Wedding Planning With a Tight Budget

For many brides, the stage of wedding planning poses a great challenge that they enjoy especially when they are given budgets that will not allow for the string quartet and the 10 tier cake on the big day. If you are one of the thrifty brides who can forgo with the expensive wines and entrees, or the need for thousands of rose petals strewn on the wedding aisle, wedding planning will be a blissful experience. However, if you’re on the other side of the page and feel that a budget restricts your movement, you might want to consider getting the help of a well seasoned budget and wedding planning expert - your mother.

The hardest part about budgeting during wedding planning is not knowing which of the details need the most chunk of the budget. Some brides spend a huge amount of money on their wedding gowns, not knowing that there are other more affordable ways to purchase dresses. Vanity plays a huge part when it comes to wedding planning; but if your purse can’t handle the strain, you might as well forgo some of the unnecessary details.

During the wedding planning stage, you should list down all the essentials. Prioritize which should get the biggest chunk of the budget and set an amount for each. The wedding party should have the biggest slice of the resources, not only because you will be serving food and drinks; but you will also need to hire a band and decorate the reception hall. Although during the wedding planning stage you will most likely be allocating 50% to 60% for the reception and decorations; as the day itself nears you can also adjust it. Set aside your want for that Vera Wang dress and allot a bigger budget on the wedding ring which is the eternal symbol of your matrimony; or forgo the expensive floral arrangement and opt for the cheaper flowers in season.

Don’t settle for something you don’t feel comfortable with. Wedding planning isn’t about setting things in stone, it gives you the chance to change your mind and decide on something better that comes along. If the only band willing to play for your budget doesn’t know the songs you’ve chosen, try adding a few extra dollars and hire another group who will be willing to learn your songs.  If during the wedding planning you feel that the reception area is far too small for your 150 relatives; you may want to trim down the guest list by leaving out your distant cousins and their children, or you can ask your guests to RSVP months before the date.  You should also ask your bridesmaids if they are willing to shoulder some of the expenses for their dresses, or at least if they are willing to wear simpler, more affordable gowns.

There will be millions of unsolicited wedding planning tips and advice you will get from relatives and other brides; but remember that it is your wedding and you have the last say. The key to a successful wedding planning strategy is to prioritize, plan and shop around. Don’t be afraid to try something new or wear something used; other people will understand your reasons.

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