Budgeting for your Wedding

Posted by Renée Milford in Blog      No comments

Jun
4

This month I’ll share my tips and personal advice when it comes to getting ready for that special day. Frugal brides, I have some great finds to share with you, keep checking all month cause there’s lots in store. Lets talk a little today about budgeting, there are some items that it’s ok to cut back on but then there are others that you’ve got to pay for quality. Here are my thoughts….
Invitations ~ This is one area I personally don’t think you have to go high end, there are lovely DIY kits (which I’ll share more about in another post) as well as suppliers who can provide quality invitations at reasonable prices.
Photographer ~Hire a professional wedding photographer, this may run you into thousands of dollars but what can I say, after the day is done, these pictures are all you have to look back on. Relying on your friends photos can mean headless bodies, out of focus pictures or many unimportant moments being captured. Trust me, if you haven’t booked your photographer as yet, start looking, the good thing about photographers is that you can request an appointment to see their portfolios so you know what you’ll be getting into when you make that downpayment.
Cake ~ The wedding cake is usually an attraction at your wedding, but depending on the usage, the costs can go either way. Here’s what I mean… If you want to do a four tier cake and you intend to serve your wedding cake as dessert or share it out at some point to all guests this may run you in to a lot of money. However, if you want to have a four tier cake just because you want a big beautiful cake, you can have only one layer as real cake and the other layers can be fake on the inside but covered with the same beautiful fondant as the real cake. (Please be sure to cut into the right layer)
Location ~ In Trinidad, this all depends on your taste, you can find from the quite reasonable to the very lavish. (More to come in another post)
Bar ~Marissa from San Juan asked me “how can I save money with the bar?” Firstly if you’re in the category of the couple who is getting married and your religion does not permit alcohol… well congratulations to you cause you just saved A LOT of money. For those who may want to NOT serve alcohol by choice and not by design, there is a way though you can get away with not coming off like a cheapskate. Have a beautiful Breakfast Wedding. A morning wedding is not such a strange idea, although not very popular in Trinidad, people all over the world do breakfast weddings successfully. You won’t really need any alcohol other than the champagne for the toasts but can definitely spice up the drinks list by including exotic virgin cocktails. Since you saved so much on the alcohol you can hire a fancy schmancy bartender. Another way to save on the bar if it’s a definite must to serve alcohol, is to choose a location where you will be able to bring your own bar and then purchase the alcohol from a wholesaler. Another option would be to purchase the drinks on consignment so you don’t end up paying for whatever remains when its all said and done.
Food ~Another item on the list that you have some control with regards to the cost. Your wedding meal can range from simple to very lavish. Once again, if you choose a location where you can bring your own caterer, that’s the first step in saving some $$$. Secondly, take in consideration that a meal with 6 items that taste delish would leave a better impression than a meal with 12 items that are mediocre in taste. So when looking for a caterer be sure to get referrals and if you can set up a taste test that would be even better.
Gown ~If you are the sentimental kinda girl and would like to keep your wedding gown forever and ever, by all means get a dress that would withstand the test of time. I’m not the sentimental type of girl where the dress is concerned and I think a wedding gown takes up way too much closet space so I opted out of purchasing an expensive dress and chose a simple gown to which I’ll be adding some personal touches. Tips on purchasing a dress on a budget… I know you guys might see US$99 gown sales all over the internet, you might wanna stay away from those as the quality tends to be way too cheap, HOWEVER, those same stores may have bridesmaids dresses in white that will be very affordable. As well, more and more I’m seeing shorter bridal styles available on the internet. If you are non traditional you can find a trendy tea length dress and work it on your wedding day.
Hair and Makeup ~ Be sure to do a trial and look like YOU on your special day.
Centerpieces ~This is an area in which you can save some cash if you so desire. A fish bowl with a couple of fishes for a small wedding on several tables is an easy enough idea. If your wedding is at Christmas time you can purchase some poinsettia plants for about TT$40 and use these as your centerpiece. I got more ideas where those came from.
Flowers ~ Purchasing flowers that are in season and are local to Trinidad and Tobago would definitely help to reduce costs in comparison to imported flowers.
DJ ~Tips on hiring a DJ… Find out how much experience the DJ has at weddings, remember this will make the difference on the dance floor, the DJ will have to make the music work for everyone… the very young right up to your grandmom (if she likes to dance). Ask how many people he / she may be bringing to assist. This info will be useful since it would be good manners to feed your DJ. Inform your DJ of the dress code. Find out if he has worked at the venue before. The average cost of a wedding DJ in Trinidad can range from TT $2,000. to $6,000. so choose someone you feel comfortable with.