If you haven't noticed everything surrounding your wedding goes back to budget, budget, and more budget. Budget should ultimately be the first thing that you discuss with your fiance' and parents to decide on how much you want to spend on the wedding, what's available, and who is going to contribute. More and more couples are choosing to pay for the weddings themselves, giving them the freedom to use their money how they would like. But there are some things to keep in mind when determining your budget.
* Don't get caught up in the emotions that come with planning your wedding and your dreams, i.e. Platinum Weddings, Bridezilla's, and base your budget on that. It's very easy when you first get engaged to watch all of the shows on t.v. and read all of the wedding magazines and get caught up in the glamorous details that a wedding can involve. Do keep in mind that all of those little details cost dollars and add up very quickly. Step back and think about what is most important to you and realize that this is one day and you don't want to break the bank and go into huge amounts of credit card debt. Keep this question in the back of your mind while planning, if you don't have the money within the budget to pay for it, do you really need it?
* Have expectations, but realize that those cost money. Many people are very naive to the cost of weddings. I have had many brides who have come to me with a grand plan of a seated dinner for 150, chair covers, expensive linens, wanting lots of flowers, etc. but they have a $10,000 budget. You have to be realistic and know that these things cost money.
* One thing to consider within your budget is a planner. Even if you can't afford to hire a planner for the entire process, do consider some consultation hours for her to help you get on the right track in setting up a realistic budget, vendor suggestions based on budget, etc. Many brides believe that a planner is an extravagant purchase, a luxury item, but in many cases planners can save you the money that you spend on them. Not always is this a guarantee, but they can also direct you to the best vendors within your budget, as well as help you with cost cutting ways that your guests will never notice.
* Don't get sucked into the media behind weddings. Shows like Platinum Weddings, Whose Wedding is it Anyways, Martha Stewart Weddings, etc., although they are fun to watch, are not realistic. If you have an oversize budget, wonderful for you and you'll be able to be extravagant with your choices, but if not don't use this as a guideline for your wedding. Your budget is your budget. Don't be ashamed if your budget doesn't have 6 zeros supporting it. Remember who you are and what your wedding is about, not about impressing the next bride.
* Don't be afraid of the dreaded "budget" conversation, but take time to have that relaxed conversation over dinner or wine with all of the parties involved and know up front what you have to work with.
* Talk with your friends who have gotten married, or join the many boards that are available at your fingertips with brides who are in the process or just finished the process and find out from them what their experience has been, how they saved, and what they spent. Do your homework, don't assume as to what wedding prices look like.
* Also, be savvy about your wedding. There may be some ways to cut corners, but don't become a DIY (do it yourself) bride and take on more than you can handle.
All in all, consider you and your fiance' and what you want your day to be. Think about your priorities and what's most important. Do you want that great band? Do you want over the top decor? Do you want excellent food and drink? Establish your priorities and your boundaries and the planning process will go much more smoothly!
Happy Planning
For All Your Event Planning Needs Contact
DesignsbyShayP@gmail.com
Sharon Patrice, Simple Perfect Peace/Designs by Shay
If you haven't noticed everything surrounding your wedding goes back to budget, budget, and more budget. Budget should ultimately be the first thing that you discuss with your fiance' and parents to decide on how much you want to spend on the wedding, what's available, and who is going to contribute. More and more couples are choosing to pay for the weddings themselves, giving them the freedom to use their money how they would like. But there are some things to keep in mind when determining your budget.
* Don't get caught up in the emotions that come with planning your wedding and your dreams, i.e. Platinum Weddings, Bridezilla's, and base your budget on that. It's very easy when you first get engaged to watch all of the shows on t.v. and read all of the wedding magazines and get caught up in the glamorous details that a wedding can involve. Do keep in mind that all of those little details cost dollars and add up very quickly. Step back and think about what is most important to you and realize that this is one day and you don't want to break the bank and go into huge amounts of credit card debt. Keep this question in the back of your mind while planning, if you don't have the money within the budget to pay for it, do you really need it?
* Have expectations, but realize that those cost money. Many people are very naive to the cost of weddings. I have had many brides who have come to me with a grand plan of a seated dinner for 150, chair covers, expensive linens, wanting lots of flowers, etc. but they have a $10,000 budget. You have to be realistic and know that these things cost money.
* One thing to consider within your budget is a planner. Even if you can't afford to hire a planner for the entire process, do consider some consultation hours for her to help you get on the right track in setting up a realistic budget, vendor suggestions based on budget, etc. Many brides believe that a planner is an extravagant purchase, a luxury item, but in many cases planners can save you the money that you spend on them. Not always is this a guarantee, but they can also direct you to the best vendors within your budget, as well as help you with cost cutting ways that your guests will never notice.
* Don't get sucked into the media behind weddings. Shows like Platinum Weddings, Whose Wedding is it Anyways, Martha Stewart Weddings, etc., although they are fun to watch, are not realistic. If you have an oversize budget, wonderful for you and you'll be able to be extravagant with your choices, but if not don't use this as a guideline for your wedding. Your budget is your budget. Don't be ashamed if your budget doesn't have 6 zeros supporting it. Remember who you are and what your wedding is about, not about impressing the next bride.
* Don't be afraid of the dreaded "budget" conversation, but take time to have that relaxed conversation over dinner or wine with all of the parties involved and know up front what you have to work with.
* Talk with your friends who have gotten married, or join the many boards that are available at your fingertips with brides who are in the process or just finished the process and find out from them what their experience has been, how they saved, and what they spent. Do your homework, don't assume as to what wedding prices look like.
* Also, be savvy about your wedding. There may be some ways to cut corners, but don't become a DIY (do it yourself) bride and take on more than you can handle.
All in all, consider you and your fiance' and what you want your day to be. Think about your priorities and what's most important. Do you want that great band? Do you want over the top decor? Do you want excellent food and drink? Establish your priorities and your boundaries and the planning process will go much more smoothly!
Happy Planning
For All Your Event Planning Needs Contact
DesignsbyShayP@gmail.com
Sharon Patrice, Simple Perfect Peace/Designs by Shay
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