You are here: Home / Archives for budget

Who Pays for What for Your Wedding?

November 16, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Planning for your wedding brings many questions to light. What have you envisioned for your wedding, where will it be, how will you look. What you have been dreaming of can be a small intimate affair or it can be a grand event. The choice is yours, or is it? Does it depend on who is paying for your  wedding?

Traditionally, the bride’s family would pick up the tab for the cost of your wedding. With the average cost of a wedding skyrocketing, and more couples getting married later in life, these traditional roles are far from set in stone. Many couples have been living together for years now, so does that still make it tradition for the brides parents to pay?  Here is what the brides parents traditionally pay for;

  • Reception costs, including food, music, decorations, rental fees and entertainment
  • Ceremony Costs including rental fees, decorations
  • Flowers for Ceremony and Reception
  • The bride’s wedding dress and accessories
  • Invitations, announcements, programs, and mailing costs
  • Favors
  • Photography
  • Transportation
  • Their own attire and travel expenses

The grooms parents traditionally cover the cost of ;

  • The rehearsal dinner, including food, invitations, decorations and entertainment
  • Their own attire and travel expenses
  • A wedding present

This leaving the bride and groom to cover the costs of the wedding rings and any keepsakes they wish to purchase.  In today’s society this generally no longer applies. Is it realistic to expect the brides parents to take out a second or third mortgage to cover the costs of your wedding?  It maybe with couples getting married later on in life that  they have saved up a good chunk of the cost themselves. It will then likely fall to the parents who can afford to help out. If this happens to be the case on both sides the best idea here is to sit down with everyone.

Pooling your resources will allow you to get the biggest bang for your buck. If you and your mate have the biggest chunk of the money saved, your in the position to have the wedding you desire. When sitting down with both sets of parents, have a pen and paper ready to map out who will cover what cost. It may be that with covering some costs, your parents will like to have a hand in your wedding planning. Figure this dynamic out before you accept any money. Discussing the plans for your wedding with your parents will allow you both to convey a united front in the vision you have. If financially it is achievable, your parents may not have to pay for anything at all.

Expecting your parents to pay for lavish taste is a little unrealistic. No one should go in debt inorder to get married. If you  cannot afford the wedding you would like, perhaps waiting to get married would help to save up so money towards it. The other option would be to scale down what you have originally envisioned for you wedding, and perhaps opt for an intimate ceremony.

Filed Under Wedding Tagged With , ,

How to Arrange a Small Wedding on a Budget

November 8, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Many couples find that a large wedding just isn’t either in their budget or in their taste. When trying to plan a budget really think about you want in your ceremony and reception. If the the expectation is a large gathering but your budget is telling you different, you can still accomplish an elegant affair.  It is all in the planning. You can arrange a small wedding on a budget, have the wedding of your dreams while leaving your guests raving about what a great wedding it was.

The Venue

Choosing a venue for a small wedding does not mean you will left with a Church basement. thinking outside the box will help you plan a beautiful reception. Many state parks offer a beautiful backdrop for a wedding ceremony. These parks really only ask for a nominal donation to have your ceremony preformed there. The same is true of the many waterfront properties. Beach front weddings are breathtaking at the right time of year. With the view of the water and a sunset back drop you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque way to say your vows.  All at a very low cost.  This is a perfect setting for a small group.

The Reception

Having an intimate gathering can be done is so many that will ensure your gathering will remain elegant and tasteful. Depending on your group size you can do a small catered event at home. If not your home , a relatives who can accommodate it. A nice formal dinner served by a server with prepared food would be very intimate. Perhaps a small venue of a rented pub’s or country club  private room will be easy on the budget. You can even hire a private chef for the evening with minimal cost. This is an elegant sophisticated alternative to have a restaurant dinner. If your reception is a little larger a nice twist can be a wedding tent outside with a prepared buffet. This can be easily achieved with little organization and very easy on your budget.

