~ Y o u r C o u n t y W e d d i n g P l a n n e r ~
Having a Dream Wedding on a Budget
It is essential to set a budget for the wedding in the beginning. Without a budget you could easily run out of money before you have all the necessary items for the wedding and reception: wedding dress, tuxes, invitations, flowers, favors, food, location fees, rentals the list goes on.
You do not have to go into debt, or spend a fortune to have a beautiful and elegant wedding. After determining your budget stick to it! Down load the checklist on the Aroostook Wedding Article page. Look through it to see what are necessities, and what you feel are not necessary. Purchase an accordion folder, and keep all of your receipts. You must keep close track of you spending, what you have purchased and what you still need.
Where does the Money Go?
The following if what is considered normal percent for a wedding budget.
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Wedding Dress & Formal Wear
- Be realistic about what you can afford. Do not try on a more expensive dress, just to see what it looks like on. If you fall in love with the dress, it might be hard to turn it down.
- Check to see if they have any of last year models that fit. They are often a less expensive, so they can make room for this year's dresses.
- Take a look at the Swap, Buy and Sell Guide. Wedding dresses are only worn once, and often are sold for a fraction on their original cost.
- In the spring take a look at places like Deb's. They often have some less expensive white prom dresses. It is also possible to order them at no extra fee.
- Instead of renting tuxes have the groom and groomsmen wear nice suits. If they do not already have a good suit purchase them. They are a good investment that can be worn over and over.
- Many places will give you the grooms tux free is they rest of the wedding party is renting their tuxes there.
Ceremony and Reception
- Set a limit on how many guest you can afford. Once you make your first list of guests go through it again. If you are asking your family to provide a list make sure you let them know that you are trying to keep the list down to family and close family friends.
- Have your ceremony and reception in the same location. Many churches have cultural halls where the reception can be held. This will save time, transportation, and the fees are usually very reasonable.
- Have an afternoon wedding followed by a light buffet. A reception that starts around 2:00 does not require a full sit down mean, or buffet. Consider having a desert and finger food buffet with coffee, tea, and punch.
- A morning wedding is another excellent option. The reception can be a simple brunch buffet, and the wedding couple will not be left exhausted after a late night reception.
- Serve punch with dinner instead of wine. If you want wine or Champaign for the toasts bring it out just for that occasion.
- If you really feel that a bar is a must consider purchasing your own bottles, and hiring someone to serve it.
Flowers
- Have your bridal bouquet make of fresh flowers, but have a smaller toss bouquet made of silk flowers.
- Arrange the flowers yourself. Look at wedding magazines for simply, but elegant ideas. Then duplicate them, with a little twist to make them suit your personality.
- Be sure that you are purchasing fresh flowers that are in season. This will save a lot.
- Just because the bridal bouquet is going to be roses does not mean that all the flowers have to be.
- Be open to a variety of flowers, and check the price on them. You can get a unique and beautiful look with Gerbera Daisies at a fraction of the price of roses. They come in numerous colors, so you can easily match your wedding colors.
- Why not use silk flowers, and arrange them yourself? They are beautiful, and a fraction of the price of fresh flowers. The arrangements can be made well in advance saving time and money.
Decorations
- Buy plain white lights after Christmas. You can get them at up to 75% off, and they are a perfect wedding decoration.
- Valentines Day is another time to look for wedding decorations. Especially if pink is one of your wedding colors.
- Buy some bridal magazines and look through them for decorating ideas. Then think of how you can accomplish a certain look by doing it yourself.
- Pew decorations can cost quite a bit, but they are really pretty easy to make. Purchase some rolls of tulling to make pew bows. Then add a three Gerbera Daisies, or silk flowers in the wedding colors.
Photography
- Hire the photographer for the wedding only. This will save a significant amount.
- When you first meet with the photographer tell them you want to purchase the negatives, or if they are using a digital camera, that you want a disc of all the photos. This will allow you to print them all out. You may have to speak to a few photographers to get one that agrees. Needless to say make sure the price is right.
- If you have a family member or friend that is a good amateur photographer ask them to take the photos.
- Check with the university for recommendations on a good photography student.
- Make a list ahead of pictures that you want taken. (Group shots of family, the wedding party and the couple. Look at magazines to get good ideas for pictures of the bride and groom)
- Put disposable cameras at each table with a note asking guests to take candid pictures.
Music
- Make a CD with your wedding music, and have a mature family member or friend in charge.
- For your reception have a DJ, rather than a band. Make sure to check references, the type of music they have, and how many songs.
- Make your own CD for the reception, and rent a sound system and speakers. On a separate CD have the songs for the father daughter dance, and the couples first dance together.
- Print your own invitations using your home computer. You can find some very nice ones locally. Wal-Mart has a small, but attractive selection at an affordable price.
Favors
- Favors are a great way to get friends, family and children involved. Purchase all your materials, and have an afternoon or evening get together to make them. It can be a lot of fun.
- Buy some pre-cut tulle circles, put some Jordan's candy covered almonds in the center, pull the sides up and fasten with a ribbon tied in a bow. This is a very traditional wedding favor.
- The same pre-cut tulle could hold three silver wrapped candy Kisses. Purchase the tulle circle in one wedding color and the ribbon in another.
- Another nice idea is a gift they can take home, and use at the reception. Purchase, in bulk, small silver or gold bells. These are sold for weddings, and are a tradition. As a small not attached with a ribbon:Today, as we gather together,
Wish us a love to last forever,
If you would like us to share
A wedding kiss,
Ring the bell for lifelong bliss. - Put together a CD with your favorite songs. Burn enough for the guests, and put them in a jewel case. Don't forget to print a nice cover to go inside each one. Your engagement picture might make a nice start.
- Purchase flat candy bars. Take the wrapper off, and measure it. Now create your own wrapper. Add your engagement picture, names and wedding date. Cut the wrappers out, fold them around the candy bars, and glue with stick glue.
- At Valentine you can find a large number of great favors:
- For $1.00 you can buy 'bouquet' of 6 large, red heart lollipops. Place one on each plate.
- This year I also found some great chocolate colored fortune cookies. The messages were all sweet or romantic. Place one cookie on each plate.
- Purchase some inexpensive Chinese takeout boxes, in your wedding color, put one on each table to hold the cookies.
Your wedding day is one that you will never forget. It should not be about money, and especially not about going into debt. Set your budget, decide what is most important to you, and plan wisely.