Budgeting Bride

Lately, it seems as though everyone I know is getting married, including myself!  For those who have been a part of our wedding planning know that we have stuck to a tight budget and have found some unique ways to save money.  I have been questions on how exactly we did that.  Great question!  Every couple has a different vision of their wedding.  The first question we asked ourselves was what is most important to us?  Our answer:  that our guests dance, drink, and eat.  When we had to make hard decisions, we always went back to that answer; is this really necessary for our wedding vision?  Usually the answer was no.  Here is a breakdown of our wedding budget and how we managed to save:

Venue:  $0

Utilize your resources!  We are getting married in my future sister and brother-in-laws backyard.  Maybe you don't have a beautiful back yard to use as a venue, but does your sister bake?  Grandma alter dresses?  Friend of a friend a DJ?  Not only will this save you money, but also involve your friends and family in your big day!

Rental Items:  $1,797.31

Understand exactly what you're getting for your money!  If you are getting married at a more traditional venue you may assume that chairs, tables, linens, forks, etc. are included but be sure to ask!  Some venues have you pay a rental fee and you still have to rent every table and chair.  Yikes!

Catering:  $1,137.00 (including tax and gratuity)

Negotiate!  Don't be afraid to explain your situation to your vendor, especially your caterer.  We went to a tasting, ate great food, picked a few items that we HAD to have and then negotiated the price.  Our caterer worked with us to find a way to have plenty of food and stay in our budget.  There are caterers that work out of their home, bed and breakfast, etc... this means less overhead for them and less cost for you!  Best way to keep this price down?  Keep your guest list short!

Baker:  $175.00

Ask for recommendations!  Your vendors have probably done a lot of weddings, and believe it or not, your not the only one pinching pennies.  Ask your other vendors who they may know.  Our baker works out of her home... and bakes beautiful cakes!  She is probably not the most well-known baker in the area, but she's talented... and affordable.

Photography:  $850.00

Be reasonable!  Is it necessary to have engagement, bridal, and 6 hours of wedding day photos?  Maybe, but probably not.  Just because there website says that there lowest package includes a ton of extras, don't be afraid to talk to them about making the package smaller and lowering the price.  We saved $250.00 on ours by doing this.

Music:  $500.00

Take your time!  While the local DJ says he is the most affordable, best in the area, and books up quickly doesn't mean that you can't look around for others.  There are plenty of DJ's and musicians out there, many of which are really affordable.  When your out at bars, clubs, wherever you go, pay attention to the musicians... and don't be afraid to ask!  You may be surprised what you find... and how much money you save.

Stationary:  $300.00

DIY!  There are a lot of options out there, and many don't include hiring a printing service.  Places like Target and Michael's sell invitation sets that include everything you would need, and all you have to do is print them on your own printer!  You can also make them yourself from scratch, just be sure you start them well in advance.

Decorations:  $100.00

Keep it simple!  Think back to the weddings that you enjoyed going to the most.  What do you remember?  The table decorations?  The veggie tray?  Probably not.  There's really no need to spend a ton decorations.  Craft stores have a large selection of fake flowers that are much more affordable that real... and they don't wilt!  Use what you already have!  Vases, mason jars, ribbon... look around and see what you don't need to buy.

Flowers:  $216.00

Don't be a snob!  We are getting our flowers at Winn Dixie.  Your local grocery store also has beautiful flowers... at half the price of your local florist.  

Dress:  $0

Start family traditions!  Okay, so my daughter will probably not wear my wedding dress one day.. but a girl can dream!  I will be wearing my future sister-in-laws wedding dress.  You'd be surprised how many people around you have dresses they are willing to let you wear... just ask (or hint)!  If you can't find a dress from someone you know... check online.  Go to a local bridal shop, try on gowns, get a feel for what you like, and then look it up on e-bay.  There are hundreds of gently used bridal dresses for sale on the internet!  Be sure you order one thats a few sizes too big... it's easier to take it in than let it out.

That brings the total cost of our wedding to:  $5,075.31

Not so bad if you ask me.  Throughout your planning remember, for every thing you choose you are giving up someone else.  And while your wedding day is a big day... it's a day- don't stress about the small stuff.  You're spouse will appreciate it.