The Decorations

With prepared venues for reception and ceremony as mentioned above, there is very little cost associated with decorating. With an outside ceremony nature provides all the decoration you need. If you look for a small chapel, using a florist can be costly. Finding your own greenery can be a cheaper way to decorate. This will all depend on the date of your wedding. For you reception if you opt for an intimate setting,candlelight will be the perfect added touch. This can be easy on the budget.

Planning a small wedding doesn’t mean that you have to compromise the atmosphere or romance of your wedding. A small gathering can be just as memorable as a large affair. Look for the details in your wedding to make it a success.  All the little intimate touches will help make it the wedding you always dreamed of.

Filed Under Wedding Tagged With , , ,

Budget Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas

November 1, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Christmas time can be a frenzied buying experience that can leave you exhausted and broke. Year after year we get caught up in the season, forget ourselves and wind up in the same situation. Yet we promise ourselves every year that we won’t make this mistake again. Make this year the year that you stick to your budget. Also make it the year that you get it done on time without the anxiety of last minute shopping.

Time

Getting yourself ready for Christmas can be done in order to complete a budget friendly Christmas. If you spare yourself the agony of standing in long retail  lines ups late in the year for last minute Christmas gifts, than you may be saving yourself a bundle. If you are organized and put pen to paper, you will compile a list of gift intendee’s that will give you an idea of the gifts you need to buy, and an expectation of what your budget ought to be.

Shop Online

With retailers now offering so many choices for online shopping, your shopping excursions have just become so much easier. Many promotion codes and online vouchers are available to offer the best discounts possible. If you have an idea of what your looking to spend on each person, you can actually tailor the search to you specific need. Finding great gifts at great prices have never been easier. A tip to acknowledge when shopping online is to pay attention to the shipping costs.  While you may be purchasing something on clearance through a discount website, the shipping costs may far exceed the costs of the actual item. Always read the fine print when you are at the virtual checkout as extra costs can be incurred.

Group Ideas

To cut your budget down extensively, look at buying group gifts. This can mean that instead of purchasing gifts for each individual  in a family, buy one main family gift. This can easily be a cost cutting venture. Buying one item for the whole family can be a great way to encompass a gift for everyone. Perhaps buying a game suitable for the whole family to promote family time, or a gift certificate for a dinner out is an option. Even buying an appliance for the household is a great idea. All these ideas are great for getting the family one gift that says you are thinking of the whole group.

Set a Limit

Knowing what your budget is, and shopping within it can make a world of difference. For example if you have set a limit of forty dollars per person, you can than narrow your lines of vision for purchasing. Setting a limit  will allow you to really think about the person you are buying for and focus on what that gift would be. Without the idea of how much, you can even browse on line and in stores to keep you at that limit.

When shopping on a budget , there is nothing wrong with hitting the clearance racks, or checking discount stores. A great idea is to watch your local flyer’s for merchandisers who are having advertised sales.  Picking up a great gift on sale, doesn’t mean your thinking any less of someone it just means that your doing it on a budget.

Filed Under Shopping Tagged With , , , ,

Dieting on a Budget Made Easy

October 29, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Dieting can be stressful enough without the added anxiety of money. When you set out to loose weight, there are many products on the market that will aide you in this process. Not everyone though can take advantage of these products because of the hefty price tags that come with them. Is all the extra necessary to this process? Really losing weight means eating right and exercise. Both can be done while keeping your cost low.

What to Eat?

When setting out to loose weight you may want to start over when it comes to whats in your cupboards and in your fridge. Grocery shopping can be a costly venture if you think you have to subscribe to all the products that claim to be the “only healthy” option.  Reading the labels are half the battle. Some products are essentially the same, minus a few ingredients. These ingredients may not be essential to your weight loss plan, but you are charged extra for. Looking for  the similar products but the cheaper alternative is fine, it will provide the same end results. Products to look for like this would be bread, wraps, and crackers. This method can be applied to any products your buy though.

