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Let's face it: Weddings are expensive. There is absolutely no doubt in anyone's mind who has had to plan a wedding, that all you seem to do is pay, pay and pay some more.
You will, no doubt, have realized that the need for a detailed budget
plan is of utmost importance if you want to have any sort of control over how much money you are going to be spending.
Your wedding can be perfect, if you plan correctly and manage your wedding budget correctly, then you should be able to do so within your budget as well. Here are some tips and advice on how you can save money and still enjoy a great wedding.
Planning Your Wedding Budget
The Wedding Date
It will save you to schedule your wedding during the “off-season.” Almost 70% of all weddings take place between May and October. Unfortunately, as with most things, the laws of supply and demand apply.
The more brides competing with you for locations, limousines and florists, the more the price goes up. It is also a good idea to avoid late November through New Year’s period, when hotels, caterers and bands are likely to be busy with holiday parties. The best time for you will probably be in January, February or March.
Choose a Morning Wedding
In most weddings, your biggest cost will be for food and beverages at the reception. Try and plan a beautiful morning brunch, this will set you back less than dinner fare and reduce the amount of alcohol which is consumed.
Find a low Cost Location
Don’t knock your childhood church or synagogue: if you or your parents are members, the location fee will probably be waived. Also a city-owned location, such as a public garden or historic building, may be available for a surprisingly low fee. In addition, you will find that Sundays and Fridays are generally cheaper to hire for weddings.
The Wedding Dress
Bridal gowns aren’t the only white dresses in the world, so going for something that isn't a wedding dress may be a more cost effective solution. Other options may be to hire a wedding dress, if you can find the right one that suits your style and
body shape. Many Wedding Dress outlets will even tailor the dress to fit you.
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The Right Decorations
Spend your money on the things people will see the most throughout the event. There are many simple effects which can create the right atmosphere without adding much cost on.
Candles always create the right atmosphere and are cheaper than lights for each table. Would you decorate the back of each guests chair? Are they really going to see the decorations there, or will they see the flower arrangement on the tables more? Picking a location that needs little to help spruce it up may at the end of the day, save you money.
Flower Selection
Try and select wedding flowers that are in season and available locally - this will save you vast amounts of money as opposed to having a particular flower shipped in for your wedding. Availability and price of flowers will vary from city to cityand region to region. If you are looking to cut costs, then avoid roses and orchids. Although they’re widely available, they are pricey.
Reception Themes
Choosing a theme for your reception can also be a great way to cut costs. You don’t have to be of Mexican descent to turn your reception into a fiesta and a spectacular banquet of traditional Mexican food will probably cost less than prime rib and asparagus.
You could continue your theme by limiting the bar to imported Mexican beers and marguerites. There are many exciting themes which will save you moneyand allow you to explore a different and exciting theme.
Use Friends and relatives
you shouldn't be afraid to let your friends and family know that you’re looking for ways to keep your wedding budget under control. They may offer their own skills to help you save money, or how to help you find a great deal.
Cutting your guest list
It may be a very difficult thing to do, but there simply isn't a faster and easier way to control your budget than by limiting the size of the event by cutting your guest list. Remember that it is your wedding and it should be spent with those friends and family who are close to you, not the ones you haven't seen in 10 years.
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