Budget Brides Advice

Well, by no means am I an expert on Budget weddings, however I think that I have some insights to offer, so here they are....

~Set a budget!!!!!!! Talk you your future spouse, both sets of parents, and your bank account. Decide what you can afford to spend and work on a budget. You can't just have a ballpark amount. That is not a budget... You need to break it down by vendor or category. Some may be more important to you than others. You can always decide to add to a category as the planning goes if you find extra money. Don't mortgage the house for a one day event, save the huge investment for marriage not the wedding!

~ Can you do a Friday or a Sunday wedding? Almost all of your vendors will offer a price break for the off days. Weekday weddings are even cheaper if you can swing it. Also avoid the peak wedding months of March, April, May,and October.

~ Beware the clearance aisle! What is this lady talking about!?!?!?
Just because it is on clearance does not mean it is the cheapest you can get something. I worked in retail for 7 years. Clearance is a great marketing tool to move unwanted product because people think it is cheap and don't even check the actual original price.... Do a little research when shopping. I find this is the biggest problem in the decor area. I find that "budget" brides or "clearance" brides often spend hundreds of dollars more than other brides because they buy soooo much clearance stuff. Not really having a clear plan for the item's use, it was "just too good to pass up!" If you buy it know what you are using it for!

~ Before you buy anything for your wedding please do 2 things:
1) Ask everyone you know if they have it, have seen it cheaper, or know where you can borrow it! P.S. don't forget to ask your day of coordinator too....... Can you rent it instead of buying? Is it on Ebay or Etsy?
2) When you find something you love for your big day email the picture to yourself, cut it out of the magazine, ect... STOP, do not buy it!!!! Now, your mission begins, FIND IT CHEAPER!
Find a tiara at the bridal salon, look on ebay!
Find chargers you love, search Craigslist!
Find Votive holders on clearance, look on the KNOT trash to treasure board!
Find a veil you love, ask your friend that just got married 6 months ago!

~ Decide what is really important to you and your future husband.
Is the cake not so important but the honeymoon night hotel is?
Is videography not a priority but photography is?
If you skip favors (I highly recommend) can you get your hair and makeup done on site?
If you skip hand calligraphed place cards and do a seating chart printed with a nice font can you have the shoes you love?

I promise you that I have seen beautiful weddings that were $2,000.00, $4,000.00, $12,000.00, and $38,000.00. You just need to decide what is important to you.

If you have other questions ask away!
Happy Planning!!!