Budgeting for your Wedding!
It doesn’t take long to go over budget. Ask me…after two daughter’s have gotten married! Ah…best laid plans of mice and men! But, today, I’m going to give you some tips that I’ve used and absolutely work! But before we get there, let me give you an approximate percentages that should be allotted for each item that you have to purchase.
Rings – 15%
Bridal Gown/Accessories – 5%
Invitations – 2%
Photography/Videography – 10%
Music – 5%
Flowers – 5%
Honeymoon – 14%
Misc. Items – 7%
These, of course, are approximations. But now that you have an idea of that, let me show you how to cut that WAY down!
First of all, let’s take the reception. Most people do not know this, but if you get married on a holiday (i.e. Columbus Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc.) your cost per plate can be cut in half or even more than half. When my 2nd daughter got married 2 years ago (and this is NO exaggeration), we were quoted the price of $125 per plate plus tax and tip. This included hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold, during the appetizer hour, plus a choice of 4 different entrees (high end stuff!) and dessert which was assorted pastries and the wedding cake. Well, I asked him how much it would be if she got married on the Monday of Columbus Day. After questioning each other back and forth, he gave me a price of $45 per plate!!! How’s that for savings?
Also, this works for Friday the 13th also, but unfortunately, not as well as on a holiday. Reason for that is the place usually will book a ‘sweet 16’ or a shower or something else on that night. But even with this day, there is some wiggle room, if you know what I mean.
Now, you could combine saving on flowers and the reception if you’d like to get married either right before or right after Christmas. Last year, I consulted on a wedding that was the day before New Year’s Eve. And honestly, it was one of the most beautiful weddings ever. They saved big time on flowers, because it was already decorated with gorgeous Christmas decorations and winter displays. So, with their budget, all I put on the tables was a beautiful poinsettia with ribbons on it and a winter unique wedding favor. In fact, I used this one.
I placed them all around the poinsettia plant. The tablecloths were a rich, deep green. Also, I sprinkled some white snowflake confetti on the tablecloth surrounding the favors and the poinsettia. It was probably the most beautiful “slim” budget wedding I’ve ever done.
A big saver is using a D.J. and not a live band. This can cut the cost of music to less than half what live music will cost you. But, be VERY specific about what you want from them If you want a major party atmosphere with noisemakers, etc. or something more quiet, let them know. And make sure it’s in the contract.
Regarding the wedding reception dinner, remember that a buffet is less expensive than a sit-down formal dinner. And the choices you make on that buffet, can lower it even more. A rule of thumb, more meat, more cost - more pasta and non-meat dishes, less cost. Don’t let them give you a set price for what they offer. Deal with them. Ask them if they remove this certain dish and replace it with this other one, what could you save?
There are many more tips to save money, and I will be addressing them in future blogs. But I think I gave you enough to work on! You’ll be shocked at the amounts you can save if you heed my suggestions.
Much happiness coming your way,
Bella
Unique Wedding Favors
Rings – 15%
Bridal Gown/Accessories – 5%
Invitations – 2%
Photography/Videography – 10%
Music – 5%
Flowers – 5%
Honeymoon – 14%
Misc. Items – 7%
These, of course, are approximations. But now that you have an idea of that, let me show you how to cut that WAY down!
First of all, let’s take the reception. Most people do not know this, but if you get married on a holiday (i.e. Columbus Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc.) your cost per plate can be cut in half or even more than half. When my 2nd daughter got married 2 years ago (and this is NO exaggeration), we were quoted the price of $125 per plate plus tax and tip. This included hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold, during the appetizer hour, plus a choice of 4 different entrees (high end stuff!) and dessert which was assorted pastries and the wedding cake. Well, I asked him how much it would be if she got married on the Monday of Columbus Day. After questioning each other back and forth, he gave me a price of $45 per plate!!! How’s that for savings?
Also, this works for Friday the 13th also, but unfortunately, not as well as on a holiday. Reason for that is the place usually will book a ‘sweet 16’ or a shower or something else on that night. But even with this day, there is some wiggle room, if you know what I mean.
Now, you could combine saving on flowers and the reception if you’d like to get married either right before or right after Christmas. Last year, I consulted on a wedding that was the day before New Year’s Eve. And honestly, it was one of the most beautiful weddings ever. They saved big time on flowers, because it was already decorated with gorgeous Christmas decorations and winter displays. So, with their budget, all I put on the tables was a beautiful poinsettia with ribbons on it and a winter unique wedding favor. In fact, I used this one.
I placed them all around the poinsettia plant. The tablecloths were a rich, deep green. Also, I sprinkled some white snowflake confetti on the tablecloth surrounding the favors and the poinsettia. It was probably the most beautiful “slim” budget wedding I’ve ever done.
A big saver is using a D.J. and not a live band. This can cut the cost of music to less than half what live music will cost you. But, be VERY specific about what you want from them If you want a major party atmosphere with noisemakers, etc. or something more quiet, let them know. And make sure it’s in the contract.
Regarding the wedding reception dinner, remember that a buffet is less expensive than a sit-down formal dinner. And the choices you make on that buffet, can lower it even more. A rule of thumb, more meat, more cost - more pasta and non-meat dishes, less cost. Don’t let them give you a set price for what they offer. Deal with them. Ask them if they remove this certain dish and replace it with this other one, what could you save?
There are many more tips to save money, and I will be addressing them in future blogs. But I think I gave you enough to work on! You’ll be shocked at the amounts you can save if you heed my suggestions.
Much happiness coming your way,
Bella
Unique Wedding Favors