When buying your fruits and vegetables, find out what’s in season. For those items that are in season, local farmer’s markets will offer a cheaper price for a larger quantity. If you are really looking at budgeting, purchase large quantities. This will allow you to freeze  a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to utilize throughout the upcoming week in your dishes. This is an excellent way to ensure that your receiving all the food groups, and doing so with fresh ingredients. You will also notice a difference in what your spending. The cost of pre packaged food is considerably higher than buying fresh produce in bulk and packing them yourself.

Exercise Is Free

Everyone thinks that because they have chosen to embark on a diet that they must join a gym for the exercise component of their plan. Some assume that joining the gym will give them the motivation to go since they have a place to do work out in. Not at all. Having to “go” someplace actually becomes a deterrent to most. Don’t let the idea that if you can’t afford a gym membership  you can’t exercise get into your thoughts. Exercise if free. Walking for thirty minutes a day can graduate to running if you need to pick up your cardio.  You can implement any new exercise to your routine to increase intensity along the way.

The point behind dieting on a budget is not to change your pocket book, it’s to live a healthy lifestyle. Dieting can be made easy, all you have to do is shop smart and stick to it.   A healthy lifestyle is attainable as long as you plan ahead. Once you have established a routine how and where you exercise and eat can change, but your knowledge and your commitment won’t.

Filed Under Health Tagged With , , ,

Christmas Shopping on a Budget

October 27, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Is that time of year again, to say hello to Santa, and good bye to our savings. It seems that every year Christmas shopping gets more and more expensive. It doesn’t have to be that way. We spend all year putting a little something aside and come Christmas time, we must dip into it due to all the friends and families that are a “must ” to buy for . Or must you? Christmas shopping on a budget this year to keep your savings on the plus side and all your “musts” still bought for. There are few tips to make this happen.

Who’s Who?

Isn’t the season of Christmas based on giving? While this may be true, but who set the limit? First things first, get out your pen and paper. Make a long list. Name everyone that you need to buy for. Then take that list, and short list it. Take out the immediate family on the list, and transfer to another list. Immediate family should mean parents, siblings, and if they have children, them as well. If your married, or otherwise in a couple situation, that list just doubled. That should then leave you with two lists. One, of the masses you feel you need to purchase for, and the other, those of your immediate family.

Naughty or Nice?

Now that you have these two lists it’s time to prioritize them. On your long list, rank the people from order of importance as you see it. Now that you have everyone as they should be, you begin to get a fair idea of just how much you will have to spend. Now that you can differentiate who is most  important during the holidays, it is time to shop.

Homemade or Store Bought?

Now this is the question. Some people prefer to receive something unique to them,  something that has been made especially with them in mind. Others prefer the shiny new scent of a gift already in cellophane. This is where your budget comes in.  Sometimes the gift of a homemade jar of jam, can say the same message as a new toaster. It’s all about the package. Making a gift such as a jar of jam unique for instance takes a little creativity and very little out of pocket. A personalized label, and swatch of fabric on the top tied with a ribbon says that you have thought of that individual person as you were preparing their Christmas gift. Go through your list and all the people that have not ranked as immediate family or friend, you implement this idea for. Make a batch of homemade jam and bake some biscuits, deliver to all your “must” haves and it will say that you are thoughtful friend during the holidays. Of course if jam isn’t your specialty then perhaps a batch of Christmas cookies or even a nice holiday wine will do. Whatever you feel that your friends will enjoy, you should go and make with gusto.

Christmas shouldn’t be a time of debt, credit card bills or anxiety. The holidays, however you spend them, should be a time of reflection with good friends and family. Price, shouldn’t ever be a factor, just the thought of someone else.

