Thursday, January 8, 2009

Tough Times Call For... Being Smart!

If you're engaged and planning a Michigan wedding, don't let the current economic crisis crush your wedding spirit. There are many ways to cut costs and still create an amazing day that you and your guests will never forget!

1. Rate it:
Sit down with your partner and make a list of what elements of your wedding are important to each of you. Use categories such as food, transportation, alcohol, venues, etc. If you find that food is #1 on both of your lists, then you can budget accordingly for your tastes. You may both find that transportation is not important at all, and can arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from the ceremony for free (do you really need to rent that expensive limo for just the two of you?). It's all about spending your money on what is truly meaningful for you both (and not on that $100 clutch that perfectly matches your shoes).

2. Do-it-yourself:
There are some elements of your wedding that must be left to a professional... for example- photography. Let the pro's handle your pictures! But using your creativity with other elements such as flowers, favors, and stationery, can help you cut costs. A bride from my hometown used the local grocery store for her flowers and said they did an amazing job, and she saved a ton of money. Create your own save-the-dates, programs, or address your invitation envelopes yourself. Using your creativity can cut costs on your big day, as well as add some personalization to your wedding!

3. Borrow:
Some brides may not agree with me on this one, but I am a big fan of borrowing items from friends and family. A good friend of mine used another friend's veil for her big day. Not only was it gorgeous with her dress, but it counted as her "something borrowed" (and was FREE!). You most likely know a handful of other brides right now, so use their candle votives for your tables or their centerpiece vases for your candy bar.

4. Be smart:
I once heard that a couple decided to pack their lunch for work every day for a year once they were engaged. The money they would have spent on going out to lunch went into their wedding savings, and before you know it, they had a good chunk of change to spend on their big day! You don't have to take on a second job, but if wearing a $3,000 wedding dress is important to you, then make some cost cuts and use your brains to save!

Michigan's economy may be hurting right now, but it doesn't mean your wedding day can't be beautiful and memorable. One of my favorite books is Bridal Bargains by Denise and Alan Fields. This couple spent years researching ways to cut costs, and I read this book cover to cover within a week of opening it. There are so many fabulous money-saving tips and ways to pull off your dream wedding without going broke!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Good tips! Another HUGE way to save bundles is to scale back the guest list. If you haven't seen your friend Sally Nevercalls in five years, don't put her on the list. And don't invite people simply out of obligation. (Just because you were invited to your hairdresser’s wedding last year doesn’t mean you have to return the favor.) Think hard about inviting co-workers and distant relatives.