Tuesday, March 10, 2009

A Couple of Tips...

I receive many calls from eager brides throughout the day, and I enjoy every minute of it. In this business you tend to pick up on which brides are overwhelmed, anxious, excited, annoyed, or even-keeled.
Lately with the state of the economy …my brides and grooms seem to be a little more “stressed,” especially when it comes to budgets. This is my advice when dealing with a limited budget:

*First and foremost, remember what this day is about. At the end of the evening, you are going to be married to your best friend. No matter what happens this is the ultimate grand ending.

*In the beginning, make a realistic budget and pin point what is most important to you and your fiancé. For example, is having an elaborate dinner more important than a Caribbean Honeymoon? If so, or if it is the other way around, put a bigger chunk of your money into that.

*People like to help, you just have to ask. This is what your bridesmaids and groomsmen are for! Take advantage of their help, but beware not to take advantage of them.

*There is something to be said for invitations that can be made from the kits you can buy at Michaels or other craft stores. This way they can be a bit more personal as well, and they look professional. (Try going to Office Max and have them do the actual printing of the invitations while you and your bridesmaids do the assembly)

*It’s okay to use your friend's, cousin's, mom’s co-worker’s daughter's, etc., centerpieces from her wedding, especially if they've already bought a bunch of vases for flowers

*Skip the favors! Even though this is a nice touch, most likely they are going to be forgotten and left on the table once your guests leave. Another good idea to save on favors is to donate money to your favorite charity and have a simple note on the table to inform your guests what you and your fiancé have done in place of the favors

*Work with your florist, see what flowers are in season when your wedding is, and use the flowers from the ceremony at the reception as well (i.e. for the cake)

I think the main way to try and be a budget conscious bride is to be flexible. When there are sales on ribbons and they are close to the color you want but not exactly (but the ones that are exactly cost twice as much) think of the importance of what they are on and make a decision on which ones to buy.

Or...just elope...I know you're thinking about it:-)

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