Filed Under Shopping Tagged With , ,

Wedding Budget Tips

October 13, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Weddings are a dream come true. Finally finding that special someone to spend your life with can be the most exciting time of your life. Then reality hits. Weddings need to have a budget. All the lavish trimmings and luxuries you would like to have may only come down the necessities.  It is important to view your wedding as a whole, then break down by cost would the major expenses will be. this involves some strict organization. There are some areas that you can budget that will bring you the wedding of your dreams at a cost you can afford.

When planning your wedding the venue can be one of the most costly expenses. Be creative if your playing with a budget. Of course it depends on the size of your wedding, but venues such as beaches, gardens and backyards are low costs but nature provides a beautiful yet free backdrop. A creative idea for the couple who wants to stand out , is to have your candle-lite ceremony in an old barn. This is an original take on a rustic wedding. It is sure to leave you guests talking and be a memory that will last a lifetime.

Decorations can be costly, so when your looking at your wedding see if you can incorporate any natural decorations which will be accessible and cheap. If your having a winter wedding, greenery and holly will be a classic decoration and very easy on the budget. A fall wedding can be done with a harvest theme in mind leaving you to secure cornstalks and perhaps some fall foliage as your decor. This is a cheap and lovely way to celebrate the season and your ceremony.

The most common sense way to cut wedding costs is to make sure you get estimates from several suppliers for all  your needs. This includes cake, flowers, music, reception  and ceremony site, etc. It is then that you should take the time to sit down and compare what you are getting for the prices quoted. Examine quality, quantity, price, and service. When you are satisfied with your choice,  call and book them. Don’t make hasty or spur-of-the-moment decisions which can end up costing a pretty penny. These types of decisions can cost you more when they didn’t have too if planning ahead could have avoided it.

Looking for more places to cut costs? A good place to look is the guest list. Of course you may need to face up to the reality of having a larger wedding with everyone  invited, or the wedding you really want with fewer guests. in a more intimate setting. Close friends and family are usually shoo-ins, but do you really need to invite all of your parents friends from years gone by? Unless your parents are footing the entire bill, try to keep guests to the must-haves.

In today’s society the organizers have it. We must prioritize, compromise and sacrifice to have a successful event that doesn’t break the bank. After all, you want to remember your wedding as a source of joy, not of debt.

Filed Under Wedding Tagged With , ,

Budget Wedding Dresses

October 4, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

It’s your wedding. No one ever wants the word “cheap” associated with their wedding dress. Fact of the matter is, most brides cannot afford to dress the way the want to look for their wedding day.  It is sad but true, on the day that should be a “skies the limit” mentality, the key word is budget instead. Dont’ fret, where there’s a will there’s  a way. How that translates is;”where there’s an expensive dress, there’s a cheaper way of getting it”. Use some of these little tricks to give you the look you want, for the price you can afford.

Did I Hear a Click?

That’s right ladies, your solution could only be a click away. The Internet may have saved the day! This little auction site known as “eBay” has opened up a world of opportunity for the one time used wedding dress, or the never used.  If you have given yourself enough time before the wedding date to search high a low, this might be the answer. If you are at all thrilled by the chase of a good bargain eBay will get your juices flowing.  The search for the perfect dress can come from anywhere  but cost you less than your budget. The only drawback to this solution is even though eBay has a quality control somewhat in place, you cannot see the dress or try it on. Depending on your sense of adventure , this could be your saving grace.

What’s Another Word For Pre Owned?

Used. Pre owned sounds so much better doesn’t it? Local classifieds, thrift stores and online stores offer pre owned wedding dresses. Sure you want your dress to be special, but who says it can’t be just because it’s been special for someone else? Some dresses can be in the thousands of dollars to achieve the look your after. Why not spend a fraction of that, and put the rest of the money into your honeymoon? You will be at your honey moon destination longer than you will be in your dress!

May I “Sample” That?

This may be for the more extrovert of personalities , but it does work. Ask to purchase the sample dress you tried on. Dicker the price, after all it’s been worn more than once. Perhaps you can  get that dress that fits you perfectly while paying only half for it. Sure you have to get is cleaned, but it’s well worth the savings.

Sit In Anyone?

This takes planning, perseverance, and grit. Some big chain department stores will offer a big blowout bridal sale, otherwise know as a “trunk” sale. Dresses are drastically reduced, most designer dresses are considered to be a “steal”.  The only catch being, you must line up for your spot in line.  Some lines start up to twenty fours before the advertised store hours are opened. Partaking in such an event can be exhausting, although some brides live for the thrill of it all.

Whichever method suits your time, your personality or budget, know what will satisfy you. It’s your dress and you deserve to look like the bride you want to be, why does it matter how got to?

Filed Under Wedding Tagged With , ,

Decorating Your Engagement Party on a Budget

September 15, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Who says fun can’t happen on a budget? I know, you think fabulous and see dollar signs. An engagement party usually is reserved for a conservative audience. You say engagement party, I think black tie with champagne. Just because your engaged, doesn’t mean the only way to tell people is with tiny caviar hors du veers and Dom Perignon. Decorations  don’t have to be orchids and monogrammed napkins.  It’s time to get creative on a budget.

Inviting Your Guests

Let’s look at your guest list for your engagement party. Who shall you tell? My first piece of advice is to think of all your guests in one room. What type of party can you throw that will fit everyone’s style?  I know what your thinking, “it’s my party and I will cry if I want too!” Fact of the matter is, the people who attend your engagement will likely be those attending your wedding.  This is definitely something to consider. You want to share the joy of your engagement with your friends and family by way of a celebration. With the big event on it’s way, every penny counts because your on a budget.

Picking the Right Party Theme

Who can you possibly turn too in a situation like this? Should you go to a party planner? No your on a budget. Should you ask your friends? No it’s your engagement. Take a deep breath you can do this! Discuss the theme of your party with your partner. After all, you are engaged, and both your opinions count. Decide on what best speaks volumes about the  happy couple. Did you meet at a sporting event, or perhaps one or both of you play on a team? Why not look at renting out a sports bar? Renting venues such as these are cheap and the best part… it’s already decorated in your sports memorabilia.

Maybe your theme is “earthy” or “beachy”. A well placed garden party has all of natures decorating done for you. What beats fresh flowers in bloom on a cool summers evening for your decorations? It is a classy, well priced solution for those on a budget.

For some, the more traditional idea of a hall is better suited to the guests attending. If your on a budget decorating might be a costly luxury you don’t feel you can afford. Don’t dis-pare.  Just because your on a budget for you party, doesn’t mean your limited to some paper streamers and a paper wedding bell.Try some of these  tips for some cost cuts.  Florists usually have to discard certain flowers by the end of day. Ask your local flower shop if you can have the bulk of what’s being discarded for a nominal fee. I bet they will be happy to move the inventory and with a little sweet talk you may just get some greenery. Viola. A center piece.

Save Yourself Money

Find your local “Dollarama Barn” and look for clear glass bowls (the type usually found for gold fish).  Purchase enough to have a showpiece for each table, mantle or focal point. Take some clippings from a fresh rose, lilac or hibiscus bush and place them inside for a floating centerpiece. The same look can be achieved with tea light candles as well for a romantic even ambiance. Another good idea is to cover a board with fabric and satin ribbon. Tuck some candid photos’ under each piece of ribbon for a elegant collage to place around your hall for your guests to view.

Anyone can throw a party. It’s up to you to make it memorable and that can be done on a budget.

Filed Under Wedding Tagged With , , ,

Wedding Budget Tips

June 21, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Having limited funds is causing many people to consider postponing their wedding. Don’t put it off yet!  There are ways to save money and still have your dream wedding. You can actually have a wonderful dress, wedding reception and honeymoon for much less than you may realize. Here are wedding budget tips for how to plan a wedding on a budget even when it is a low budget.

