 A Recession-Proof Wedding
When a bride starts to plan her big day the first thing that should come to mind is her budget. In these difficult economic times it is getting much harder to not only have your wedding but to do it with limited resources. I have been a wedding planner for over 5 years and I have worked with brides with budgets from $6,000-$10,000 and I have saved them up to 60% off their wedding.
Brides can be creative and resourceful in today’s economy and still have a dream wedding. There are some venues that offer budget ceremony and reception packages. But what about the other services for your wedding? I have planned $5,000 all-inclusive wedding packages that includes your ceremony, reception, food, cake, DJ, flowers, and photography.
Consider the following tips to help you have a recession-proof wedding:
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Hire an experienced wedding planner. They know how to get discounts and resources you don’t have access to that will save you time and money.
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Give the venue a real headcount from your RSVP list. Remember about 10%-20% of your guests will not show up.
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Add to the standard décor at the venue you use. Most venues offer complimentary votives, vases or hurricanes you can utilize.
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Have a Friday night, Saturday daytime or Sunday wedding. You can save up to 50% off the venue and some vendors will discount their fees.
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Use centerpieces that can double as favors.
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Use a fake cake for pictures and a sheet cake to serve your guests.
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Consider silk flower rentals for your décor instead of real flowers.
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Save money on stationary and postage by using Evite for Save the Dates.
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Have a big ceremony and a smaller intimate reception since this is where most of your money is spent.
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Have an off-season wedding. Winter or fall events can save you 30%-50%.
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Wait for the bridal gown sales and look for discontinued dresses.
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Attend bridal shows because many vendors offer discounts and prizes.
Almost everyone is being affected from this recession. I regularly get emails with specials and half price deals within the wedding industry. Bigger is not always better. Your wedding day should focus on your love and sharing it with family and good friends. Don’t lose focus on all the small things that add up. Keeping it simple is less stress and more money in the bank.
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