Some call it a milestone, some call it one of the most important days of your life, but no one calls it cheap. While some brides dream about planning their wedding their whole life, others toss and turn at night just thinking about it. Today, with so many couples taking on the financial responsibility themselves, staying on budget is important. But whether your piggy bank is full or starving for cash, your vision of the perfect day can come true.
It’s like what your grandmother used to say, keep your priorities straight! A wedding is a celebration of love and commitment, not to be mistaken for a red carpet event. Keep in mind the important things on your special day like friends, family and of course the groom. Before you know it, your wedding can turn into a three-ring circus with fire-breathers, belly dancers and a six-foot ice sculpture. First, establish what’s important to you; you’ll be surprised how easily things fall perfectly into place.
Thankfully, we’ve got some helpful tips on where to splurge and where to save on your wedding day, so you and your honey aren’t honeymooning like spring breakers.
Splurge
Dress
Don’t be tempted by blow out sales and one time only deals, your wedding dress isn’t just any old dress and it definitely shouldn’t be your “something borrowed.” Make room in your budget for the dress of your dreams. Your dress should make you feel confident and beautiful. You didn’t settle on just any man, so why settle on a dress you like and not love?
Extra tip: Don’t cut corners on a great tailor; what’s the point of having a stunning dress, when it doesn’t fit you like a glove?
Hair and Make-up
All eyes are on you when you take that first step down the isle, but instead of spending a few extra dollars on a professional make-up artist and hairdresser, you decided to do it yourself. After patting yourself on the back for a job well done, you come to realize that you forgot water-proof mascara and your lipstick is smudged half way up your face, feeling good now?
This is the day you have been dreaming of your whole life and feeling like a million bucks doesn’t mean spending a cool million. Hire a professional hair and make-up artist to truly make you feel beautiful and remind the groom why he fell in love with you in the fist place.
Photographer
Remember, a picture says a thousands words, and even though your friend, the amateur photographer, comes cheap, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to skimp. Wedding photographs are important, not only will they serve as wonderful reminders for years to come, but they will also one day be shown to your children and grandchildren. A professional wedding photographer knows how to capture every aspect of a wedding, from the venue, flowers, down to the joy, love and excitement of the couple and their guests.
Food
For the foodies out there, this is a no brainer. Not only is food a way into your mans heart, but its also a way to keep your guests satisfied. Serving high-quality food doesn’t mean serving your guests filet minon and lobster. Get creative with cocktail hour and create a delicious menu with fresh ingredients. Spend the extra cash on a talented chef or caterer; your guests will thank you. And keep in mind; with liquor flowing and numerous champagne toasts, an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster and not to mention rowdy guests.
Save
Flowers
Saving on flowers doesn’t necessarily mean using fake flowers. Instead of buying exotic flowers for a winter wedding or visa versa, buy flowers that are in season. This is sure to cut your flower budget in half. Choose a cohesive color scheme and add more greens to give the illusion of a fuller bouquet or centerpiece. For even more savings, use the same arrangements in the ceremony and the reception or create an alternative focal point using candles or fabulous lanterns.
Guest List
This is where your budget can go awry. In the midst of all the excitement, guest lists start to expand out of control. Instead of hoping and praying that the extra 50 people you invited don’t RSVP, avoid the stress and invite people who are truly close to your heart. Remember this day is about you; does the mailman or the local bank teller really care about you getting hitched? I didn’t think so. Don’t feel pressured by friends or family to include quests; if you don’t stand your ground, your wedding can go from an intimate gathering to a full-fledged gala.
Bar
Now, I know what your thinking. How can you save on booze, when its one of the most important aspects of a wedding and probably one of the only things in which the groom has a say. But before you go all Charlie Sheen, think about serving wine, beer and a yummy signature cocktail. By scaling down the bar to guests’ essential favorites, you avoid the cost of a full bar. Another sneaky way to cut costs is utilizing the waiters. Have waiters take drink orders throughout the night, this will eliminate a long line at the bar and the amount of drinks people consume.
Wedding Favors
Now is the time to take advantage of all of the Pinterest pages you’ve pinned over the years, and embrace the DIY phenomenon. Treat your guests with a thoughtful homemade gift. Put your bridesmaids to work in the kitchen and bake a bundle of goodies to fit in adorable decorative boxes, or send your guests away with a bag full of delicious ingredients with a special recipe inside. A heart-felt gift, which represents you as a couple, will be much appreciated by your guests.
Weddings can be an overwhelming event. But if you keep in mind the important things in life and how and why you got to this special moment, the little things fall by the wayside. Always remember, keep your priorities straight and have fun!