Plan Your Wedding Within Your Means

I’ve met quite a few couples who’ve announced their engagements and gotten married in the last few years, and I’ve seen that it’s hard to put these big, gala events together when we’re all penny-pinching during these tough economic times. But I’ve also seen it done well with lots of careful planning.

No matter how small or big your budget, you can create a memorable day for you and your guests while staying within it.

There are so many ways to rein in the expenses; i.e., by having an afternoon rather than an evening wedding, hiring a D.J. instead of a live band, using dried flowers instead of fresh, and my list could go on and on.

Set a budget and stick to it. Write it all down. Go over your credit card bills every month and make careful notes of cash spending. By keeping track, you’ll waste less money on impulsive purchases.

When you are planning your wedding budget, expect to spend the respectable amount to have it done by experienced, licensed vendors.

If you complain enough to the family about the cost of the upcoming wedding, in hopes they will offer a blank check, you may get offers of assistance you really don’t want! An onslaught of well-meaning family and dear friends who all want to “help”:

Granny may want to alter your wedding dress, but Granny doesn’t see that well any more.

Aunt Suzie used to have a catering business, but even you wouldn’t eat in her dirty kitchen.

And the most experience your sweet new mother-in-law has with flowers is taking the plastic ones to the cemetery.

A friend offered to do the video for free for my wedding, but had too much to drink at the bachelor party the night before and then didn’t show for the wedding, and now I don’t have a video.

I’m just saying it can be awfully hard to politely turn down these offers from well-meaning friends or family when you’ve solicited their help by complaining about your wedding costs.

Be realistic when you plan your wedding and stay within your means. I also caution you to not go into debt if you can help it. Try to shop carefully and thoroughly for all your wedding vendors and you’ll find someone in your price range. And though they may not admit it, all of the relatives will enjoy the day more for not having to work so hard to put it all together.