WISHES
Tips for Watching the Wedding Budget:
1) Select an Off Date or Time.There simply are not enough Saturday nights in a year. Look into a Friday night, Sunday brunch, Thursday night or Saturday afternoon. These off dates and times could give you extra money for a dream honeymoon as well.
2) Select an Off Month. While many females dream of being a June Bride, January through March brides can save a lot more money. During these off months, vendors such as caterers and musicians, will be a lot more flexible with their pricing.
So, a Saturday night wedding may be possible, it just may need to be indoors. A Winter Wonderland wedding can be quite beautiful.
3) Choose a Site that Includes Everything. Many people believe that by using a raw space, or their own backyard, will save money. The reality is that it's a lot more expensive to rent tents, tables, chairs, linens, china, etc., and more stressful.
4) Skip the FavorsGuests rarely use, or want them. Instead make a donation to a favorite charity and place a simple note at each place setting letting your guests know of your donation. Share the happiness with those less fortunate!
5) Tailor the MenuBuffets are not always less expensive. While there are less staff involved, there is a lot more food, which increases the caterer's costs and final bill. An elegant seated luncheon or dinner of appetizer, salad, entrée and wedding cake will be plenty. Keep cocktails simple because guests don't need a meal before a meal. A cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres will be elegant and more than enough!
6) BorrowSince something needs to be borrowed, perhaps a headpiece from a sister or a friend. Remember, chances are it will not be worn again.
7) Scale Back on FlowersWork with the florist to select flowers that are in the season of the wedding, rather than what is not. Reuse flowers from the ceremony at the reception for decor, or around the cake.
8) Book Short TermThe closer out you book a date, the more flexible vendors will be. A date that sits empty is non-profitable, but a last minute booking can be golden for the couple as well as the vendors. Assembling a wedding celebration in less than six months, gives a negotiating advantage.
9) Shop the Sample Sales for Your DressBuy the dream designer dress at a fraction of the cost!
10) Keep the Guest List SmallAsk yourself how many long distance relatives and long ago friends truly need to be invited. Share the day with those nearest and dearest. It will be more meaningful, and the bride and groom will actually have a chance to mingle with all the guests.
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