Limited
Budget? Take a Vow to be Creative
When Christina Mead was planning
her August wedding, some Net surfing savvy led her to Hawaii--for
flowers.
"We discovered we could
order tropical flowers from Hawaii over the Internet cheaper than
we could get them locally," Mead said. "The arrangements
were not as large, but the bright colors and uniqueness made them
very pretty."
The Collinsville newlywed saved
in other ways, too.
Forgoing a groom's cake saved
money on catering. The reception site didn't allow alcohol, so it
was off to Sam's Club for sodas. A shoe sale at DSW provided the
perfect pumps. And all this meant that she and her intended could
invite whomever they wanted.
"That was a choice of ours--we
didn't want to cut the guest list, so we cut in other areas,"
Mead said.
Even with champagne taste and
a beer pocketbook, you can have the wedding of your dreams--if you
exercise some creativity.
Budgeting
is the primary step.
"Sit down with everyone
who is paying for the wedding," said Denise Fields, co-author
with her husband, Alan, of "Bridal Bargains" (Windsor
Peak Press, $14.95).
Today, one-third of all couples
pay for their own weddings, which average $19,945, according to
"Bridal Bargains." For the majority, however, it is a
combination of the bride's parents and the bride and groom who foot
the bill. So when it comes to planning, talk isn't cheap--it's essential.
"When someone is kicking
in some money, they may want a say in the process," said Alan
Fields.
Prioritizing
is the other key to creating a wise wedding.
Have you always dreamed of a
horse and carriage? Or is your heart's desire to have hordes of
photographs to remember your special day? Give serious thought to
what you really want. And work with the people you hire to help
attain it.
When meeting with vendors, Carley
Roney, says do your homework first. Make sure that what you want
and what you can spend are realistic.
"Challenge them if the estimates
are too high by saying, 'Help me--how can I achieve what I want
with the money I have?' " Roney said.
Here
are some general cost-cutting ideas:
• All in the timing:
Thinking about becoming a June bride? So is everyone else. Considering
other times of the year may afford you more flexibility with your
budget.
"Wedding merchants have
to pay their mortgage year-round. In January they are really lonely,"
said Alan Fields. "The slowest times of the year to get married
are October, November, January and February--except for Valentine's
Day."
• Off the beaten path:
"There are amazing places to have a reception," Alan Fields
said. "People e-mail us all the time about zoos, museums. These
are all very affordable alternatives."
• Beer vs. liquor:
Think about what's quicker.
"Most people believe that
a beer and wine reception is cheaper, but hotel staff tell me that
isn't true. People consume more beer and wine than hard liquor.
As a result that bar tab is higher," said Sue Winner, a wedding
consultant in Sandy Springs and author of "The Complete Idiot's
Guide to Budgeting for Your Wedding" (Macmillan USA, $16.95).
As for the popularity of cash
bars, Winner warns that you wouldn't invite people to your home
and make them pay, so you shouldn't invite them to your wedding
and charge. Instead, she said if you can't afford liquor, punch
is proper.
• With the end in mind:
Keep sight of your long-term goals as a couple. Going into debt
for the perfect wedding is never advised.
"Keep that budget in your
face. You want a house someday, which is a worthwhile goal,"
Denise Fields said.
Weddings often take on a life
of their own, and it's hard not to get carried away by expenses.
So, the Fields suggest keeping in mind the importance of the special
day. "The goal is to see two people married and have a party
(within their budget)," said Denise Fields. "It is the
being married part that is really cool."
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