

Do I Need a Wedding Coordinator If My Venue Has One?

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of decisions. One question we hear all the time is: "If my venue provides a coordinator… do I still need my own wedding coordinator?” Short answer: usually yes. Venue coordinators are incredibly helpful, but their role is very different from a coordinator whose job is to look out for you . Understanding the difference can make the difference between a wedding day that runs smoothly and one where small issues quietly pile up behind the scene

Patrick MeehanJul 22, 2025 · 3 min read

Planning

Who You Should (and should not) Invite to Your Wedding Rehearsal

Planning your wedding rehearsal? You’re not alone in wondering who’s supposed to be there. It’s not quite the full guest list, but it’s definitely more than just the two of you and your officiant. We’ve coordinated a lot of rehearsals, and trust us—having the right people there makes the whole wedding day smoother. Here’s a breakdown of who should be at your rehearsal, and who can sit it out.

Patrick MeehanJul 10, 2025 · 3 min read

Videography

How Much Does a Wedding Videographer Cost in Raleigh? (2026 Guide)

Wondering how much wedding videography costs in Raleigh? This guide breaks down pricing, packages, and what makes a cinematic wedding film worth the investment. Plus, why Total Weddings always includes two videographers to capture every angle.

Patrick MeehanDec 28, 2024 · 2 min read

Planning

The Hidden Costs of Asking a Family Member to Be Your Coordinator

Many venues require couples to hire day-of coordinators for their wedding, and honestly, when we were planning our big day, I also wondered, Why do we even need one? It wasn’t long before I realized how invaluable our coordinator was—not just on the wedding day but throughout the months leading up to it.

Patrick MeehanSep 26, 2024 · 3 min read

Videography

Is a Wedding Videographer Worth It?

Should couples book a wedding videographer? Discover who might regret skipping it and who may be better off without it.