by: 
Cheryl here, and today I want to talk about what seems to be on everyone's mind ~ money. Saving money on your wedding has become one of the hottest topics for brides, and we understand why. The cost of a wedding now rivals that of two years of college, and is 73% higher than 15 years ago. That, combined with a struggling economy . . . well, it all hits hard and close to home. What is a cost-conscious bride to do? If a couple doesn't want to start out their marriage in the poor house, is the only option to head for City Hall?
No, no, no! We've all heard of people who throw plush and lavish weddings, driving costs up with a popular hip band, out of season flowers, and venues paralleling the Taj Mahal. But, I have to wonder, what is it that we remember about the weddings we attend ~ those really special personal touches like the vows the couple wrote themselves or the fancy flowers?
Watch this couple celebrating their day ~ pretty clear they love children and the outdoors. I feel like I know them!
Truth be told, the main goal for your wedding is to create a happy and unforgettable day for both you and your husband-to-be and your guests. At the end of the night when everyone is saying their goodbyes, if your guests have a sense that they know you as a couple just a little bit better, you know that you have thrown a very personal and unique wedding celebration! Bravo!
Here are a few tips on how you can do just that without mortgaging your life away.
•Settle on your budget, and once you know that, decide your priorities. There are budget spreadsheets available in most bookstores with pre-assigned percentages, but just remember, this is your day....feel free to adjust those percentages according to your priorities. Check out MagnetStreet Weddings etiquette guide for information on who pays for what, too.
•Expect vendors to be professional. Go into your meetings with each one knowing your budgeted amount, and ask them what they can do within that amount. If they are really good at what they do, they will offer you several options. If not, there are lots of excellent vendors who will ~ don't be afraid to look around.
•Negotiate with your vendors, or better yet, look into bartering services. Don't be afraid to try to strike a deal. Package your purchases whenever possible from the same vendor and then hit them up for a discount. For example, if you purchase your maid's dresses at the same store where you purchased your dress, ask them for a price cut. You never know what they might offer until you ask.
•Have you considered a destination wedding? Often times you can save significant dollars this way ~ hotels or resorts often offer package pricing that will surprise the socks off of you. Check it out before you rule it out.
•If it becomes clear that you need to cut certain things, try not to cut guests. Consider a buffet style dinner instead of a served five course meal. Or, serve hors d'oeuvres instead of a meal. Pick a Friday night or Sunday afternoon date instead of a Saturday. At the end of the day, you will be glad that you had everyone around you for this momentous occasion, and your guests will be tickled pink that your wedding wasn't like all the others.
•Remember that this is YOUR wedding day, so if a long standing tradition isn't really a reflection of you, feel free to change things up. Get creative and personal...again make it your goal for each guest to know you better when the party's over.
I dare say that, especially in today's economic climate, having a budget and sticking to it will not create difficulty with professional vendors. Contrary, you will probably earn their respect. After all, it's your wallet . . . your wedding . . . your way.
