Wedding Planning Tips

How to Save Money on Your Wedding with tips from Laura

It is understandable that you only want the best for your wedding and this is why you are very meticulous when it comes to wedding planning. Times are hard and you never know what is going to happen with the country’s economy in the future. What has this got to do with your special day? With this thought in mind, you should actually be thinking of ways on how to cut down on your expenses as you go about the planning phase. You are going to start your own family after your wedding and it is only practical to think about those years as you create your plans.

If you already have a checklist of what you want to happen and the things you need to acquire for your wedding, look at it again and see if there are ways on how you can lower the total expenses. Here are some tips that you can think about as you go about this quest.

1. Allot time on focusing on the things that you have to deal with when it comes to the event. If you can go and visit certain places yourself, then do it. If you are thinking of hiring a wedding coordinator, you must first think about their tasks. Yes, things are going to be a lot easier on your part if there is someone who is managing everything for you and your only job is to approve or reject their choices. But if you have time on your hands, you might as well use a little exercise to proceed on these tasks on your own. You can search for the right church, venue, providers of the materials that you will need on the wedding among other things.

This may sound like a lot of hard work, but this is going to be a special event. It will be more memorable if you are going to manage things on your own. By personally attending to your needs, you will have an idea of how else can you save in the process. Your guests do not have to know that you are on a tight budget. As long as you can provide them with good food and good fun, they won’t notice that you did not serve desserts during the event. They will be there for you not for the food or anything else, but to see you finally marry the person whom you want to spend the rest of your life with.

2. Scout for various providers of the different materials and other things that you will need during the event. This can be accomplished online. There are many websites that contain database of different providers of what you are looking for. By browsing at these sites, you will have an idea of how certain packages would cost and you will be able to compare the given prices of the different stores and service providers.

3. Ask your friends who have been into this kind of preparation for tips and advices about how you can save. If you have limited friends who have experienced this kind of event, you can go online and participate on public forums that tackle this subject.

By saving up more money during the wedding planning, you will feel good about what you have accomplished.

To save money on a wedding night hotel room, book at the same hotel as the guests to get the discounted rate. Book an inexpensive wedding night hotel room withtips from an event coordinator in this free wedding planning video. Expert: Jessica Meiczinger Contact: www.SimplyDevineEvents.com Bio: Jessica Meiczinger has spent her entire life in the event coordination industry, from her parents owning a restaurant to managing a banquet staff and planning every detail of someone’s special event …

Save money on a bouquet by using artificial flowers, arranging the flowers yourself and using flowers that are in season. Stick to one or two simple blooms for a bridal bouquet in order to save money with advice from a wedding coordinator in this free video on wedding planning.

Weddings automatically spell out lavish parties, designer outfits, jewellery and receptions, all of which can cost the earth! Sometimes, you need to save in one area so that you can splash out in another. Here are some easy tips that make it possible to for you to save money but still have your dream wedding, without compromising on style.

1. Fixing a budget is the first step towards a well thought-out wedding plan. Decide on the amount that you intend to spend and allow for 25% additional expenses for all the minor unplanned items.

2. Instead of buying an expensive wedding lengha, try out new upcoming designers for a made to order outfit. They will not only put their time and effort into making you look beautiful but their price will be reasonable and the satisfaction guaranteed! The same could be done with your card designer!

3. Better still; wear your mother’s, grandmother’s, sister’s or even your mother-in-law’s wedding outfit. This way you not only save money but will also make a fashion statement. It is a trend that is fast picking up amongst brides.

4. Think about opening a wedding bank account. The tradition of placing the entire burden of expenses on the bride’s family is a thing of the past. Most couples now pay a proportion with parents also contributing to the cost. If you put all the money into one account it willl be much easier to see keep track of your expenses and see exactly how much is left.

5. Keep accurate records of what you have ordered, the total price, the deposit given and the balance that is due. Stay organized!

6. Be flexible about your plans – and save money. Wedding on a popular day like Saturday costs more. If you can consider a Friday wedding, for instance, you will probably be quoted less fro the reception and also get your first choice.

7. Remember the early bride gets the deal! Start shopping around as soon as possible. Book your photographer, venue, caterer and entertainer well in advance. Get them to agree in writing that if they put up their prices before the wedding, you will still pay the agreed price.

8. Only book a catering company or after sampling their food or in case of a photographer or florist, after you have seen their folio. And make sure you hear potential entertainers performing, either live or on tape.

9. Get a written confirmation from all you suppliers as well as the photographers, florists, caterers and car hire company. Give a preferred shot list to your photographer and confirm final numbers to the caterers. This helps in avoiding confusion and the risk of being overcharged.

10. Select flowers that are in season as they are inexpensive – try a mix of textures , fresh flowers mixed with dry and silk ones , not only does this look unusual and different , this combination also works out economical esp in the summer months as fresh flowers are wither away too soon !!

11. Invitations should always be addressed by pen, preferably in black ink.

12. This is the time to call up all family and friends to pitch in for help with the preparations. Enlist the help of that talented friend of yours for design and creative ideas.

13. Serve sparkling wine for the cocktail reception and save the finest champagne for the toasts only.

14. Make extravagant food such as fine seafood as an hors d’oeuvres rather than serving it as a main course.

15. For guests under the age of twelve, ask the caterer to make up simple and inexpensive meals. The kids will enjoy it more and you pay less.

