Budget? What Budget??

The Budget...we hate it, but we have to set one. I am a firm believer in staying within your wedding budget as closely as possible...after all, you do have to live after the wedding, right?

So, how do you determine your budget?

Budgeting is by far the first thing that you determine after saying 'I Do'.  Figure out how much money is available now--how much money have you saved for your wedding? How much money was gifted for your wedding? Check your wedding fund!

No money saved? No wedding fund?

Then think about this: Do you and your fiance' need to start saving? {Tip: open up a wedding savings account} How much money can you afford to save? Will either (or both) of your parents contribute? How much are they willing to contribute? Who else will contribute to your wedding? Do you need a $50,000 wedding or will a $10,000 wedding suffice? Determine the amount that you would like to stay at (or below) and stick with it!

Determine your 'must haves' and cut costs in other areas.

Determine the type of wedding you would like to have (formal, semi-formal, casual, themed, large, small, hard-core party, or intimate gathering, etc.) and start searching for estimates {Tip: Don't forget to ask about any additional fees-rental, delivery, set-up, gratuity). Once you have the estimates for your wedding vendors, you can insert the cost ranges into your budget worksheet. This will give you a low to high price comparison. Then, you can find the average price for each service to fine tune your budget.

You will need a Budget Worksheet!

Your budget will not be absolute...so do not worry if you are a little over (and I do mean just a little over-no more than 10%). Once you have set your budget and received your estimates, you have to remember to keep track of your expenses. {Tip: Make a spreadsheet in Excel or download one from Microsoft Office Templates}. Keep your receipts to help you keep track. If necessary, place a sandwich sized Ziploc bag in your purse for your 'wedding receipts'. It works and it will keep you organized! :)

Ten Best Ways to Cut Costs {according to Mindy Weiss..with my 2 cents added}:

1. Trim the guest list-the fewer guests--the fewer tables--the fewer centerpieces, etc...
2. Choose a gorgeous setting-cuts down cost on decorations
3. Use a reception site that is already equipped with tables, chairs, flatware, and staff
4. Start the wedding earlier in the day.
5. Limit the alcoholic offerings to wine, beer, and a signature cocktail {or skip the alcohol!}
6. Move the wedding from Saturday to Sunday {or move it to a weekday}
7. Eliminate the champagne toast. {allow guests to raise their punch, water, or tea in your honor}
8. Hire a deejay instead of a band.
9. Opt for an inexpensive printing method on your invitations. {can you live without engraving? of course you can!}
10. Skip favors. {unless they are spectacular, unusual, and usable}

Still need help?

Call Kiss and Tell Weddings!

405-309-9311

We will be glad to assist you and your fiance'!