Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

So I really don’t like budgets – personal, professional or otherwise.  It is then kind of funny that I would talk about them here.  Budgets can be difficult at best to stay within for your wedding.  Let’s break it down kind of simply – let’s say your budget is $10,000 total.  Your entire family is expecting to be invited, you have to get a dress, the reception hall, cake, flowers etc.  We all know basically what it takes to have the “day” of your dreams.

1. Let’s start with the dress – the one you have your eye on is $2500 – ok, not so bad.  Budget $10,000 – $2500 leaves $7500, that’s still alot of money to spend.
2. Flowers for the Wedding & Reception – you have picked the florist and they are $1000, so now you are at $6500
3. Cake – you want the most elegant cake that is the newest rage and it’s cost is $2000 for 100 people (ouch), but now you are at $4500
4. Church wants a deposit of $1000, so you are now at $3500
5. Reception dinner – buffet is $32.00 min per person with 100 people that $3200 + tax + gratuity, so now you are in the NEGATIVE {$2000}
6. Transportation costs $350 for 2 hrs NEGATIVE more {$2350}
7. Invitation costs – custom order with postage $850 – NEGATIVE even more {$3200}

My point is see how fast costs can run up and we still do not have a DJ/MC – music for our event which typically can run from $650 – $4000 , or more depending on lighting, time, # of people the company sends etc.

So where do you cut costs if your budget is not UNLIMTED?  This is a huge question that many couples ask experts each day.

You need to look at several things – Budget being the first item, then what do you want MOST of all (the reception hall, cake, dress, etc) and work from that point backwards.  If you are going to have a LARGE guest list, then that is going to be the majority of your budget – food, can you choose a more local bakery for your cake & not the high end one that may have to travel to your site or has the Biggest name in town?  Your dress, you may want to check the local stores like “The Rack” if you live in a larger town or online for discounted dresses.  If you do buy a dress online then you may want to have someone who does alterations standing by just incase you need to have changes made.  We discussed flowers in a previous post, but it is worth repeating again – have your bridal bouquet made by a professional if that is what you want, then purchase your flowers for center pieces etc from a local farmers market, get them from your yard, or any number of other places (even places like big box hardward stores, local growers or nurseries).

Sometimes you have to think outside the box to get what you want.  Brainstorm with members of your family and bridal party also for ideas, more people the merrier and then they feel that they are part of the entire celebration too.

Happy Planning and check out the Simply Elegant Wedding Planner book to help you simplify your plans.  It’s based on “What comes first” so your budget issues will be easier to handle.

Many of you who have posted comments ask how you can be informed on when we post- 

Add your email address to the “sign-up” box on the left side and you will automatically get an email when we update the site.

SIGN-UP NOW!!!  Don’t miss our next post.