Tips for Planning a Wedding on a Budget
So you’ve said “Yes,” hugged and cried with all your friends, selected your big day and then you realize something – Yikes – how are we going to pay for this?
Unless, you’re part of the “lucky sperm club” you realize pretty quickly the need for a plan and budget. First things first, sit with your fiancé and set expectations. How much can you REALLY afford and what are the “must haves” and top priorities?
Be realistic. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life; however it’s only the beginning. With that in mind, think post wedding when it comes to setting your budget and do your best to stay AWAY from debt. I hate to use the “D” and “S” words, but it’s a must. Smart brides learn EARLY to practice discipline and self-control.
Here are a few additional tips…
· Paper please. I’m a digital person myself, however I’ve found, and heard from others, that it’s better to use an actual notebook for your planning. Add pockets for each budget category. Below are a few examples of sections categorized to compliment how the bride’s budget will be divided. You don’t want to get to granular, however to macro will make it difficult to cut or reallocate funds if needed.
o Wardrobe
o Location (i.e. your venue research and selection)
o Transportation
o Reception décor (i.e. table linens, chair cover swatches and pricing)
o Food (i.e. catering information)
· Plan. In all my years of schooling (18.5 years to be exact), the most effective and helpful class was an elective that I completed my second year in college – Project Management, what the professor defined as “the art of EFFECTIVELY managing many things with minimal time.” I’d like to add for budget brides “…and minimal money.” Create a plan that includes a timeline for all key tasks and decisions that must be made. Plan.
· Embrace the formula. The formula is simple, the more people you invite, the more it’s going to cost. Really consider this when creating your guest list.
· Lay-away please. Consider vendors that will allow you to pay out your balance. For example, if they require a 25% deposit, budget to pay a certain amount each month. Don’t just consider this for the big stuff (i.e. your venue, cake, etc), adopt for things like your table linens and chair covers. A few vendors, Kennique Linens included, allow clients to set-up reoccurring payments. Take advantage of this.
· Work your people and/or resources. While this can be tricky because you don’t want to end up with a video full of nothing important or photographs that rival those taken by my 7 year old niece, if you do have access to a professional (or hobbyist) that you can use for photographer, videographer, creating invitations, etc. that will reduce your outlay.
· No Saturday. Most brides get hip to this one pretty quickly. Everything is more expensive on Saturday (wedding or no wedding). If it’s possible to select a different day, this could save you hundreds even THOUSANDS.
· Do your research, but don’t miss great deals. As a vendor, I can’t tell you how many clients miss out on great deals and specials waiting for great deals and specials. Allocate time for research and shopping and then after that time has expired, make a decision!
· No Procrastination. Your wedding is not the time to practice procrastination. Stick to your plan and avoid waiting to the last minute to place orders or purchase items. It may cost you in the end (either money or what you want because it’s no longer available).
Budget doesn’t mean cheap looking. It’s being smart about what’s in your control and allocating your money in a way that will maximize your hoped-for-outcome (there’s a SAT definition for you LOL). Seriously, it is possible to have a beautiful and fabulous wedding on a tight and meager budget. Brides do it all the time. Just remember - Budget. Plan. Enjoy.
About Kennique Linens
At Kennique Linens we provide fine linen rentals for weddings, banquets and special events. This includes table linens, specialty wedding linens, table overlays, chair covers, napkins and sashes. Our table linens are made from some of the finest cotton, satin, organza and taffeta fabrics on the market, and our mission is to help our clients create a unique atmosphere that fits their style and budget. We pride ourselves in providing exceptional customer service and a convenient inquiry and order process that saves our clients time and money when selecting table linens and other event linen décor. To learn more about Kennique Linens, visit http://www.kenniquelinens.com/ or call 832-499-7511.
