Eight Tips for how engaged couples can plan their dream wedding for less
Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting yet challenging times for a bride. Here are some essential budgeting tips to make your dream wedding a reality without putting yourself in a financial cramp that you will later regret.
Set a Realistic Budget
Shop around to see the costs of venues, flowers, wedding attire, catering, DJ, Lighting, going away car, gifts for wedding party, table décor, photographer, videographer, officiant etc. first by checking with a wedding planner. Wedding planners know the answers to these types of questions to get you started. After you determine a budget that aligns with your financial situation, set your creative mind in motion to dream up ways you can have all you really want and let go of what is not as important. Discuss with your partner and any contributors to your finances for the wedding to set a clear, realistic figure. Discuss your priorities by identifying what essential elements matter the most to you then allocate an approximate percentage of the funds accordingly.
One of the most important decisions to make at the beginning is where the wedding will take place. If it’s going to be out in your grandma’s back yard then you will have to budget for all the necessary items that you will need to rent or buy. If it’s in a church, you will need to see what they are willing to let you borrow and make a list of what else you will need. If you rent a wedding venue like Bella Rosa Venue, we have many decorations, flowers, candles, lamps, swags, garlands, arches, serving tools, plates, glasses, platters, chaffing dishes to keep food warm, chargers, dinnerware, tablecloths, signs, center pieces, stands, tables, chairs, red carpet, and easels that brides can use to save them from having to buy these types of accessories. Moreover, when choosing a wedding date during the off-peak season or on a weekday can lead to significant savings. Venues and vendors often offer discounts for these less popular times.
Track Your Expenses as you keep in mind your needs and the most important investments for your wedding day. Your photographs are going to be the one thing you have after the big day is past, so be mindful to make a list of all the pictures you want so that the photographer will meet your expectations and do the best for you that he can.
Create a detailed spreadsheet to track every expense, from major costs like the venue, photographer, food, and dress to smaller items like decorations and favors. This will help you stay organized and avoid overspending. One can tend to go broke buying bargains that in the end weren’t necessary.
DIY Where you are talented
Do-it-yourself projects can add a personal touch to your wedding while saving money. Consider making your own invitations, centerpieces, and favors. Get creative and involve friends and family to help.
Limit the Guest List
While it may be tempting to invite everyone, keeping your guest list smaller can drastically reduce your costs at the same time making your closest friends and family feel more special. Focus on close family and friends to create a more intimate and manageable celebration.
Save on entertainment
You can make your own play list on your phone instead of hiring a DJ and use it over the speakers of your venue for your dance and ceremony songs. You can ask a friend to be your master of ceremonies and control the music and sound. Serve simple drinks instead of alcohol. Signature cocktails are quite expensive, and they can be replaced with cute mocktails that are just as fun. Here is a recipe for an Orange Citrus Mocktail: for 100 people
12 cups Ginger Mint syrup (recipe below), 2 quarts Lime Juice, 1 gallon orange juice highest quality, and 4 quarts or more sparkling water, and a large bag of crushed ice.
Ginger Mint Syrup: 12 cups sugar, 3 quarts water, 20-24 inches fresh ginger root peeled and cut in slices and 1 quart fresh mint leaves about 50. In a stock pot combine sugar, water, and ginger then bring to a simmer and whisk the sugar till dissolved. Turn off the heat and add the mint leaves and let steep for 20 minutes and strain the ginger and mint out and store the ginger mint simple syrup in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a month.
To make each 10 oz glass fill 3/4 full of ice then Add 1 – 2 Tablespoons Ginger Mint Syrup Then add your lime/orange mixture.
Stir and garnish with fresh mint leaves, orange or lime slices, fresh rosemary, sliced candied ginger, or sugared frozen cranberries.
Go read my blog here on the benefits of a dry venue. Play games outdoors, organize group games as bingo or trivia questions about the bride and groom to play during the reception, and indoor table games can serve to entertain guest while family pictures are being taken.
Negotiate with Vendors
Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices with vendors by offering to pay in full upfront to save 10%. Ask if they offer any packages or discounts and keep clear about your budget from the beginning to the last day. Many vendors are willing to work with you to create a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Avoid Hidden Costs
Be aware of additional fees that may not be immediately apparent, such as gratuities, overtime charges, and service fees. Ask vendors for a full breakdown of costs to avoid any surprises. Some venues charge for everything you borrow from them. So make sure you ask what it cost to borrow their items.
Shop Around for Deals
Take the time to compare prices and look for deals on everything from your dress to decorations. Online marketplaces and second-hand shops can offer great bargains without compromising on quality. Consider using the wedding dress your mother or an aunt or friend wore. Tux rental companies can offer everything including socks and belts. Most companies will give the groom’s outfit free if there are 5 other paid outfits. If the dads order one each, the ring bearer orders one, and 2 groomsmen is five total. You can contact us here at Bella Rosa Venue to save 20% of your men’s attire.
Stay Flexible
Be open to alternative options as, instead of catering the meal, prepare some charcuterie boards or make simple foods that you can delegate to family and friends to bring. Send your save-the-date announcements and invitations digitally instead of by mail. That will save you a lot of postage costs besides the expensive stationery. Flowers can be expensive. There are many creative solutions for table and arch décor. Consider using dried flowers, wildflowers, or fewer flowers. Flexibility can lead to unexpected savings and unique ideas that make your wedding special.
You can create a beautiful and memorable wedding without going over your budget. Happy planning!
Bella Rosa Venue is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
• Ballenger Bridge,Â
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pleasantpasturesevents.com
