Budget Realism

You're engaged but what happens next? The excitement has simmered, you've discussed the moment he proposed in graphic detail to everyone that asks. But now what? Just how should you plan your wedding? In my opinion the most important thing you need to do is discuss the budget. Sit down with your fiancée and family and work out a realistic budget for the wedding.

Know what you can afford

In some cases family will pay for part of the wedding whether simply the dress or the whole reception. Are there some family members that will be providing a service or skill as their wedding gift to you? Think about when you want to get married, is it this year or in 18 months time. Do you have savings set aside for the wedding, if not then work out your expenditure vs your income, what is a realistic amount to save? Add this figure to any contribution from family to give you your realistic budget. Without producing a budget from the outset it is very easy to get carried away and spend money unnecessarily. For example 45% of your budget will normally go on the reception, this only leaves you with 55% for all suppliers, outfits and the ceremony.

Call in some favours

Weddings normally bring out the best in friends and family so why not ask them to actively help you with the wedding. Previous generations relied on the generosity of family to ensure they could have a wedding they desired. Perhaps someone has a hidden talent like cake making, hair & beauty or does someone have a luxury car that can be used as the wedding transportation. Maybe your in laws are enthusiastic gardeners, they could make up pots of flowers or herbs for you to use as centre pieces.

Get creative

Where possible consider getting creative and make the design items for the wedding. Not only will it give your wedding a design edge it will be totally original and memorable. Consider growing herbs before the wedding and use as favours in the napkins on the day. Visit a local craft shop who stock scrap booking materials and use to make the table plan, put the paper on a canvas then mount each table list. Go to your local fabric shop and buy some funky material, use as table runners or cut into napkins.

Get wise

If you need to cut costs then think about what is really important and where money can be saved. Does it matter that all stationery coordinates? Instead of flowers why not have candle holders instead? Hurricane vases are beautiful and inexpensive to hire. Why pay hundreds of pounds for hair/makeup when a friend can do it for free instead.

Enthusiasm Vs Experience

Contact your local colleges and universities; those studying music could play at your drink reception or maybe there is a university band that would love to entertain you for free? The catering students might want to make canapés or your cake for you. And least not forget those studying floristry, I'm sure they would provide their services for free as long as you buy the flowers (wholesale) for them. At the same time though work out what is important to you, if photos are especially high up your list ensure you pay for a professional photographer - this isn't the time to ruin future memories for the sake of a few hundred pounds. Sometimes paying for experience is the best decision. Finally remember it's your wedding, no-one else's, is it worth getting into debt because you didn't have the heart to say sorry you're not invited…

Written by and copyright to Bernadette Chapman 2009 ©
Dream Occasions. Dream Occasions has been organising events in East Anglia since 2002. Director Bernadette Chapman is well known throughout the industry and regularly features as an expert source in bridal publications. The company philosophy is to minimize the stress for families when organising an event, working together to create the perfect day. Bernadette delves into the personality and lifestyle of her clients to create a truly personal design. We are honest and trustworthy and comply with the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners' (UKAWP) code of ethics of which we are directors. Free consultation at a time and place convenient for you. Visit our website at http://www.dream-occasions.co.uk.