How to Save Money when Planning a Wedding

Although a bride is on a budget it doesn't mean that she has to settle for something less than what she wants as there are many wedding vendors that can accommodate even the most frugal bride.

In addition there are a variety of simple ways that brides can save money which are easy to implement.

Wedding Budget-Prior to any purchases including a wedding gown, invitations, or accessories, brides should sit down and create their wedding budget. There are many on-line sites that offer brides wedding budget worksheets and/or templates which are user friendly and easy to personalize. The most popular wedding budget template can be found on "Wedding Wire.com" however if a bride is using a wedding planner he/she is more than capable of creating a budget that a bride can live with.

Guest List-Although a bride wants everyone she knows to witness her union it just isn't affordable. Brides can save money when planning their wedding by creating a reasonable and realistic guest list. Since the majority of the wedding budget will go towards the reception, brides must understand that the fees involved are based on the guest head-count. For example if a bride is planning on inviting 500 guests and she is serving a buffet dinner at $15.00 per person, she will end up spending $7,500.00 just on the meal, which is before taxes, service charges, and gratuity fees are added. She'll still have to pay for beverages and service, cake, and reception entertainment which can reach well over $2,000.00. However if a bride cuts her guest list down by 300 she can save $4500.00. Creating and sticking to a reasonable and realistic guest list is the easiest way brides can save money when planning their wedding.

Wedding Season- Every year an average of 2.4 million weddings are performed in the United States with the most popular months being May, June, August, September, and October. In order for brides to save money when planning their wedding they should select a different wedding season. Many ceremony and/or reception venues are willing to lower their rates for off-peak weddings and although the season is different the venue will still be beautiful, only more affordable, which ultimately is the goal.

Venue Selection-At a time couples pledged their love for one another in their family churches then traveled to an off-site facility for the reception. Today's couples are exchanging vows at unique ceremony sites but still travel to an off-site reception facility. Brides can save money when planning their wedding by booking a venue that can accommodate both the ceremony and the reception. When doing so brides will not have to pay 2 separate site fees as they will have both celebrations under one roof. In addition, a venue that is a full-service facility usually retains an on-site caterer, so brides can save money when booking this type of venue as the cost of catering is often included in the wedding package price.

Although brides want to wow their guests on their wedding day, it's important that they create and stick to their budget. In doing so not only will it save brides money it will also lessen their stress level on their most special day.

Sources

National Association of Wedding Ministers