4 Tips on how to stick to your Wedding Budget
Recently sat down with a couple who had questions on how to “save” or rather “how not to go over” their initial budget.
Here are a few things I thought of which I wanted to share. I’m sure there are many more:
- Stay off Pinterest (Love Me some Pinterest though)
One of my quirkiest lines is that “Pinterest is the Devil”, sorry Pinterest, I love ya but it’s the truth. Everything is so well organized and idea just flows onto your screen, each Pin more attractive than the next. BUT COME ON!! There’s never any pricing, the photos are framed perfectly, you seldom get the entire picture. When my couples walk in asking for garlands of greenery and fresh flowers, Ceilings of Wisteria, arches right out of Fairyland, I just sigh, give them a pep talk, without deflating their dream. Pinterest makes Me the bad guy. LOL
- Work on your Guest List
OK, I know this is not the most welcoming piece of advice. Seriously though, do you really need to invite Neil from cubicle number 7 because he brings you coffee? NO! One of the fastest ways to cut cost, is to seriously CUT YOUR GUEST LIST! Your budget, including all the bells and whistles of your dream wedding can only accommodate 60 Guests. Do the Math! You can’t invite 80 and expect your Venue and other Vendors to cut costs, so you can stay in budget
- When discussing Bar, choose the lesser option
Because let’s face it, after the first few drinks, Your Guests will drink whatever liquor is offered.
Hear me out! Most Venues will offer a Wine/Beer Package or a Full Open Bar Package. One question I often get is “Do I need to pay for everyone?”. Easy answer: “Yes”. Please, please don’t respond with “can we hand out wristbands”. No, just no.
Instead, find out from your Venue, if you can offer Wine/Beer and whether or not your Guests will be able to purchase Liquor Beverages at the Bar. (Before everyone gets upset, remember we are discussing how to stay in budget. By all means, if you can TREAT YOUR GUESTS!)
- Adding additional time
Whether it’s Cocktail Hour or additional time for after party, this is a sure way to add up costs to your Budget. Figure out what works best for you, keeping in mind that you’re not paying simply for food and beverage, your paying your Venue for Service and Time and this can add up when you factor in Waiter, Chef, Cooks, Manager, Coordinator etc.
These opinions are mine based on the question “how can we stick to our Wedding Budget”. By all means, do you Boo!! Go all out! You’re getting married.
Thanks for reading
Dhanny
