The terrible "B" word... and no, I don't mean Bridezilla.... I mean budget. It is a very uncomfortable conversation for anyone involved in the wedding planning process to have. For this reason alone, the first email I usually get from a bride or groom inquires cost before anything else. It is the same reason why I devote one entire meeting to budget discussion alone. You need to be very realistic with your wedding budget ... whether your budget is $5,000 or $50,000 staying true to your budget is the most important aspect in starting your life together off on the right foot.
Here I will share with you my advice on getting the biggest bang for your bridal buck. If there is one thing I understand, both as a bride and as a planner ... it's the importance of a budget.
1. Hire a planner. No matter what your budget, you can afford to hire a planner, even if it is only for partial planning packages. I, for example have packages for consultation hours and day of services. These are very reasonably priced and will put you in the right direction and save you money in the long run. I have said it a hundred times and will say it a hundred more... planners have built relationships with vendors they continue to bring business to. For that, the vendors often times provide a discount to those planners - which gets passed on to you. 10% here, 20% there... adds up to you getting the best vendors for the best deal and often times your planner's fee is paid for and then some in the discounts you receive working with their vendors.
2. Mind your Calendar. Fridays and Sundays are often time much less than a Saturday wedding. The biggest discount you will see will be from your caterer or banquet hall... but other vendors often time have lower prices for these days as well... such as limo companies. Note, where this does not apply will be the Sunday of a holiday weekend (such as Memorial or Labor day... these are often times treated as Saturdays). In many areas, November - April are considered "off season times" and may offer a bigger discount. Be mindful that days like Valentine's day are not among these dates and are a busy time for all florists... plan to pay an extra pretty penny for a Valentine's wedding.... in all aspects!
3. Be a Lady who Lunches or Brunches. Day time weddings/receptions cost far less than a dinner reception. Having an early morning garden ceremony followed by an elegant lunch will not only be special and remembered.... but you will save major dollars. Savings will include your location, meal, bar tab, and other vendors who would offer a discount since this is an "extra time" for them where they may not often be hired.
4. Chose a Banquet Hall. Opting to have your reception at a furnished banquet hall can save you major dollars versus a chic hotel or a blank canvas modern venue. Selecting a space that already has tables, chairs and other furnishings cuts down your cost on rentals significantly. Keep in mind however when you select your banquet hall the overall decor and or chair furnishings. If you need to bring in chairs or covers or pay money to drape the walls or up light the room excessively... you may not be saving much money.
5. Lower the Bar. By cutting down the bar to say beer, wine and soft drinks you will cut your alcohol budget by more than half. Worried about guests who prefer a mixed drink, talk to your bartender about featuring one fabulous signature cocktail. Many venues will be more than happy to pass these as you will in turn be passing less appetizers during the cocktail hour. This is also a great way to keep guests comfortable as the drinks will come to them instead of them having to wait in line at the bar.
6. Save In-Season. If you adore peonies... plan on a May wedding or plan to pay. Know your flowers and the seasons they grow and you will save a bundle on your bouquet. Even the priciest flowers are less expensive when they are in season.
There are other ways to cut your floral budget. Adding branches and greenery will boost your arrangements for less cost. Keep in mind that an arrangement with several varieties will cost much more than a design featuring only 2 or 3. Most cost effective is to go clean and chic and feature one type of flower. (Create drama by doing the same varietal in monochromatic coloring with offset shades).
7. Cut your Guest List. Talk to parents honestly and explain that their long lost bestie from high school simply can not make the list since some of YOUR friends needed to be cut. Think in terms of longevity... will this person be a part of my life forever. When was the last time I saw this person. Change plus one to plus none. Limit guests of guests to only significant others, engaged or married. Host an adults only reception.
8. Skim Down your Bridal Party. You are not obligated to have 10 bridesmaids... no matter how many friends you have. Consider the expense of each attendant to you. Gifts, flowers, transportation, etc. Give close friends wedding honors in other ways. Readings, ushers and usherettes, toasts, program attendant, etc.
9. Stash the Stationary. Keep wedding invites simple and to one piece of paper and direct guests to your wedding website for additional information such as directions. Skip formal save the dates and send out an evite directing guests to the wedding website. Skip menu cards, unless allowing guests an option at dinner. Opt for table assignments on a pretty chalkboard and skip individual place cards.
10. Plan Ahead. The average engagement lasts 13 months. Use this time to plan wisely and purchase items on sale. Glittery candles and lights post holidays, heart shaped glassware after Valentine's day, pastel items after Easter. Buy purchasing items post season... you'll likely save up to 70%.
11. Cut the Cake. Serve cupcakes. Or have a small display cake for cutting and have servers cut and serve sheet cake in the back. No one will be the wiser.
12. Ditch the Jones'. Instead of keeping up with them. Think about what is really important to YOU and STICK TO IT. Put down the bridal magazines and just do what you can afford. Don't worry about your best friend, cousin or co-worker and what they are doing. There is a big difference between wanting a wedding and wanting a marriage.
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