Budgeting with the Economy

With the economy being what it is, there's a lot of conversation about whether it will effect weddings. After 14 years at MSW, I can honestly say the weddings I remember most were NOT the most lavish, expensive weddings, but the ones where the couple really made an effort to make the day reflect them with details that were personalized and thoughtful. That being said, it can be stressful thinking about what everything costs and how they add up.

My first suggestion is to PRIORITIZE. Discuss with your fiance the things that are most important to you so you can allocate your budget. If you're set on a great band but it's a bit pricey, cut back somewhere else, like at the table. Consider using candles instead of fresh flowers for your centerpieces, or bowls of fruit. If you dream of a designer dress, check to see if your local bridal shop holds sample sales, or consider buying the dress and donating it to the I Do Foundation after the wedding and receive a tax deduction for it.

Check out our budget planner below. It's a great way to stay on track!

In the next few weeks, I'll be giving some practical tips to help you budget your wedding. And of course, I am always interested in hearing from you, the challenges you're facing and/or creative solutions you've come up with.

Comments

[Krista]

I am looking forward to hearing about ways to save.

And I've heard you say that before, Darcy, that the most memorable weddings are the ones filled with personalized touches. Can you give examples in some of the posts of what personal touches you appreicated? Please and thank you!

[Darcy Miller, The Bride's Guide]

Thanks for you comment Krista. I will continue with budget ideas and examples. Some general budgeting tips to keep in mind for now are:

Choose a date in the winter of fall

Consider Fridays or Sundays, as they are generally less expensive for renting a venue

Float a few flowers in shallow bowls and incorporate votives instead of having huge centerpieces

Serve a signature drinks, such as a punch or favorite cocktail, instead of providing a full bar

More to come!

[Newport Nuptials]

Thanks for the advice, I love reading all your ideas and suggestions!

[Karen Zachary]

I totally agree about the personal touches making all the difference. I've been working for a great caterer for six years, and my two favorite wedding moments:

#1: a few years ago, I caught the bride, about to walk down the aisle, boogie-ing behind the scenes with her mom and dad. She was really, really EXCITED! Unfortunately, that's not very common.

#2: recently, moments after the ceremony, I accidentally came across the bride and groom having a private moment. He was absolutely sobbing into his new wife's neck. We was that happy.

How great is that? All the crystal, peonies and chargers in the world won't top that.

=)

[Madeleine West]

Hi Darcy, I have been married for two years and have been debating about whether to sell my wedding dress or to keep it for some sentimental reason. Being an environmentalist at heart I like the idea of "recycling" a dress that another bride can love and also allow them to save some money. From a budget standpoint, do you see a growing trend for purchasing "gently used" wedding dresses, and if so do you recommend any particular websites or avenues for selling/buying used dresses. I'd hate to sell my dress to some scam-artist. Thank you!