the 5 tips expound

4/6/2010

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  • 1. Set Priorities

  • Setting priorities means that you can place the bulk of your budget on what really matters to you.

    You may also single out other events/part in the wedding that can be left out. For example, if you are not really the dancing type, then, why get a venue with a dance floor? or why get a live band when you can still have your dream without it (take a CD or your iPOD instead)?

    Or how about considering a cheaper or smaller cake?

    I've talked to a lot of brides and coordinators... & their advice to would-be brides like me on a budget is to invest on photography and your hair & make-up. Afterall, the prparation for months would boil down to a couple of hours or more. Without good documentation, your left with nothing but a memory (many of which the bride would be missing due to the stress & anticipation of the wedding itself).

    Or why get a designer gown when you'd look just as beautiful in a cheaper one?

    2. Consider a Destination Wedding

    Going on a destination wedding would seem like MORE with the airline tickets & hotel to consider... but this is definitely the best way to limit your guests, thus cutting on the reception cost and other miscellaneous cost.
  • 3. Check Out the Parks

    This is getting that garden or outdoor venue at a bargain. Why pay a bulk to get that view when you can get it for free?
  • 4. Compare and Bargain

    A lot of wedding suppliers are banking on the wedding business. Without a comparison on the prices & a canvas on the bargains that are available, a bride-to-be maybe a victim of the commercialization in weddings.

    In this regard, an expert (i mean a wedding planner) would probably bring down the cost of your wedding... as ironic as it may sound. You see... they know how to haggle with the suppliers, they have their "suki" where they could get you bargains and they know the ropes around so you won't get stck at a dead end or something.
  • 5. Rely on your Friends

    Admit it! A lot of your friends or family is excited about your wedding too. Why not ask for the help of those creative pipz who love you?

    Get them to give you a hand on making the invitation cards, souvenirs, or sing for your wedding... the possibilities are endless.

    I'm definitely getting the most of this.
    I'm getting my hair and make-up free from my friend who owns a salon ^^<
    My church friends who happens to be members of the choir had already volunteered to sing. In fact, I asked them at least a song to sing for the reception. And the pianist for the wedding is a friend from church too!
    My cousin who plays the violin quite well will probably play my bridal march if she's available.
    My Auntie is taking care of my souvenirs.
    My best friend volunteered to help out in the making of the invitations.
    Another friend would serve as the wedding coordinator for the day.
    A family friend who works at pearl farm has volunteered for the honeymoon two years back ^^< which i am going to remind her soon ^^.

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    'i do' on a budget

    4/6/2010

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    True enough that in this hard times, as our money's power to buy shrinks... every spending is lessened to the minimum and practical. This goes the same way with weddings. More and more bride opt for a budget wedding... but indeed, this does not mean that it won't be special. There's definitely a lot of creative ways to do a bride's dream on a budget!

    With the uncertainties in the economy, couples are starting to trim down the budget. This includes reducing the number of guests, doing away with expensive favors, among others.

    So to cope in this difficult times, Jane Zhang in an article provides these tips.

    • Set Priorities
    • Consider a Destination Wedding
    • Check Out the Parks
    • Compare and Bargain
    • Rely on your Friends
    To view the full details of her tips, visit her article at I Do… For Less. It is a recommended reading if you want to keep your most important event within budget.
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    30 wedding budget tips

    4/5/2010

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    Reception

    1. Cut the guest list. This will slash your catering costs and save on invitations and even the number of centerpieces.

    2. Think off-peak season and save thousands!

    3. Hold your ceremony and reception in one spot -- it will cut travel time for vendors you pay by the hour.

    4. Skip the Saturday wedding.

    5. Have bigger tables so you need fewer centerpieces and tablecloths.

    6. Shop the off-season for extra decor -- get modern black vases on sale after Halloween and pretty pink ones after Valentine's Day.

    cutting the guest list would make you save a lot. but this would also be extremely stressful especially if you're one in the crowd.

    Flowers

    7. Use more greenery than flowers.

    8. Swap out costly flowers -- did you know peonies can be five times more expensive than roses?

    9. Stick to just one or two kinds of flowers.

    10. Buy flowers that are in season.

    11. Include non-florals, like lanterns.

    definitely go for the ones in season. it will save you a bunch. and hunt for that florist!
    or, you may opt to get fruits as centerpieces. it would save you a lot especially if your a bride amongst an area of fruits like bananas and pineapples... such vibrant colors.

    Food & Drink

    12. Serve entree duets.

    13. Skip the main course -- apps and drinks are fine too.

    14. Offer beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar.

    15. Serve comfort foods like barbecue chicken, mac and cheese, and corn. It's fun and often cheaper.

    16. Skip the champagne toast.

    the usual drinks would do. no need for grand toasts.

    Cakes

    17. Order a small one or two-tiered cake and then supplement cake with a larger sheet cake (hidden back in the kitchen).

    18. Keep the add-ons simple.

    19. Use fresh flowers, not sugar ones.

    20. Reuse ceremony flowers for the cake table.

    21. Skip exotic fillings like guava and mango.

    REMEMBER... it doesn't need to be expensive... it just needs to look delicious.

    Stationery & Favors

    22. Get single-page invites to save on postage.

    23. Give out one favor per couple.

    24. Make your cake the favors.

    25. Have favors double as escort cards.

    26. Email your save-the-dates.

    27. Make your own menu cards, escort cards, and wedding favor packaging.

    printing your own cards would allow you to save a lot. Plus it would inform your guests that you are on a budget.

    Photo, Video & Music

    28. Have a photographer you love but can't afford the prices? Ask them if they have an associate shooter who will do your wedding for less.

    29. Opt for a smaller band.

    30. Hire a band or DJ who can do both the ceremony and the reception.

    or better yet, get a CD or hook the sound system to your iPOD... who says the music has to be live?
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