The Best Wedding Budget Solutions

Without a sound wedding budget you are unlikely to achieve the wedding of your dreams (at least not without bankrupting yourself first). So when it comes to your wedding planning your budget is one of the first tasks. But there is more to a wedding budget than figures on a piece of paper. It is about identifying what aspects of the wedding are of most importance to you, where you can perhaps negotiate discounts, package deals or additional freebies and perhaps more surprisingly, where you shouldn’t look to cut your costs.

When it comes to hiring wedding vendors make sure you hire people you feel comfortable with and whom you trust. Do some research first on the reputation of local vendors and get recommendations. When you first meet with potential vendors ask to see references, examples of their work and portfolios. When it comes to hiring someone make sure you know exactly who will be handling your wedding and get everything down in writing particularly your requirements and expectations from them, the service they agree to provide and all costs. Make sure you get contact details including names, addresses and contact numbers including email, there is little point hiring them if you have no way of contacting them.

If you are looking to cut costs here are few tips to consider:

• Although it isn’t recommended, the closer to your wedding date you make a booking the more likely you may be able to negotiate a better rate or discount. But be careful, good vendors are usually booked up months or even years in advance, so be prepared to compromise on your preferred vendors.

• Always try to negotiate for a better deal or added extras. For instance as about a discount for booking your ceremony and reception at the same venue; using their catering services; a free photo album with your wedding pictures; free buttonholes if you purchase all your bouquets and flower arrangements.

• When it comes to photographers, you can save money by hiring a professional to take photographs after the ceremony and then ask a competent friend to take photographs at the reception.

• Book you wedding on a weekday instead of the popular and more expensive Saturdays. Sundays are also a cheap day to get married on. Consider holding a Sunday brunch for a few guests which will also save money on catering.

• Save on your drinks by only providing wine and beer during the reception and serve sparkling wine instead of champagne for the toasts. In the evening have a pay bar for guests.

• Flowers are expensive, especially if your choice of bloom needs to be imported because it is out of season locally. Choose locally grown and in season flowers and you will save a fortune. Your florist will be able to guide you on what is available within your budget.

• If you particularly want an expensive flower, then use it sparingly and infill with inexpensive green foliage.

• Rent the groom’s tuxedo from the same place as the groomsmen’s tuxedo’s. Usually you will get offers like ‘grooms tux free with groomsmens’ or ‘hire two get one free ‘.

• When it comes to your wedding dress negotiate for some free accessories or a discount if your buy your dress, shoes and accessories from the same store. You can likewise ask for a discount if you order your bridesmaids dresses and accessories from one place too.

• If your budget is really tight, consider hiring your wedding dress. You can rent a fabulous gown for a fraction of the cost of buying it outright.

• Hire a wedding planner - although it may cost you, they can negotiate some great deals with vendors and be able to use contacts to give you special offers and deals on packages such as decorations, invitations and furniture hire.

Finally there are two vendors on which you shouldn’t skimp on cost. These are your wedding photographer and your wedding entertainment. Both are important to your day and you should aim to hire the best you can afford. Look for professionals rather than amateurs as you will likely only end up disappointed with the results. Don’t get a friend to take your main wedding photographs i.e those of you together after the ceremony and with your family and friends. You want your wedding pictures to last a lifetime and not give you nightmares everytime you look at them! Your guests will also remember good entertainment when they were able to dance the night away.