Money-Saver to Meet Your Budget

Being engaged is an exciting time to think about being with Mr. Right until death do you part, tell family and friends, maybe even doodle Mrs. So-and-so on paper. But when many brides actually start planning their weddings, the costs of hosting their dream wedding may be surprising. The average American wedding and honeymoon is now up to $23,000 to $26,000, so of course planning requires smart money management. Budgeting your priorities and money properly can still lead to a dream wedding without winning a lottery.

We love big, fabulous weddings and receptions! But we know that most brides need a few tips to help them find a way to meet their real budget. First, consider what you ideally want for your wedding. Then consider options. Maybe you’ll stick to some of your first decisions, but you may choose a few money saving alternatives.

Time of year, day of the week, and time of day are three of your best saving methods.

1. The Date: For example, instead of getting married during the high seasons in Spring, Summer, and Fall, consider a November, December or January wedding. You may be surprised at the number of guests that find this to be an agreeable time. It is holiday season, and they may already be expecting time off from work. Some banquet sites and other services offer winter discounts. Big savings are possible if you can be flexible on your date.
2. The Day: Friday or Sunday and especially weekdays, instead of Saturday as your wedding day, are typically less expensive, and venues and vendors are more likely to have better rates. If the actual venue rates are not less expensive during the off-season and weekdays, then often the minimum requirements to book the ballroom or location are lower (lower per person minimums). Some inns and venues also offer complete packages that include everything at a discounted price. If you have discovered that the hotels and venues that you first had in mind are too pricey for your budget, be sure to look into all of the fantastic wedding and reception locations offered by your city’s Parks and Recreation Department and your local museums. Non-profit parks and gardens offer great values during all seasons.
3. The Time of Day: Morning and early afternoon weddings are also a better deal when you consider the catering options. A brunch or a light early afternoon meal can save major money. When it comes to cutting your wedding budget, timing is everything.Well, not quite everything.

The biggest money saver is reducing your guest list.

Unless your family is very large and close, or if you have important community social obligations, then keep your guest list to the people who have been important to you throughout the highpoints of your life. With fewer people at your wedding, it can become more intimate, personal and budget-friendly. Don’t encourage your single guests to bring dates and let co-workers know from the beginning that you will only be having a small family wedding. The decision to have a smaller guest list will save on the food, the number of servers, the rentals, the invitations, flowers, cake, and favors. Choosing fewer attendants also cuts down on the amount you spend on guest accommodations, attendant gifts and the bridesmaid’s luncheon or party.

Keep the details of your wedding simple.

For example, is the full bar necessary? Skip it, and instead serve a limited amount of wine and beer, or consider having an alcoholic wedding punch – perfect for the afternoon wedding reception. Instead of shipping in exotic flowers from other countries or states, look into seasonal flowers that are locally grown, and think about including in your arrangements less expensive berries, herbs, other botanicals, and even candles. Simply white linens are still simply beautiful. Lastly, keep things simple by cutting out the unnecessary people involved in a wedding. For example, why pay an officiant if one of your friends is a licensed clergy? They might even consider it their wedding gift to you.

Where else can you save?

When you all meet for the rehearsal dinner, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to become a mini-wedding, and that it can be as simple and basic as you want it to be. Casual outdoor pig-pickings and barbeques are popular as a balance to a more formal reception celebration.

Visit the Southern Bride & Groom Resource Directory, and compare local vendors and their prices. Also on the site are the dates for local wedding shows, and trunk shows and sales, that may lead to the right vendors and prices for you. Let go of the pre-conceived notions. Your dream wedding will still happen whatever your budget! Photo by Three Oaks Photography