Money, Money, Money
Money is on every one’s minds these days. How to save and how to spend seem to be our toughest decisions right now. Credit is tight and everyone is learning to be more frugal. So how does this apply to weddings? Pick up any wedding magazine and I bet you’ll find some article in there telling you how to cut costs. What I’d like to share is not necessarily how to cut costs, but how to spend more wisely. You’d be surprised how just implementing some rules you already use for your every day spending and applying them to your wedding can save you hundreds of dollars.
First, beware of the sales! I’ve seen many a bride or mother of the bride go off the deep end when they see the word sale. While we all know doing things ourselves can save us labor costs, please restrain yourself when you see the wedding aisle half off at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. While they may have some great deals, you need to ask yourself, how am I going to use this? Do I love it? These are the same questions you use when you are out clothes shopping or even grocery shopping, so why not ask them now? I’ve seen hundreds wasted on mints that were never used, too many bubbles than could ever be used and even place card holders when there was never any seating chart in the plans!
Second, remember to budget for all the little (or not so little) things too. Remember when you made your first budget and you had to take into account EVERYTHING, including little stuff like your Starbucks habit? The same rule applies to your wedding. Don’t forget to include taxes and gratuities. These seem to be the biggest items I’ve seen couples forget to account for that adds for a not so nice surprise at the end of the evening. Other things, like gifts and accessories for the wedding party can add up too. Make a list (and check it at least twice) of everything that you will be paying for so you can assign monies carefully. Most wedding websites and magazines have lists to help you get started.
Need more help? Come see me! At the Collin County Bridal Show on February 22nd, I’ll be sharing more tips through my top 10 list of Wedding Do’s and Don’ts. My presentation will cover some of the pitfalls I’ve seen couples fall into, along with some fun and FREE info. I hope to see you there!
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments