Budgeting for an Affordable Wedding!

In this tough economy, everyone is trying to save a little money, even when it comes to weddings!  We can give you a few hints you probably dont know about and maybe some you do.  But either way, hopefully you can save a little money and still have a beautiful wedding! And I hope you are not afraid to do a little work yourself!

Beginning with your venue, there are some places that actually will offer it for free or donation. Examples are churches, your friends or familys farm, etc. Always ask for your friends help in locating a venue. That is what they are there for!  Another money saver with a venue is having your wedding on a weekday. Having it on a weekday at some venues will save you half the price!  If your friends want to come to your wedding, they won't mind what day it is!

Invitations and save the date "kits" can be bought at office supply stores such as Staples or Office Depot. You can pick out the design and print your own at home.  Another money saver is Party City and they do a remarkable job!  There are also several websites you can design your own and order from such as Vista Print. Design it and just order a minimum amount just in case you are not pleased with the finished product.

The flowers you can save money on by calling the florist before your wedding and asking what flowers will they be throwing out about the time of your wedding and see if they will give you a discount. Most of them will. If you dont mind using artificial flowers, you can definitly save a lot of money there! And, you can keep them forever!

Decorations you can buy at hobby lobby, Michaels, even the Dollar Store! Just use your imagination!
Order your monogramed deco online, your guests will never know where it all came from!

Musicians, let your friends do the pickin and grinnin!  Or put the music you want on CD and have one of your friends operate the sound system.

Photographers, Videographers, DJ's are all professionals and are not something to be skimped on when it comes to saving money.  And not just because I am one of these!  Your photographs, video of your wedding day and the way your DJ controls every part of your reception will be an everlasting memory of everything  you have worked so hard and long to accomplish for your very special day!

Finally, THE DRESS! and of course the bridesmaid dresses!  Watch for sales!  I know I don't have to tell you that!  Also, there are several consignment shops in the area that sell wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses, both slightly used and new.  Look at craigslist, but be careful while doing so and ALWAYS take more than one person with you to go look at the dress or dresses! Or meet them in a populated area to just look at it to see if you are interested. Also, stores like JCPenneys and Macys sells wedding dresses as well and you may find one oneline. Keep the alterations charge in mind, that is always expensive! 

Happy Hunting!  Hope this helps.  Be Blessed!

Wedding Planner/Coordinator or Not??

If you are having a wedding with 75 guests or less, you may not need a wedding planner or coordinator.  But you will need a LOT of help!  It is still a lot of work to put a wedding together, so "volunteer" a few of your family members and/or friends for help and designate the "type" of help you need from each one so that there is no confusion.

With a wedding of more than 75 guests, you definitly need at least a coordinator. These wedding planners have different packages to choose from based on their services for you, from the beginnng of the wedding planning to just the wedding day itself.  If you have a stressful job, for example, a wedding planner for your entire wedding is the way to go, if you can work it into the budget. Definitly a must do!  If you have a lot of time on your hands and not a lot of money, plan it yourself!  There are lots of websites and magazines that can help you with ideas.

The one thing I can suggest for any size wedding is to delegate someone for your wedding day, whether hired, friend or family,  to make sure everything goes as you have planned!

Making Guest List/Save the Date

Before you choose your location, your "maximum" guest limit should have been talked about and decided upon.  Now it is time to sit down and actually write down the names and addresses of your intended guests.  You will probably go through this list several times for several reasons, but this is a "must do".  If you are going to send SAVE THE DATE cards, please send them a couple of months before sending the actual invitations.  If you are just going to send invitations, send them 1-2 months prior to your wedding date.

Ask for an RSVP  from every guest. If you do not receive a lot of RSVPS from your invited guests, it is not considered bad etiquete to send an email or give a phonecall for a response.  After all, you are the one who is paying for your wedding!  And of course, you want them all to attend.

Choosing a Photographer for Your Wedding

This should be the next choice you make while planning your wedding. You should take several things  into consideration.  They are:
1.  The photographers style and samples of photography
2.  Your budget.
3.  Do you like his/her personality?

Schedule a meeting with several different photographers before you make your final choice. You should be able to discuss with the photographer the ideas or ask any questions you have in mind. You should always expect common courtesy. This is about the most special day in your life!  Plan it that way! Always have a checklist of your questions handy to ask at the meeting. Once you have made your decision, read your contract thoroughly and you should always expect them to answer the phone and/or return your call within a reasonable time frame after the meeting.  If  possible, make sure your photographers are licensed, and/or members of their local Chamber of Commerce, or another photography organization that is fully bonded and insured by the Better Business Bureau.  The best way to find a great photographer is by word of mouth. Ask some of your friends or family who have recently married about their photographer. You may be glad you did!

Choosing a theme and location for your wedding is most important for the best photographic memories!

Whether you choose an outdoor wedding or indoor church wedding, your choices will affect your photographer abilities to give you what you want from your wedding day!  So, please scope out your locations thoroughly, including the "getting ready" area, for establishing your best photographic memories. Once you have chosen your location, your photographer will also do the same.

Choosing your theme is important as well. Once you have a theme, it is alot easier to start planning because you have a start and you can keep going with it.  Your theme can be built around the bride and grooms favorite hobby, such as motorcycling or horseback riding. It can just be plain and simple such as "candy" with a favorite color! Whatever your theme, You can do it! Together!