Finding the Right Dress

If you don’t have the means to be on the cutting edge of style yet you can appreciate the beauty of dresses that may be last season’s or earlier design, you can save substantially by buying off of the sales or clearance racks.  There are bridal stores  that during the year have major discounts or sales that future brides line up or even camp out for. If you take advantage of one of these, try to get in there before in order try things on so you know some of the dresses you may like. Don’t forget about the Internet. There are a number of mass merchandisers and resources online, the Internet has a wealth of wedding sites.

Selecting the Right Wedding Venue

If you plan to have your wedding in a Church, most require a small donation for the use of the Church and the services of the minister. You may also be able to have your reception there if you aren’t planning to have loud music or serve alcohol. This is potentially a huge savings, especially if you have friends or family members that cater. Other money saving venues are parks or homes of friends or family. Both of these are great venues for having ceremonies and/or receptions in warm weather. Reserving a pavilion in a park for renting or doing it yourself decorations can make for a really beautiful event. Plus, if it is a more natural park with fantastic natural views, this will contribute even more to the beauty of the event as well as make it more memorable for you and your guests. Having a wedding and/or reception at home or at a relatives home has sentimental value. Here again you can rent or purchase decorations from a craft store and do it yourself. At night, candlelight is so romantic wherever you have it. Whether in the park or at home, you can have a memorable event and save a substantial amount.

Budgetting Your Floral Requirements

To save on flowers, my first suggestion is for those having their wedding in a large Church. Many large churches have florists that they work with. You may be able to save by using the church florist. You may receive a discount for being a member of the church. This florist may allow the use of greenery for no or  very low charge. The florist may sell you candles and flowers at a discount that they can use in that Sunday’s service. My other suggestions are to not underestimate the beauty of greenery, candles and ribbons. If you use more inexpensive items like these, you may be able to get by with fewer more costly flowers. Also see if your florist will give a discount if you or a family member or friend offers some free labor.

Saving on Your Honeymoon

The Honeymoon is a substantial part of the wedding budget and the one that you will probably get the most enjoyment out of. Some people spend a lot on the wedding and dress and put what is leftover into the honeymoon or skip it all together. My first idea of how to save here is to take advantage of those discount timeshare vacations. Yes I know it may mean enduring a major sales pitch for possibly half to full day while you are there,but to get a week in Hawaii or other wonderful destination for well below what it would cost otherwise it can be worth it. Besides, you may be able to book somewhere that will throw in a wedding ceremony for free or very little at a neighbor resort. Your friends and family paying to come and stay at a different hotel or resort from you could be their contribution to helping make your special day a reality. I have to warn you though, if you are a personality type that has your whole day ruined by a pushy telemarketers call, you might want to give this idea a miss. Do some research and find a beautiful destination or spa within driving distance.

Many people don’t know about wonderful and interesting destinations within driving distance of their homes until company comes and needs some sightseeing. Put in the research and you may have a wonderful honeymoon for the cost of a few nights stay. Last minute travel is another option. Who says you need to have everything completely planned out? You could set a budget and have some flexibility in your travel dates and add an element of surprise to your honeymoon. Many have friends that have told them about great trips they have taken and booked at the last minute. It’s true that you don’t know where you will be going but, if you make up your mind that you will enjoy wherever you go, you likely will. This option lends itself to the more spontaneous. If it will cause you a great deal of stress not knowing your destination in advance, this option is probably not for you. Wedding planning and the wedding day itself can be stressful enough.

There you have it – ideas and tips for saving money on your wedding dress, wedding reception and honeymoon. Hopefully following these tips will allow you to save money. No need to delay your wedding day,do it on a budget while still enjoying  it to the fullest.

Have any wedding questions? Get all the answers you need now at Rachael West Designs.

Filed Under Wedding Tagged With , , ,

Cut Costs With A Wedding Budget

April 28, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Weddings inevitably involve large sums of money and the spending of money. If you’re planning a wedding on a very strict budget, there are many ways to make it fabulous and cost effective.  It will be a memorable  affair because it will be the reflection of you and your intened. Nothing has to be “settled ” on.

