A wedding a very momentous occasion that should never be eclipsed by the bill when it arrives. The fact is that we often neglect to add up all the costs until we get the bill and we look back and say that could not have been correct. However, if we just take the time to do a few cost cutting measures up front your perfect day can be just as amazing without the pain of the bill at the end.
- The Seating Chart
Sure you can have your seating chart professionally done but you still have to make the decision on where Aunt Bea will go because she is fighting with Cousin Carl and Eunice. Just take control from the beginning and you can save a couple dollars by creating and printing your own seating chart. - The Wedding Favors
There are a great many ways to create an elegant wedding favor without busting your budget. It may take time but you can create your own wedding favor and put a little elbow grease in with it and do it all yourself. We created tulip bulb wedding favors for a fraction of the cost and we still have people commenting, for the last eight anniversaries, on the flowers that come up every year. - Wedding Programs
If you have a computer and a printer you can easily create and assemble your own wedding programs. Adding a few extra touches can turn a basic program into an elegant piece for your wedding. Do not be afraid of trying this you will be pleased with how much you can save and how well they turn out. - Flower Girl Dress
One way to save some extra money is to not buy a flower girl dress. After all the dress will only be worn once. What you can do is have one made or make one yourself for a fraction of the cost and not feel bad if it is never used again. - Rehearsal Dinner
The tradition of a rehearsal dinner can be a costly endeavor. You can create a very special occasion by hosting the dinner at your home and not create any undue monetary woes with the experience. In our case we had a barbecue for friends and family and still found the time to have the rehearsal and have some fun afterwards. - The Venue
When you are looking for your venue you may want the perfect place but sometimes it is over your budget. Consider a different venue that has the same accommodations but that may a little less expensive. You can also find a time to have your wedding that your desired venue is not booked up. There may be some room for a little negotiation on price if you choose a less busy time, day or season. - Clean-Up
Sometimes having the vendors clean up after the wedding can add an extra cost that you may not need to pay. Allowing yourself to clean up afterwards, break down tables, and do some of the heavy lifting will cut down on the vendor having to bring in extra help and thus saving you money. - Volunteers
There are a great many ways to shave off a few dollars from your wedding bud
Bruce Gleason’s Weekly Financial Column
get and one way is to look for volunteers. In our case we asked a couple of the neighbors if they would be parking attendants for the guests. They were more than happy to help out and we did not have to pay someone else to do it. Looking for these various tasks that would normally cost extra and asking for volunteers can make a lot of difference in what you have to pay out.
- Fittings
Coordinating your fitting and your bridesmaid’s fittings can be a nightmare of logistics. However, if you set up one time that you can all get the fittings done you can get it out of the way and save on expenses that may be incurred with multiple fittings. The other good thing is that you can all make a day of it and enjoy the fittings and have a good meal afterwards. - Flowers
One very easy way to save some money is through the flowers. Picking one flower over another could add extra money that you did not expect. Knowing what options you have can be very cost effective. Choosing a less costly, in season flower can be a lot less expensive than flowers that need to be specially ordered. - Pick an Off Day for Your Wedding
A Saturday wedding will cost you more money than a Thursday. Try to pick an off day to have your wedding while you are planning your day. Bear in mind though that if you do pick an off day that you have your guests in mind. Just because you have the day off does not mean that your guests do. Think about having a late wedding to accommodate your guests. - The Guest List
I can say a very easy cost saving measure is to limit the guest list. The more people you invite means the more food, liquor, space, dinnerware and tables, and help that you will need. When planning your day think of the guest list because this will drastically affect your costs. - The Cake
We all want our wedding cake to be glorious and the centerpiece of the the table. Making a modest choice for a two tiered cake and having a sheet cake for the guests can save money. The cake tastes the same, you will still have your centerpiece but you will have saved significant money from having a larger cake that you serve from. - Hair and Makeup
A good measure to save is by doing your own hair and makeup. The difference between it being professionally done and doing it yourself can be a small amount of money but it can save something. Giving yourself this option can make the difference between having a tight budget and being over budget. - Limit your Attendants
Do you have to have five Groomsmen and five Bridesmaids standing up with you? The answer is that you can but it could cost more for you. Think about reducing this to a Best Man and Maid of Honor only. Doing this can cut down on an extras that having multiple attendants would cost you.
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Bruce Gleason
Registered Tax Return Preparer at Young Tax Service and Financial Rep at Primerica
Bruce A. Gleason is a financial representative in Jamestown NY. He was previously employed for ten years in the financial services industry as a Branch Manager of a local bank focusing on mortgages and personal loans. He currently holds licenses in New York and Pennsylvania. Bruce is a lifelong resident of Chautauqua County. Send e-mail: bruceagleason@gmail.com | www.BruceGleasonFinancial.com
Latest posts by Bruce Gleason (see all)
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