There is no one savings plan that
applies to every bride and gr oom
because everyone saves money in
their own way.
Here’s how to tailor an individual
budget that works for you.
List the 10 most important things
that are non-negotiable. It may be having
a top photographer, a live band or
an over-the-top wedding cake. It may
include airfare for a great friend who
lives far away.
Then list 10 items that are traditionally
included in a wedding budget but
don’t really matter to you.
Cara Davis, author of Cheap Ways to
Tie the Knot suggests some thoughts
to get you started.
1. Save-the-dates.
Skip the printed postards. Use e-vites,
Facebook, email and phone.
2. Professional wedding planner.
If you’re well organized, you might have
fun planning your own wedding.
3. Relatives twice removed.
Whittle that guest list down to the
must-haves.
4. Large bridal party.
It’s going to cost you: bouquets, attendants’
gifts, luncheon and more.
5. Professional hair & makeup.
This may be on your non-negotiable
list, but if you have a talented friend,
you might consider asking her to do
your hair and makeup in lieu of giving
you a wedding gift.
6. Matchy-Matchy dresses.
Don’t even pretend you will find a
magical dress that flatters all your
bridesmaids. Choose a theme or colour
and let each find their own dress that
flatters their figure and their wallet.
7. Buying or renting tuxes.
Not really a necessity. How about suits,
white shirts, similar ties?
8. Wedding registry.
Even if your place is fully furnished, you
should still register. This is your chance
to upgrade to better small appliances,
for example. That done, then think outside
the box to other categories, from
luggage to hobbies to home office.
9. The evening dinner.
Nobody is coming to your wedding for
the Cornish game hen, so simplify. How
about a self-serve brunch at 11 a.m.? A
dessert buffet at 2 p.m.? Or a cocktail
part at 5 p.m.?
10. Party favours.
Most favours end up in the trash. Why
not have something inexpensive but
mouthwatering like a truffle, or invite
your guests to fill little treat bags at a
candy station?
Arriving in a horse and buggy may be
important to you, but having a wedding
cake may not. Only you can decide
which items are negotiable and which
are not.
Once you’ve created your list, it will
be invaluable in making each decision
as you move forward.
Originally published in Today’s Bride magazine, Spring/Summer 2013.