If you have a set amount that you can not go over, it becomes necessary that you plan out your wedding budget. The wedding budget should encompass all the things you hoped for in your Wedding.

Try to establish your ”big ticket items” first.  The choice of venue will determine a large part of the wedding costs. If your wedding budget is major concern, then you need to start thinking outside the box. How you can pull off an elegant affair with cuttings costs is going to take some inventive thinking. Cutting costs in the right areas will be  un noticeable to you guests, and make you feel like you have achieved the wedding you always wanted. Why not get married outside? If your climate supports this, then how romantic would a sunset beach wedding be? Better yet a garden wedding during the  bloom season makes for  a regal affair. This will cut costs considerably allowing you to have more in the budget. An evening ceremony cuts the cost of food, leaving you to only decided on a late evening buffet. Everyone can make cuts, but still have a dream wedding.

 Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event – and even though you may be feeling the pressure of money constraints , you can still have a beautiful, picture perfect day without breaking the bank. You don’t need to spend a fortune on luxuries. The small details always make the day, and remember presentation is everything.

Here are 10 Great Tips to Cut Your Wedding Costs:

1. Stationary – Skip the DIY kits. Contrary to popular belief they actually will cost you more than beautifully printed inexpensive professional invitations. Search all the resources available to you. Comparison shop,it pays to take the time  to sniff out that deal!  For just about $300 you can have invitations, response cards, lined envelopes printed with your return address – from a professional printer who carries an inexpensive wedding line.
2. Save The Date Cards – Skippable? Probably they usually get tossed. If you want to be DIY and creative take a picture of the both of you and make them into postcards – handwriting your upcoming wedding details on the back and for less than the cost of first class postage you can mail these out. This is a great way to be original and cost effective.
3. Flowers and Floral Centerpieces -This is probably the largest, high dollar item next to your catering – and the most wasteful of your budget. You literally can spend thousands of dollars on flowers which will be tossed away or die days after.  You may want to consider an alternative to a floral piece. Sometime a picture in a frame on the center of the table is enough. Try to design your centerpiece in keeping with you wedding style.

4. Transportation - Rather than getting limos for your bridal party, your parents and yourself, hire one larger limo or a limo bus for the event. Pair it down to one car only. If that isn’t going to work, look for other original ideas. Offer to pay a classic car club. These clubs usually have there cars on display, and would relish at the opportunity to show of their ride!

5. Wedding Cake -That’s just it, it’s cake. Why pay for a piece of art? It is only going to be eaten anyway. Scale down on this item. A nice floral three tier eatable cake without all the extra trimming is probably a reasonable price.

6. Entertainment -Live Bands normally cost more than a DJ, but get local prices before booking anything, or try to find a friend or relative who can DJ as their wedding present to you, then it might be a freebie.
7. Reception Decor - Rather than load the place down with flowers, lighting can set the mood even better and at a fraction of the cost. Check with your DJ and catering hall – they may have a local contract with someone already in place.

8. Seating Assignments - Skip the place card holders and opt for plain escort cards. Hand write them yourself, and skip the calligrapher to save even more cash. Save the money for quality wedding favors your guests will enjoy.
9. Wedding Time & Date – If you really must have a evening summer time wedding in the heart of June (the most expensive) – then go for it! But why not schedule it on a Thursday, Friday or Sunday evening? Not only will you save money by having it on an evening other than Saturday, its possible some of your guests may not make it – cutting your guest list and the catering costs. This might work well depending on the size of your wedding.
10. Cutting Your Guest List - Limit your guest list to people whom you actually want there. Close family and friends are all that you need to make your wedding complete. Remember this is your day, so only invite those who mean something to you.

Filed Under Wedding Tagged With , , ,
« Older Posts