For Vibrant Brides of Color

How to Save Big Money On Your Wedding

Working within a budget may present some challenges, but it will result in your being more sensible, more creative, and in the end, more satisfied with the results of your careful planning.

Ways To Save Money On Your Wedding

Pay for everything by check<br>or credit card.

You've dreamed all your life of having a beautiful wedding and reception in a romantic setting, complete with all the amenities, don't give up that dream because you have a limited budget.

  1. Consider having your wedding on a Sunday, Friday, or any day of the week other than Saturday. Even on a Saturday, consider a brunch or luncheon wedding reception rather than hosting a dinner. More savings may be realized by having your wedding in the months of November through April; less busy months for most wedding related services. Exception: The Caribbean. This is high Tourist season and venues book fast! Consider the Summer months for tropical locales.
  2. The best way to reduce your overall costs on your reception is to reduce the number of guests who are invited. Consider eliminating the "pivotal people" (those individuals or couples that when invited, require you to invite several others, just to be "fair"). Consider not including children as most facilities charge per guest, regardless of their age. If you cut back 20% of your guest list, you save on invitations, cake, and room size, as well as on food.
  3. Save money on other services by having a smaller wedding party. Fewer attendants will require less time from the photographer, fewer flowers, less limo space, etc.
  4. Ask each wedding supplier about specific money saving packages which may be based on reduced time spent or services supplied. Tell each supplier your budget for their specific service, and ask them what amount of service they can provide to suit the funds you have available.
  5. Be creative; remembering that it's often the little things that are unique to your wedding that most impress your guests. You may be surprised to find that an elegant, intimate wedding will suit your style as well as your budget.

Never Forget The 10% Rule!

A small reception will save you money

The following percentages offer a breakdown of the major budgetary items. When preparing your budget, it is a good rule of thumb to remember the 10% rule . . . it is likely that almost everything will cost 10 PERCENT more than you expect. There also are always unexpected items that somehow materialize. They too need to be plugged into your calculations.

Like it? Share it!: