DWP - Managing the Wedding Budget

In case you don't remember, DWP stands for "Do With Planner!" The wedding budget is something I'm very accustomed to working within and is the most important task to tackle when planning a wedding.

Although it is difficult to make compromises when you have your heart set on something, it is really important to be realistic about how far you can stretch your dollars. A good wedding planner can make this almost painless. I promis that after all is said and done, you will be happy that you didn't overspend.

The first thing I advise my clients to do is set a hard and fast number. It is much easier to start planning a wedding when you know the exact amount you have to spend. Although it is difficult, you need to sit down with everyone involved in contributing to the wedding. Get the exact amount all parties are willing to spend. *Be gracious about it.*

After you have a firm number set, look at each aspect of the wedding and set a percentage of money aside. Obviously, the most important areas of your wedding should get the most money. This is different for each couple. In my experience couples generally put a significant amount toward food & beverage, entertainment and photography.

When I work with my clients, I have them fill out a "wedding aspect survey" which asks them to number from 1 to 20  the parts of the wedding that are most important to them. For general purposes the most common aspects of a wedding are:accessories, attire, baker, beauty salon, beverages, catering, ceremony musicians, ceremony site, decor, entertainment, favors, floral, invitations,  linens, photography, rentals, rings, transportation, videography, and venue.

Once you've allocated where you want your money to be spent, it is easy to set a percentage of your budget for each area. Be careful to be realistic! If having live entertainment is important to you, set aside a hefty amount, such as 15 percent. For a $20,000 wedding this would be $3,000, a very reasonable amount to spend on a band.

Once you know the percentages you have to spend on each area, select vendors in your price range. If you have a planner, this is easy because we have preferred vendor lists and can give you a referral for a reliable vendor within your budget.

If you have a really tight budget, the easiest way to maximize your dollars is to pair down your guest list. When you invite fewer guests, you have more money to spend on details such as centerpieces, linens and favors. You really don't need to invite your mother's co-worker to your wedding. I promise.

I also suggest you use the talents of your friends and family members! Maybe you have a cousin with great handwriting. Ask her to do the calligraphy for your stationery, such as addressing your invitations or writing the names on your escort cards.

Another idea is to use previously owned wedding items or rentals! You can often rent vases for cheaper than you can buy them at the local dollar store. I suggest you check out is "household" on Craigslist. Take advantage of another couple's retail error and buy your wedding items used. Nobody will know.

I realize that the wedding gown is a sensitive subject. However, buying your gown "off the rack" or from a shop that specializes in previously owned gowns is another area where you can save a lot of money. You wear your wedding gown for one day, looking great and buying a $10k gown is not synonymous.

Of course, I want you to look like a princess but I don't want you to spend as much as one! Brides of France  offers consignment gowns in great condition for a reasonable price.

I hope that I've given you advice you can use. Remember, consider the most important parts of your wedding, budget accordingly and get a little creative.  As long as you are within a thousand dollars of your original budget you are doing well. If you go over that, plan for Ramen noodles every night!

Happy Planning! :)