Bridal Budgeting: How to Have It All… For Less
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As you enter into married life, your thoughts should be everlasting love, not everlasting debt. It may take a little more time, energy and creativity, but you CAN have the wedding of your dreams without sacrificing your savings or your financial future.
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To Save Cents, Use Sense
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Make a budget.
Sit down with whoever is contributing and create a realistic figure that everyone is comfortable with. Set aside a small “emergency fund,” in case you go over budget.
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Get organized.
Purchase or create a filing system to keep track of ideas, receipts, clippings and contracts. The more organized you are, the easier it is to maintain your budget and keep track of spending.
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Research.
Find out what to expect before meeting with vendors and inquire about going rates for their specific service.
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Pool your resources.
Family matters, and that’s what friends are for! Maybe you already know a DJ, calligrapher, or caterer willing to give a discount.
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Discuss priorities.
Speak beforehand about how much you are willing to bend in certain areas. Are you set on a summer wedding or are you flexible enough to try an off-peak month (usually October-April)? Also think carefully before making sacrifices. If you truly want a video, don’t pass just because it’s an extra expense.
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Shop around.
Meet with several different vendors in each category and compare services vs. prices.
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Matter of Time
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Schedule an off-peak month/day/time
Saturday evenings and the May-September season are more expensive.
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Watch the calendar.
Beware of Valentine’s Day and prom season. Flower costs and limousine rentals escalate.
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Be an early bird.
Avoid rushing. Even if your wedding is next year, you can still get this year’s pricing.
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Dressed to Thrill
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Find something borrowed.
Consider renting a designer gown or borrowing one from a friend. Vintage shops are a great source for dresses and accessories.
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Search sample sales.
They are a great resource to consider.
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Any gown can be a wedding gown.
Look for a prom dress, bridesmaid dress or other formal gown in white or ivory.
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Safety in Numbers
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Have a small bridal party
and save on flowers and thank-you gifts.
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An intimate reception
allows you to eliminate whole branches of the extended family tree (such as cousins and great-aunts), co-workers and acquaintances.
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Just Write
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Choose a traditional size.
Oddly-shaped invites may require more postage.
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Ask about thermography.
It looks like engraving but costs significantly less.
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Order extra
and proofread carefully. A second print run will run up your costs.
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Party Perfect
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Choose a traditional size.
Have your reception in a mansion, outdoor garden or rooftop restaurant - the decorating is already done.
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Don’t start from scratch.
In a loft space or museum, you rent-your-own everything.
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You can have it all.
Some venues include cake, flowers and entertainment.
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Hold your ceremony and reception at the same place.
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Close the bar one hour early
and serve coffee and tea.
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Have an alternative cocktail reception,
afternoon tea or brunch, reducing food and liquor costs.
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Use carafes of wine at each table
and cut liquor costs. Plus it’s more convenient for your guests.
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Less is more!
Avoid elaborate centerpieces. Floating candles, votives, and tea lights make a romantic (and less expensive) statement. Go to a discount store and buy in bulk!
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Cake Walk
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The cake counts.
Pass on the dessert display.
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Order a small bridal cake
and keep a large sheet cake in the back for guests.
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Keep it simple.
Elaborate decoration and multi-flavored layers are enticing, but expensive.
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Check the icing on the cake.
Buttercream is less expensive than fondant.
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Blooms You Can Bank On
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Select in-season flowers.
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Recycle.
An usher can transport blooms from ceremony to reception.
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Be bold.
If you have a bold color or exotic flower, a small bouquet is just as effective as a large one.
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Snap to It
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Hire a photographer’s assistant
eager to build up their portfolio. Be sure to get recommendations and view work beforehand.
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Go direct.
Avoid agency fees.
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Start small.
Don’t be lured in by extensive packages and albums. You can always order more later.
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Arrange to keep the proofs.
You can make your own additional albums.
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