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Cutting the Cost but not the Dream (November, 2007)
It’s not uncommon for a Bride – even those on a strict budget – to discover that they’ve gone over the spending limit. The cost of a wedding – from invitations to meal service – can quickly add up. But with a little strategizing used by professional wedding coordinators, you can still have the wedding you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank.
Invitations reflect the style and formality of your wedding.
- Determine how many invitations you are going to need and then add 25 more. (Trust us, you’re going to need extras.) It’s more pricey to reprint an additional 25 invitations than if you had included them with the original order count. Also, don’t forget to order extra envelopes for those addressing mistakes.
- Order all your wedding stationery needs at the same time, whether it be reception cards, informals (thank you cards). Some manufacturers offer quantity discounts. At the very least, you’ll save on proof charges.
- Want bows or ribbons attached to your invitation? Buy the ribbons yourself and attach them. Printers charge an extra $45-$75 per 25 invitations to do this service for you.
Flowers accent a wedding and reception but here’s some facts about flowers that you might not know.
- Flowers cost about 20%-30% more during the major holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day and Christmas.
- Low table centerpieces are about half the cost of high ones, so think about interspersing high and low arrangements throughout the reception area.
- If available, take advantage of votive candles offered through the reception venue rather than ordering them through the florist. Most florists charge $2 per candle.
- Add more greenery and foliage to the centerpieces, rather than flowers – which cost more, to create that full lush look.
- Limit the floral arrangements at the church. You’re generally there for only an hour and most churches are beautiful enough on their own.
- For your Bridesmaids bouquets, select flowers with large blooms. You’ll only need 2-3 stems rather than a number of smaller bloom flowers.
Music options are limitless and so can be the cost.
- In hiring musicians, many require a minimum number of hours and charge per hour, per musician. Decide on the music you want and how long you’ll need them. If you want a harpist at your ceremony and she charges a minimum of three hours, have her play during the cocktail hour in addition to your wedding.
- DJ’s typically charge about half what a band would cost. And with today’s modern technology, create crystal clear sounds.
- Don’t forget the local talent of young men and women eager to start their career. Going to your area’s college’s music department to hire musicians is about half the cost that professionals charge.
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