It seems like everywhere we look these days, we’re hearing the same thing…
Americans are worried about their finances. And for good reason! Before you decide that hosting
a wedding in these hard times is hopeless and you give up the dream of having all of your family and
friends in the same room toasting to your new marriage, let’s talk about how to make this happen
on a budget.
Now, let it be known that budget weddings are not a new phenomenon. Penny pinching brides and grooms have been
getting married for years. Ask your parents about their wedding day and you’ll probably hear about a cake and punch
reception in the church basement! Now, I’m not suggesting that you forget about the dream wedding that you’ve
been planning since you were a little girl. But, please! Be smart about how you spend your money. A wedding isn’t a
necessity!
Here are a few trends I’ve noticed that are helping couples through these rough times:
Longer engagements allow couples to save up money, get their #1 choice in venues and vendors, complete DIY
projects, and plan for their future together.
Shorter engagements give couples just enough time to find what they need, but not enough time to go overboard with
the elaborate ideas and spending.
Smaller guest lists are hands-down the most effective way to save money. Each guest at your wedding can cost
hundreds of dollars! Do you really need to have all of your co-workers at your reception?
Second receptions are becoming more popular for those guests who did not make the cut for the expensive reception.
Consider hosting a brunch, cocktail party, or BBQ at your home to celebrate with all of the folks who were left out of
the other celebration.
Creative decor ideas help keep the floral bill in check. Spend some time at your favorite discount store, flea market, or
garage sale to see what beautiful items you can find to incorporate into your centerpieces.
Interesting venue choices! Start asking questions at your favorite places that don’t typically host weddings. They may
have never thought about hosting weddings or, they may have always wanted to get into weddings but they didn’t
know where to start. Let Carolyn Burke - Wedding Liaison help you find a unique location - over 350 locations and
counting!
Look to the suburbs or small cities nearby to save thousands of dollars on your reception. Just 20-30 minutes outside of
the St. Louis, prices drop up to 40%. Look into Metro East IL, Washington, MO, or other cities and towns that may be
special to your family.
Smaller Bands or DJs are being hired to help keep the cost down. Rather than blowing out everyone’s eardrums with a
ten piece orchestra, consider using a five piece band or a DJ for your party.
Throw an Anniversary Party. Financial Guru, Suze Orman, advises couples to get married quietly and buy a house with
the money they would have spent. After 5 years together, throw an anniversary party to celebrate your success.
(And, call us to help!)
I’m not suggesting that if your finances are fine you do any of this! Good for you if you are able to host a lavish affair
with 200 of your nearest and dearest during these hard times. Everyone will be overjoyed to attend a swanky
celebration where you are footing the bill for a gourmet meal and unlimited alcohol.
Americans are worried about their finances. And for good reason! Before you decide that hosting
a wedding in these hard times is hopeless and you give up the dream of having all of your family and
friends in the same room toasting to your new marriage, let’s talk about how to make this happen
on a budget.
Now, let it be known that budget weddings are not a new phenomenon. Penny pinching brides and grooms have been
getting married for years. Ask your parents about their wedding day and you’ll probably hear about a cake and punch
reception in the church basement! Now, I’m not suggesting that you forget about the dream wedding that you’ve
been planning since you were a little girl. But, please! Be smart about how you spend your money. A wedding isn’t a
necessity!
Here are a few trends I’ve noticed that are helping couples through these rough times:
Longer engagements allow couples to save up money, get their #1 choice in venues and vendors, complete DIY
projects, and plan for their future together.
Shorter engagements give couples just enough time to find what they need, but not enough time to go overboard with
the elaborate ideas and spending.
Smaller guest lists are hands-down the most effective way to save money. Each guest at your wedding can cost
hundreds of dollars! Do you really need to have all of your co-workers at your reception?
Second receptions are becoming more popular for those guests who did not make the cut for the expensive reception.
Consider hosting a brunch, cocktail party, or BBQ at your home to celebrate with all of the folks who were left out of
the other celebration.
Creative decor ideas help keep the floral bill in check. Spend some time at your favorite discount store, flea market, or
garage sale to see what beautiful items you can find to incorporate into your centerpieces.
Interesting venue choices! Start asking questions at your favorite places that don’t typically host weddings. They may
have never thought about hosting weddings or, they may have always wanted to get into weddings but they didn’t
know where to start. Let Carolyn Burke - Wedding Liaison help you find a unique location - over 350 locations and
counting!
Look to the suburbs or small cities nearby to save thousands of dollars on your reception. Just 20-30 minutes outside of
the St. Louis, prices drop up to 40%. Look into Metro East IL, Washington, MO, or other cities and towns that may be
special to your family.
Smaller Bands or DJs are being hired to help keep the cost down. Rather than blowing out everyone’s eardrums with a
ten piece orchestra, consider using a five piece band or a DJ for your party.
Throw an Anniversary Party. Financial Guru, Suze Orman, advises couples to get married quietly and buy a house with
the money they would have spent. After 5 years together, throw an anniversary party to celebrate your success.
(And, call us to help!)
I’m not suggesting that if your finances are fine you do any of this! Good for you if you are able to host a lavish affair
with 200 of your nearest and dearest during these hard times. Everyone will be overjoyed to attend a swanky
celebration where you are footing the bill for a gourmet meal and unlimited alcohol.
Save Money on Your Wedding
| Copyright © 2009 Carolyn Burke - Wedding Liaison |
