Needs:
--a divine photographer
--a planner you can trust, check their references or it's a waste of your time and money***at least 5 brides from the current year and at least 5 vendors that have been in the industry more than 3 years
--a florist that will create a day that is a reflection of you***references and samples are a must!
--a venue that meets your needs
--a stylist to make you look your best for your wedding day
--a beautiful gown for you and a snazzy suit for him
--cute shoes
--stationary and printed items that pull your look together
--a smart caterer that will work with you and all those fun ideas. One can really express themselves with food! go for it!
--music, live band, DJ or an ipod, no matter which direction you go, this can set the mood and theme for your event just as much as other details do.
--cash bar, at the least!
--the marriage license
--someone to marry you and a plan for the ceremony. This is often an afterthought and I would hate to see the ceremony just disappear all-together. Come on, this is why you are having a wedding!
This icecream truck was only $50 to come to the wedding site, and we only paid for what the guests wanted! It was such a great addition and at such a low cost!
Things such as special transportation, favors, make-up, and the bar are negotiable items to nix or cut back on in the budget and not a necessity. A bride and groom can get to the wedding in a family vehicle, you can make your favors (even bake cookies), do your own make-up, and not host a bar all night....you can go without these things...no really, you can!~
If you enlist the help of a professional, it is up to them to spell out for you where your money is going, and creative ways to make it go farther....
Here is a smart list from BRIDES magazine that I thought I would share with you....
Do's
--do consider dates that fall outside the wedding high season
--do look into having a day reception. You can serve a lighter meal and expect a lower bar bill*** a morning wedding with a brunch reception would be divine and uncommon.
--do pick a fully furnished site to avoid rental costs on chairs, tables and linens, which can add up*** The Woodlands, Chico Hot Springs, Lazy B Farm, and Gallatin Gateway Inn are great examples of this...
--do pick a venue that doesn't specify which vendors you must use in their facility, instead, choose on that has a wide list of approved vendors in a range of prices.
--do pick a planner that can offer you discounts on a range of services, often they have insider deals that no-one else can touch. http://www.leslielukas.com/ can do just that!
--don't get married during a holiday weekend--hotel costs for you and your guests will be at a premium as well as flights and vendor fees.
Flowers & Decor
--do reuse the bridesmaids bouquets at the reception, they can be used on the head table, slipped into vases on the escort card table or decorate the powder room.
--do take advantage of seasonal sales to buy items like candles
--use masses of candles you bought in bulk
--do not order out of season flowers that need to be flown in
--don't spend money decorating reception areas that won't be heavily trafficked, such as staircases and hallways. Put your money where guests will see it.
--don't think of centerpieces have to be classic floral arrangements, a glass bowl filled with water, rose petals and candles is a luminous, low-cost alternative, especially for decorating the bar, escort card table, and more.
