Wedding Budget

Nikol,
As a Wedding Consultant, I advise brides all the time on budget. What you need to do is decide budget first, then the type and formality and size wedding you can have; not the other way around.
With your fiancee, figure out how much you will be able to use out of your savings and/or paychecks, add to this the amount you would be willing to go into debt (as in, put on credit cards), then you might consider asking other friends or relatives if they would like to contribute. These figures added together is your wedding budget.
The next thing to do is to make a list of the elements of the wedding that are the most important to you as a couple. If the music is something you are not willing to skimp on, then put that at the top of the list. This will help you see where you can save money.
Last, consider pricing a consultant in your area; most good ones can help you save money in the long run.

If you happen to be in the Arkansas, Memphis, Tulsa, or North Louisiana area, give me a call:
(501) 758-1367 or e-mail at: smithnlr@yahoo.com

Hope this helps!

I have several ideas, send me an e-mail and we can talk....
Lukezgirl2002@yahoo.com

Hey girl , we are in the same boat. I`m attempting to plan this on my own (which is hard enough). Factor in a budget of only about $6-7,000 for a 100 guest wedding, and I`m thinking darn near impossible. I know that if I can find a decent reception site, then I can probably start taking advantage of Ebay and such. Anyway, before I get to rambling anymore, I just wanted say that I`m also open for suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Budget and then cut your list! It`s sad to say, but you know what? If you are not in my cell phone and I have not spoken to you in a year, do I really need you at my wedding? Believe me, most people will be more than happy to not be invited, that is less money for them to spend as well. There are even some family memebers that I am excluding because they are distant, and we don`t keep in constant communication. C`mon girls, if we have to pay for this one ourselves, why would we go out of our way to make it so big? We hope that we will at least break even! Save your money, set the date, and use a budget. ING direct is offering 4.75% on their savings accounts right now. Create a wedding fund, and add to it. If you can`t afford much, have it in a restaurant. My budget is about 10K and I am not inviting more than 80 people in an elegant restaurant. It will be intimate and wonderful and you will thank yourself later! Good luck.

I know what you are talking about, I am in the process of planning my own wedding and everything that everyone said is very true. I am working with a budget of 10,000 and that`s for 250 people. I know that we might have to cut the guest list as well. These are some of the things that you will have to do if you want to keep your bugdet also there maybe some alternative elegant things that you could do. For example I am having losts of rose petals instead of big flower arrangements for the center pieces and I using bowls with the floating candles. Also with the votive candles my cousins and I will be using the flower petals as well to make flowring rose out of them, it a craft that I learned from ACmoores craft also the flower petals when brought in a bag in certain places are not that expensive. So that`s just to give you some ideas, but with that guest list everyone is not going to be able to participate in your special day even if you want them to, because you have a budget. Also if you haven`t already it`s good to go to bridal shows they have great deals if you attend one.
Good Luck stick to your budget, but most of all have FUN!!! If you have close friends get their help don`t do everything by yourself.
Congrats and good luck!!!!

This is alli and I replied to this posting and realized my email is wrong. Sorry if this caused a problem here is the right email promise... Allicow75@earthlink.net.

I am a catering director and a great way to limit your wedding budget is to work closely with your caterer. Try to find a venue that you can choose to bring your own caterer, as well as a venue that lets you supply your own alcohol.( A huge $$ saver) Being that my staff and I are always the ones cleaning up after the wedding, we are always throwing away or packing up unwanted favors, programs and un-used table cameras. All things that are nice to have but not neccesary!!!! Have a local school who has a horticulture class make you centerpieces and well as a cake. My head is full of other $$ saving ideas. Email me if you wish.!!!
Alli
Chefalli414@aol.com

Hello! I completely understand. I am trying to do my whole budget on 5,000 for 150 people. So once you and your fiancee decide whats important here is what we are doing. 1. Avoid anything that says `wedding` those are ususually over priced items. Things like candles, garters, guest books, all run expensive with that small little title! Ask people you know for help, things like ringbearer pillows, garters, candles, can be made by hand, or embellished to look just as pretty. 2. I live in Orange County CA, where pricing is way high. I rented a community center, then i went to a hawaiian food place and got my food for 150 for less then 900 buffet style, and 3 wait staff, and no one will be hungry. (any place that does catering will be good, chinse and asian foods tend to be a little less) 3. The more you talk to people the better deals you get. 4. Go to a Bridal salon and try on dresses, then check out places that can make them or sell knock offs. I got mine from Alfred Angelo. (Even bridesmaid dresses come in white, and are elaborate)!

Also I bought a good book that helps: 1000 Best Wedding Bargains. I`ve heard they make one for weddings under 5,000. I havent found it though. The best advice I can give you is to get quotes and dont be afraid to ask for discounts. Satuday Weddings are the most expensive, so if you have options do it another day! If I can help you with any advice or orderin from the internet you can contact me at bkkrakora@yahoo.com.