The Unkindest Cut Of All

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Finding Ways to Save

Before you look for gowns and sample caterers' food, take some time to determine how much money you have to play with. You'll be making emotionally charged decisions, and it's too easy to spend beyond your means. Chances are, 'the sky' is not the limit, so you'll need a few tips for when it's time to economize.

Do the math.
Making a chart of your budget, with percentages allocated to specific things, is a good place to start. Typically, the reception eats up (literally!) the most, at 45%. Your gown, the flowers, and the photographer each take up about 10%, leaving only 25% left to take care of the cake, transportation, the groom's clothes, the ceremony, invitations...

It's not an exact science.
Be honest with yourself about what matters most to you, and what you can live without. Each wedding is unique, and should be a reflection of who you are. To know where to make cuts and where not to, select the three aspects of your wedding that are most important (the band, the rings, and your gown, for example), and put aside the amount it will take to cover them. Then select the three aspects that are the least important, and find ways to cut them back, or just cut them out.

Heads will roll.
The fastest way to cut down on your expenses is to cut down on your guests. At about $100 a head, it's not hard to see how quickly it'll add up.

The urge to splurge.
There's probably something that you just have to have, but cannot possibly fit into your budget. You didn't spend your whole life dreaming of your wedding for it to not be magical, but you need to be strict about limits. You do not want to begin your marriage with your finances already in the minus column, so remember that splurging once is a manageable extravagance, but repeating it will lead to ruin. Don't think to yourself, 'well, since I've already blown my budget, why stop now.' Sensible cuts elsewhere can cover the splurge, so don't panic and do everything else cheaply, or hire non-professionals. To know where to economize, ask yourself, will anyone notice if I...

...keep the bridal party small?
For every bridesmaid you need another bouquet, present, and maybe an extra limo!

...don't have a band?
Using the stereo, rather than hiring a three piece, can save you a bundle. But will it also drastically reduce the grandeur of the occasion.

...do the old switcheroo?
Put a small, lovely cake out on display, and have that fancy bottle of Champagne for your toast, but have cheaper sparkling wine and sheet cake passed out to your guests. They're poured and plated in the kitchen anyway!

...hold off on some minor decorating touches?
Covering the chairs is lovely. But have you ever noticed when a chair isn't covered?

...keep the invitations simple?
Multiple colors of ink will drive up the printing price, and square invitations require extra postage, so why not simple, understated cards?

...arrive to church in a town car?
They're sleek and sexy too, and a lot cheaper than a limo.

...carry dahlias instead of roses?
Choosing flowers that are in-season will drastically reduce your florist bill, and there are plenty of alternatives to pricier flowers that are just as beautiful.

...have fewer courses of the meal?
Your guest will appreciate three great courses much more than five boring ones.

Elegance and beauty come in a variety of different ways. You won't be sacrificing your wedding by sacrificing some expenses. Make decisions based on what you want the most, rather than on "what's hot" and your wedding will be perfect celebration of you and your love.

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