Budget... It's like the elephant in the room. No one likes to talk about money, unless of course you have millions, but today we are sharing tips, tricks and tidbits on budgeting for your wedding.
Tip #1: MAKE ONE!!! You'll never know exactly how much you have to spend until you make one and you don't want to start spending without keeping track. Before you know it you will blow it!!
Tip #2: BE REALISTIC- Lets face it we all wish we had a little bit more and think we can anticipate finding extra money somewhere to include into the budget but don't over estimate. Choose a budget goal that you feel comfortable with and if extra money comes along then include it. If you start to high you are bound to get disappointed.
Tip #3: TALK IT OVER- Talk with your parents, your future in-laws and of course your groom to work out the best budget for all. Make sure everyone feels comfortable with what the are contributing.
Tip #4: PRIORITIZE- Find the most important things that matter to you and your groom and put them in order of importance. If photography and the best catered food are the most important then you know where to spend the most on.
Tip #5: HIRE A CERTIFIED WEDDING PLANNER- Not only will he/she keep you on track but they will know the best ways to find you special offers, promos, discounts. A good wedding planner will know all the right people and be the best investment you can make.
Tip #6: CONNECT WITH YOUR VENDORS- Vocalize your individual vendor budgets with each vendor. You will be amazed at how, you can acquire similar flower arrangements for less money using different flowers that produce the same look and feel. Tell the baker you want a smaller decorative cake for show and have sheet cakes that will serve the guests.
Tip #7: DON'T TRY TO DO IT ALL- Everyone always thinks they can tie all their own chair bows and make all there own food to save money... but lets be real- YOU ARE THE BRIDE! You won't have time time to make 150 cupcakes, tie 150 chair bows and make 15 centerpieces and RELAX! Enlist help from family and friends if need be, but make sure to not over burden anyone. Friends and family are not getting paid to help you so don't over abuse their willingness to help.
Tip #8: LEAVE ROOM IN THE BUDGET FOR TIPS- Most brides and grooms forget about that last detail and can end up going over budget by not accounting for tipping the vendors. With some contracts it is included but some it doesn't include until the end. Make sure to read contracts over before signing and be aware if it is included or not.
Tip #9: BE AWARE OF THE CREDIT CARDS- Unless you are paying it off each month and banking those frequent flyer miles for your honeymoon, you are probably going to have to add in all the interest into your budget as well. Don't go in debt trying to get married and don't assume your monetary wedding gifts will pay for everything either.
Wedding Wishes
~M
