Economic Chic
The state of the economy today has left many brides wondering how they will manage to create the wedding of their dreams on a shoestring budget. With literally hundreds of ways available to save money, the best advice to newly engaged couples is to plan. Plan far ahead, plan with due diligence and plan to compromise in order to meet your needs as well as your wants.
Knowing from the start how many guests you want to host is the first step to planning an economically viable yet still chic wedding. The next step in your planning may see you needing to pare that list down to meet your budget. Once an initial guest list has been laid out, brainstorm the particulars of how your wedding will proceed and to prioritize and categorize which items and accessories are: want, need, or must haves.
If you "have to have" a sit down dinner for your guests, and you "have to have" a dinner catered, but your guest list is topping out at 250, the cost may prove too high. With average catering prices listing most reception dinners at $30-$40 or more a plate just for your dinner alone you would be looking at a whopping $7500-$10,000 before bar service, before your dress, transportation, flowers, photographers etc. If this is a number that far exceeds your budget, here comes the compromise part of planning your economic yet still chic wedding.
The first area to look at is the guest list, we all want to have the party to end all parties, but really, the only people you need invite are those who you are close to, whom you wish to share in your special day, and those who you know will be there to support you in the coming days and years of your marriage.
The next compromise might have to come in the form of the style of dinner you want to have. Look to buffets, or caterers that allow you to contribute to the menu food items (in the form of salads, desserts, or even bread products). You may even want to look at the time of day you host your meal, with luncheons or brunches usually costing less than an evening meal.
Look for "do it yourself" projects that involve spending time together or spending time with your family members or friends working together to create your favors.
Have a friend who excels at their photography hobby, plays in a band, loves to make cakes, or has a creative ability that would work towards creating stunning floral arrangements? Not only does tapping the talents of your wedding guests save you money, it also makes for a much more personal and intimate occasion.
When looking to hold an economically chic wedding, plan to compromise and compromise to plan as your best way to save you time, energy and most of all money. A good plan in place will ensure that you get the wedding you want at the price you can afford.
©2008 Weddingstar Inc.
