BEFORE YOU SAVE YOUR DATE...

We heard that you said YES!!!

  PICK YOUR BRIDAL PARTY?  PURCHASE YOUR WEDDING FAVORS?

HEAD TO THE BRIDAL SALON TO FIND THE DRESS OF YOUR DREAMS?

Yes, there are lots of wonderful details that need to be taken care of as you begin to plan your most treasured day but are you unsure where you should start?

Before you do anything:

1. SET A BUDGET - One of the most difficult parts of wedding planning is developing a budget.  Plain and simple weddings are expensive and costs can easily spiral out of control faster than you think. So I can't express enough how significant it is to be honest about how much you can really afford to spend.  Keep in mind that you must begin your married life after your wedding day.  So set a realistic budget and a plan of action of how to meet the financial goals.

2. GUEST LIST - Now that you have set your budget, it's time to create your guest list. Make sure that you can really afford the number of people that you continue to add to your list.  Remember this is the fastest way to exceed your budget. 

Lengthy guest list = Greater food and beverage costs!

3. DEFINE YOUR OBJECTIVE - Seems a little odd but more couples should sit down to determine what's important for each other for their wedding day. Would you like a traditional ceremony? Intimate or elaborate reception? DJ or band?(yes, it's your groom's special day too so be sure to listen to his input to help create a wedding that's especially yours!) 

Trust me, I am in no way trying to throw a wrench in your newly engaged bliss but it would be a disadvantage to you and me if we don't discuss the difficult parts first.  After you've made some solid decisions then we can work on your Sparkle!

Are you a bride on budget? Or are you newly engaged with no idea where to start?

You've dreamed of this day since you were a little girl but can't afford to break the bank?

The reality is EVERY bride is on a budget.  Recently, I was given the challenge of creating a wonderful upcoming wedding for a bride...no problem, right? The challenge was we were to keep her within her budget of $15k, it must be amazing and the food also must be good. Hmm. Never one to admit defeat, I embraced my new bride but not before sharing with her a few key tips:

#1 - You must have an open mind! I can't share enough how important this is in planning especially when you may have limited budget. Yes, you absolutely can have a dream wedding but you must be honest with what you can afford to spend.

#2 - Cut that guest list! Do I really have you share this one? The bulk of all your wedding costs will be increased or reduced right here with your per person food and beverage costs. Eliminate the little people.  Yes, I am bold enough to say it no children with the exception of the children who may be in the wedding party. This means the couple's children (if they have any), the flower girl, ring bearer, bell ringer or whatever your designation may be.

#3 - Nix the bar. I know this one will probably create a little bit of tension for some of you but this again goes back to #2. If you cannot afford to provide an open bar for your guests then nix it all together (and please do not confuse your guests with an hour of open bar which then changes into a cash bar for the remainder of the evening. In fact, nix the entire notion of a cash bar entirely! (if you really want my opinion on weddings and cash bars feel free to send me an email:-) Don't get me wrong there are still some wonderful options that you can provide your guests for cocktails that won't break the bank.

#4 - Avoid peak days/times. Seems simple enough right? You would be surprised by the amount of money that you save when you consider planning your date during the months of November to April. You may even be able to choose your favorite venue...have I got your attention now?  Don't be afraid to think outside the box - consider brunch or a luncheon vs an evening reception.

#5 - Your Wedding Gown. You could save hundreds of dollars alone by considering some alternatives: gaither your best gal pals and your running shoes and head off to the Running of the Brides (sponsored by Filene's Basement http://www.filenesbasement.com/ ). Prefer something less chaotic (and actually one of my favorites), then try the Brides Against Breast Cancer (http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/) trunk shows that provide thousands of dresses (including lots of couture gowns). Not only is it a way to save money on the cost of your wedding dress but the proceeds from the gown sales support survivors of breast cancer!


***Bonus (especially for the DIY brides):  think you can do without the costs of a wedding planner/coordinator? Well, who do you think is going to be your best advocate for the cost savings?  Who's going to offer you all those fab suggestions and advice?  Who's going to make sure that all your hard work on those personal touches doesn't go unnoticed? 

Talk to you soon, xoxo!

Leslie