Wedding budgeting -
hints and tips for planning your wedding
We would welcome your own wedding planning hints and tips, budgeting advice or comments on this article. Feel free to email us at tips@paperalchemy.com .
BUDGETING FOR YOUR WEDDING
There are a number of ways you can cut the costs when planning your wedding - maybe you haven’t thought about it but the tips below will undoubtedly help to trim the excess from that wedding budget or allow you to spend more in certain areas.
1) The wedding date:
Obviously weekends are at a premium and you can add on that little bit more in the summer months as well. Decide how important a weekend wedding is - in most cases it can’t be avoided. However, it will have a significant effect on budgeting when you realise how venues, photographers, car hire etc. all have increased prices for these prime days and dates.
2) The location:
For both receptions and civil ceremonies in licensed venues, it pays to have a good look around before setting your heart on one. Compare prices for the room, the catering and the accommodation. Don’t be afraid to negotiate - remember, at the end of the day, you are business for them.
3) The guest list:
Here’s a tricky one! We’re going to be mean here - if you’re paying for the wedding yourself, only invite people you will be happy to see and share your day with. Imagine which of your friends and family will bring a huge smile to your face as you see them for the first time on the big day. If you only exchange Christmas cards and haven’t spoken to them in over a year, are they really worth all that cost?
When parents are involved with paying for the wedding, you have an obligation to listen to their requests. The best way to do this is draw up your own list as above and then allocate ‘x’ number of people to each set of parents. Let them make the hard decisions and it takes the strain off you. Don’t forget, for your sanity, if you have any family members you most definitely do not want invited, discuss this with your parents when giving them their list to fill. It’s always better to be open and honest from the outset.
4) The rings:
Having your rings made especially for you may not cost as much as you think and you’re guaranteed something truly unique. If you want something special, discuss this with a local jewellery designer. If you have some ideas, sketch them and take them along - you’ll never know until you ask! You can find a selection of high quality jewellery designers at this website www.gemget.com .
5) The dress:
Magazines are great for ideas (or go to images.google.com
and type in ‘wedding dresses’ as the search) - cut out pictures of your favourite styles and
take them along to a few dress designers and get quotes for them making something similar.Ask for their advice when choosing fabrics that may still look fantastic, but may be more cost effective. As I’ve mentioned before, don’t be afraid to negotiate - especially if you have bridesmaids dresses or other outfits to buy.
