Put your money where your heart is! 5 Tips to Stay on Budget!
You're Engaged!!!! And chances are you're Flying High!! You've already got your PINTEREST PERFECT WEDDING BOARD started, and you are steadily planning. Just a quick reality check before you go into debt, the average wedding in the United States costs couples around $35,329, according to "The Knot."
Don't throw your plans out the door after hearing that statistic; get real & put your money where your heart is. What aspects of your wedding are most important to you? Keep those, put them on paper, say them out loud, and narrow down your priorities. Not sure where to start? No problem. We have you covered with Dream Field Farm's 5 Tips To Stay On Budget:
Tip 1. Establish a budget with everyone involved.
Who will be paying for the event? Parents, bride, groom, grandparents, or anyone contributing should be included in the budget planning. Start a spreadsheet and share incoming and outgoing expenses with those contributing to paying for the wedding.
Tip 2. Determine What Kind Of Wedding You Want
When you looked at Pinterest, which photos make your heart sing? Is it flowers? Maybe it's the photos of the bride and groom with the beautiful lake in the background? Was it the band at the wedding you went to last month? Take a look at what will be the most important thing to you and let that be your splurge item. If you aren't quite sure what that is, think about the last two or three weddings you went to and what you love about them.
What was their wow factor? Every bride has a different perspective of what is going to make her day special. If you loved the arch with flowers draping to the ground, then plan for that. What about that great video of your best friend's wedding? Decide what you want, and then no flip-flopping.
Tip 3. Did Someone Say DJ or Do You Prefer Live Music?
Music is the heart of your reception. The ambiance of a live band at the reception is one obvious way to liven up the party. But the variety a DJ can offer your wedding day is appealing too. Each come with their own sets of Pros & Cons.
Option 1: Hire A DJ and set the tone:
Pros:
1. DJ's are generally less expensive
2. A DJ with a fantastic personality will create excitement & set the mood.
3. DJ's offer an eclectic mix of music balance.
Cons:
1. Not as personal as a band.
Option 2: Hire A Live Band and create the ambiance:
Pros:
1. Live music will include you and your guests in the action.
2. A live band personalizes the entertainment
3. Can quickly raise the excitement level of your reception.
Cons:
1. Limited Variety
2. More Expensive
Tip 4. Boutonnieres, Centerpieces & Bouquets...OH MY!!
From Bouquet to Centerpiece, our budget-friendly tip is to have your bridesmaids' bouquets double as centerpieces. Centerpieces for the entrance can be moved during the wedding to food tables for the reception. Using ferns & ornamentals to fill in the receptions is beautiful and budget-friendly. Not to mention, they make lovely fillers. PRO TIP: Take your ferns and ornaments in your new home & life that you are creating together.
Tip 5. What Is On Your Wedding Menu?
Did you say formal or fun? Cocktail time with h’or-derves or food stations? What is your favorite wedding food? Do you want to do something unusual? Don't forget your groom. Make sure you plan for his unique tastes. Taco bars, potato5 bars, bacon bars are just a few of the trends that add pizzazz to your day without breaking the bank. Think outside the box and work with your caterer to plan the perfect mix for your budget.
Lockdown your budget, put it in writing, say it out loud!! You do not want to enter into the most important time of your life in debt, and you certainly do not want to have the stress of unexpected changes in the middle of your reception. Staying on a budget will take some restraint, but it will help you start your marriage on a strong foundation. Put your money where your heart is! Figure out what is most important to you, and ENJOY YOUR DREAM WEDDING!