More Wedding Budget Tips

We have a guest writer for this weeks article!  Meet Dan Wesley who will talk about the hidden expenses of planning a wedding.  Please click on the link below to read the article!

How to Outsmart Hidden Wedding Costs and Stay in Control of Your Wedding Budget

Please leave a comment below an your thoughts of the article!

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Brides on a Budget - Part 3

Brides on a Budget - Part 3

In Part 3 of Brides on a Budget we continue with ideas on ways to trim the budget while planning your wedding!

Photography

Consider shortening the hours to whatever is necessary for you and your budget. Taking a moment to think about the types of pictures you want will give you a realistic time frame. Check out this list of common pictures (include link) to help you get an idea of what types of images you would want a photographer for. Not every moment needs a professional! Having the bridal party take pictures of everyone getting ready will not only keep this moment personal, but it will add to your memories. Having more shots of your guests acting natural, lets you really feel the emotion of the day! Let the photographer spend the time going after big moments, while you and your loved ones are enjoying them! During the reception, include your guests and ask them to take pictures with a note at their table that indicates where they can share their pictures. When purchasing photos, leave out the extras and buy just the retouched images on a flash drive that you can share and print yourself! Shutterfly and Canvas People typically have great prices and offer more specials after your first order. Follow these tips for a good shot at reducing those photography costs!

Flowers

Choose flowers that are in season and grown locally instead of paying a higher price for exotic flowers to be flown in. For seating, instead of including flowers on every row, have them alternate. They are going to be seen for 30-45 minutes and can’t be reused! You can also decorate with bows in place of stems you may need. These can be made by using ribbon found on clearance (YouTube videos on how to make bows are available for assistance, add video). With your bridal party, about an hour of your time and a bottle of wine you’ll get these done in no time!

 Reuse arrangements to enhance the scenery for multiple uses! Instead of letting them go to waste after the ceremony, bring them to the reception site. Have the florist deliver them to the ceremony location and a friend can transport them to the reception site later on. This can be done during cocktail hour and your guests won’t even realize!

 If you’re not planning on preserving your bouquet, consider using yours for the bouquet toss! Save money on something that’ll either wind up in the trash or gathering dust.

Last Minute Décor Tips

Turn those centerpieces into a party favor! Make it a game, draw names or seat numbers to select the luck winner.

Consider the scenery of your chosen venue. If the view was part of the reason you selected it, including pipe and drape is unnecessary.

Back from the 90’s with a more decorative style, last but not least, balloons! You’ll find everything from confetti to flower petals in these translucent balloons. Depending on the theme of your wedding, you might want to decorate the ribbon with greenery, such as vines. Make sure you get enough helium and groomsmen to put to work!

I hope this week’s tips have been helpful and you chose to put some of them to good use. If you found it helpful send us a message of what you did, how much you saved and a picture if you’d like to be included in future blogs.

Brides on a Budget - Part 2

Brides on a Budget - Part 2

In Part 2 of Brides on a Budget we will beginning sharing ideas on ways to trim the budget while planning your wedding!

Catering/Food

Let’s start off with one of the largest expenses, catering. Venues usually come with catering, facilities with a city venue tend to cost less or you can hire your own caterer. For the entrée, choose seasonal foods, chicken over beef and reduce the number of courses. Did you know plated meals are actually less expensive than buffets? This is because the caterer has control over the portion size. They have to prepare approximately 10% more food than if they prepare the plates themselves. Or do you know any good cooks? Ask family and friends to bring a side dish as your wedding gift!

When going with catering/venue combo many offer the cake as an option and not a requirement. But compare the prices to really see for yourself. If you bring an outside cake, you’ll be charged a cutting fee (around $1.50 per slice). Cut the cake cost and buy a smaller cake for presentation and a sheet cake for guests. If a smaller cake doesn’t make the right statement, consider using stands or risers for the height you’re looking for. Risers can be decorated with flowers or rent an inexpensive fountain to go underneath the cake. Foregoing the filling and hand-made sugar flowers, opt for butter cream instead of fondant. Skip the dessert table and the candy bin. Don’t forget to check prices at your local grocery store bakery and places like Costco. Keep these tips in mind and you can uses that extra dough your saving on a different aspect of your wedding day! Whether it’s a 5-star cuisine or premade meals from your local grocery store, your guests won’t mind if there is great company (and the bride & groom of course!).

Guest List

What’s the fastest way to cut expenses?  Downsize that guest list! If it’s someone you only interact with a couple times a year (“liking” Facebook posts doesn’t count!), you may want to think twice! Don’t feel obligated to invite coworkers or family you rarely see or talk to. It’s YOUR big day! A new trend you might keep in mind is a live stream of the ceremony for those that don’t make the guest list or if distance is a concern. Reducing by just 10 people can save you around $1000!

            If you don’t purchase pricy upgrades your guests won’t care about the linens and chairs. As long as they have a seat to sit in, it doesn’t matter if they’re suave or not! Look into city facilities, such as parks or club houses. If you want to have alcohol at your reception you can reduce the bar bill by serving beer and wine only. Champagne for your toast isn’t a requirement! Consider bringing a personal touch by adding a signature drink. Choose one of your favorites or you might choose something that you drank on your first date!

Next week get tips on how to cut photography, floral & décor expenses…