It’s no secret that we’re heading into a tough year and brides more then ever are paying attention to the bottom line – the budget. No matter what type of budget you have to work with – there are a few basic tips that every brides needs to look at when she begins her wedding planning in 2009.
Tip #1: Set a Detailed Budget
Gone are the days where an estimated budget and a credit card are good enough. Today, brides need to know not only what they are spending but also how they are paying for it.
Start by taking an honest look at what you have available to you. This may include money you have saved, money you can put in during the coming months, or gifts from parents who wish to help with the wedding. Try, as much as possible, to rely mainly on funds already available so that you aren’t left scrambling for funds if your income changes during the planning stages. Be honest with what you have available to you – it’s not wise to go into debt for anything right now – including a wedding!
Once you have a realistic dollar amount, then you can create a detailed budget showing how much you have available to spend in each area as you start planning.
Tip #2: Get Expert Advice
Most of us have never done this before – and hope to never do it again. It’s frightening how many brides take on a huge event like a wedding with absolutely no experience or guidance! This expert advice doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either. In fact, my top recommendation would be Amazing Wedding Planner!
Amazing Wedding Planner is a eBook – that means you purchase it online and download it immediately. The eBook is an invaluable planning tool that gives you an insider look at all the tips and ideas that can help you save money on your wedding – even cutting your costs in half! The Amazing Wedding Planner also comes with some bonuses you’ll find very useful – like a computer organization program you can use to track and plan all the details for your wedding. The complete package sells for $39.95 – and it has a money back guarantee but I doubt you’ll need that. It will save you hundreds of dollars!
Don’t try to do it alone! Over the years, I have seen countless brides throwing money down the drain simply because they don’t know the insider secrets of wedding planning. A small investment in expert advice like you’ll find in Amazing Wedding Planner will pay for itself a hundred times over!
Tip #3: Do Your Research
I don’t think I can stress this enough! Don’t just pick the first vendor you like. Take time to look into the different options before you make a final choice. This goes for everything from your venue to your favors! Take time to visit all the possible venue choices in your area and get a complete quote. Ask about hidden costs, rules, etc. Do this for your photographer, your florist, your caterer, your viedographer and more – even small things like favors. If you have a specific favor you like, research different sources. You may find the same favor for slightly cheaper or with free shipping at another source- those little savings can add up quickly.
Tip #4: Know Your Priorities
It’s so easy to get caught up in all the little details and most wedding budgets are blown because of all the little extras that end up adding up to a lot more money. Start your planning by looking at the big picture and deciding what your priorities are. Is it important to you to be able to invite all of your friends and distant relatives? Have you always wanted a specific venue? What aspects of the wedding are the most important to you?
Together with your fiance, choose 3 to 4 things that are very important to you and concentrate on those areas first. Then, as you begin planning, you can weigh the different options you come across against your priorities and easily elimate those things that aren’t that important to you and will just add up to more cost.
Tip #5: You Can’t Please Everyone
Seriously – you can’t! So stop trying! If you’ve decided that your budget and priorities are best suited to a afternoon wedding with a punch and cake reception – don’t change your plans because Aunt Mabel thinks it’s rude. Of course, you want your guests to have fun – but in the end it is your wedding and your money. Don’t waste your money and add extra stress over things that aren’t important to you just to make other happy.
Now don’t go all bridezilla on me either k? Yes – it matters what your mom or your future mother in law or your best friend think – at least enough that you need to exercise some tact. If you are choosing NOT to impliment something they suggested because of finances, be honest about it. If your mother in law wants something you can’t afford – let her know that budget is an issue but if she’d like to provide she is more then welcome. If it’s something you just really don’t want – find a nice way to let them know that it just doesn’t fit with the type of wedding you and your fiance are going for.
