Tip: It is time to watch your budget. It is so easy
to keep saying "Oh, it is just a little more than we thought
it would be". As you do this on each vendor and items
you select, this can cost you lots more than you expected. It
is important to try to stay with-in your budget and that means
scaling down where you won't notice so much. We can show
you how to save money without sacrificing style.
AVOID
PEAK TIMES—Sunday and Friday weddings are cheaper than
those on Saturday; lunch costs less than dinner; and winter or
summer weddings are more affordable than those in spring or fall.
TRIM THE GUEST LIST—If you wouldn't invite someone
to your house for dinner, he shouldn't be at your wedding.
CUT COURSES—Serve a two course meal with the wedding
cake as dessert.
GET A DJ—Typical Disc Jockey fees range from $600
to $1500, while a band can cost from $600 to $1200 per musician.
CHOOSE AN ALL-IN-ONE SITE—An at-home affair calls
for renting everything from chairs to glasses but hotels and clubs
may have all the staff, linens and decor you'll need.
REUSE FLOWERS—Have your florist move everything they
can from the ceremony to the party.
HIRE
SHORT-TERM HELP—For a start to finish job, wedding planners
charge from $5000 to more than $25,000. But hiring a planner
to smooth the way on the day costs about $750 to $3,500.
HIT THE HIGHLIGHTS—Focus on three things you really
care about. After budgeting for those, you'll know what
you can spend on the rest
And remember everyone has a budget no matter what size of wedding
they are having. You just don't want to be in debt after the wedding—this
is not a good way to start your new life together. So do
it wisely...