16. Instead of an open bar, have your bartender make special festive drinks named after the bride and groom. You’ll save a lot on the overall drinks bill.

17. Bring along an emergency kit with a needle and thread, safety pins, hairpins, hairsprays, nail polish and extra pantyhose to deal with all unforeseen crisis that seem to arise at such moments.

18. If your first night is being spent at a hotel, ask the manager if they will include extras, such as complimentary champagne, chocolates and fresh fruits that they offer for newly wedded couples.

19. Plan your honeymoon well in advance. Make all arrangements and reservations as soon as possible to avail of the best offer at the best rates.

20. A slightly out of season honeymoon, just away from peak times, will get you bargains and bonus packages.

21. Let everyone know its your honeymoon. Your hotel might offer you a room upgrade!!

For the more articles on wedding and allied topics of weddings refer to Neeta Raheja”s website and online magazine click the following links

The more things that the wedding participants can do on their own, the more money they will save. Get money-saving tips for a beach-themedwedding from a wedding planner in this free wedding video. Expert: Lori Randall Contact: www.SimplyDevineEvents.com Bio: Lori Randall established Simply Divine Events after working as an event producer in Tampa, Fla. managing dozens of corporate affairs throughout the state and across the country. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz

Save money on wedding planning by assembling invitations by hand and by playing recorded music. Get more money saving ideas withtips from an event coordinator in this free wedding planning video. Expert: Jessica Meiczinger Contact: www.SimplyDevineEvents.com Bio: Jessica Meiczinger has spent her entire life in the event coordination industry, from her parents owning a restaurant to managing a banquet staff and planning every detail of someone’s special event. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz …

Wedding plans – What is the difference between a summer bride and that of the woman who weds in autumn spring or winter? Aside from weather conditions none whatsoever. If we talk in monetary units, then weddings can differ greatly regardless of whether the sun shines. Wedding plans will nearly always consist of traditional items like the wedding gown, wedding cake, wedding flowers, flower girls etc. Wedding necessities as such leave no room for originality because most future brides will have a list like this too.

All four seasons create beautiful brides; however you have to plan accordingly so it stays that way. Summer brides will forever blossom as long their wedding plans cater for sweat stains appearing under the arms or the fringe sticking to the forehead. Not all June July brides are fortunate enough to have the sun beaming down on the day hence the importance of planning for this. Weddings incur major expense which is sad because every woman wants it to be special but special comes at a price. Special weddings come with a difference; if you decide to ignore tradition then your summer wedding will be remembered not only by you but for all in attendance on the day

Let us look at some options to help reduce cost

1 The bridal cosmetic content will have to be prioritized in the wedding plans. Sun protection is important. Photo shoots in the midday sun is a major health risk if the skin is not protected. Running mascara and melting lip gloss will not have the bride looking her best. Check for beauty products that can withstand climate changes. Some women tend to overlook the seriousness (not intentionally) of the suns harmful UV rays due to being busy with other matters.

2 Its quick its cheap its easy to send wedding invites via email, invitations can be prettied up with font change, colours and clip art. You have more chance of receiving a reply using this method.

3 A sit down meal is more expensive than a running buffet. Your guest likes to have the option to eat when he/she feels like in contrast to that of being prompted to eat at a specific time. Open garden parties at this time of year are very popular. Have a marquee on standby. Download music from the internet for the wedding venue, this will save money.

4 Does the wedding gown have to include layer after layer of satin, you can save money with less material. Also encrustation of pearls/ sequins can up the price. Buy your own pearl necklace/ earrings, this will save a considerable amount of cash and you can always wear them for other occasions. However if the dress of your dreams consist of gems then you can remove them at a later date and make use of them in many ways.

5 Save more money by wearing a plain off the shoulder figure hugging dress, ankle or knee length. A lace, fur (imitation) shoulder wrap/ shawl will set the dress off as well as give you protection from the sun or the rain if the weather goes against you. If you carry a little weight then have the dress not so tight.

6 Wedding flowers do not come cheap so why not grow from seed your own summer flowers for button holes and wedding bouquet. This is unique and will give you something to talk about or pass onto your kids when they marry. If your choice of wedding gown is short then a small hand held posy is ideal, if longer then carry long stemmed fresh blooms, after use place in a vase on the reception table. Have your flowers dried out and treated, add to wedding memorabilia scrapbook. Consider carrying a clutch bag. Bags and shoes can be decorated with finery to match whatever accessories you have hanging around your neck or on your head. Pearls can be worn long short to suit the style of dress.

7 Another expensive item is head wear. Have a dummy run and make your own; a hair band is easy and ideal for decorating. Why else have we the option to buy loose gems and glue? Remove a shoulder pad from an old item of clothing and cover with material of your dress. Add a little scrunched up lace and tack it to the pad. Sequins or pearls glued and shaped like teardrops can be tacked or glued to pad. The pad can be secured with pins onto the top/side or back of the head. A good imagination will have you see what I mean. If you cannot visualize fret not, the outcome will result in either a breathtaking awesome way or damn it way, if this be the latter then a beret or skull cap can be purchased for this purpose.

All those pennies saved can be put to a better cause like paying the gas bill, electric, water rates, telephone, council tax, food bill, car insurance, I could go on and on the list is endless. It makes sense to not overspend on wedding essentials that only last a day when you have a lifetime of the above.