What is the secret to creating a wedding plan that produces an event that is a wonderful life memory?  A plan.  It comes from a very good plan.  Now there are professionals to help you with your plan, if you so choose.  But if you have some stamina, and you have some basic organization, it is completely feasible for you to work up your plan.

When you are planning a wedding on a budget, especially a low budget, cost is very much an issue.  The cost of every aspect needs to be evaluated honestly, and considered when making and adhering to your plan.  Let’s first talk about the various expenses you might encounter in planning a wedding.

Ceremony and Reception

  • Invitations, Printing, Thank You Notes & Postage  5-10%
  • The Dress & Formal Wear 5-10%
  • Flowers  10 -15%
  • Rings – not typically included in budget
  • Church/Hall/Venue Expense 5-10%
  • Clergy or Officiator Fee $50-500
  • Decorations  5-10%
  • Bridal Party Gifts/Favors 2-5%
  • Vehicles, optional
  • Photography/Videography 5-10%
  • Musicians/Singers / DJ’s 5-10%
  • Catering 20-30%
  • Beverages, Bar or Champagne Toast
  • Cake(s) 3- 10%
  • Bar or Wait Staff 5-10%
  • Table Linens & Napkins 1-2%

Honeymoon

  • Travel &  Accommodation Expenses, varies
  • Spending Money for Excursions/Entertainment, discretionary
  • Special Clothing/Items Needed for Trip, discretionary

Other Items To Consider

  • Accommodations for out-of-town guests
  • Time out of work for planning meetings, fittings, shopping, honeymoon, etc.
  • Guest List & RSVP’s
  • Color Schemes & Themes

This may not be an exhaustive list of expenses, as each wedding is different.  Some will include all of these aspects, and additional ones to boot.  Some will include a more simplified version of this list.  In the long run, what matters most is having those close to you included in your plan to help you celebrate a very important event in your life.

Your Budget & Selecting Vendors

When you plan your ceremony, keep in mind your wants, wishes and budget.  The best possible way to find out what your expenses for your ceremony will be is to do some shopping and phone calling.  Much information can now be located on the internet.  It can be time consuming, but there are some excellent ideas out there. When you begin to narrow down your preferences for the ceremony, checking availability is next.

Having a budget for the wedding dress is critical.  The wedding dress, like the bride, should be unique.  It is a focal point of the ceremony and reception.  Whatever you choose for the dress, it should represent the Bride.  Before you go dress shopping in a store, do a bit a research ahead.  You should know what dresses cost, the high and the low, and find a price range that fits within your comfort zone and budget.  You don’t want to show up at the boutique and have a case of sticker shock.  You want to be the one who calls the shots, and dictates the price point. Depending on your planning time, be prepared to walk out without a dress if you feel the prices aren’t working for you.

Trying on the dresses will be a wonderful help in living the day in a white dress.  What style is comfortable on your frame?  What do you want the dress to say about you?  Classy, Sexy, Glitzy, Elegant…Let the attendant at the bridal store know this, and help them narrow down choices for you based on your wishes.  You need not try on 30 dresses to find “the one.”   Now that you have the dress on, walk around in it.  Shake your booty in it, if you plan to at the reception.  Is it comfortable, does it have slipping straps, too much fabric?  It’s a great feeling when you select the dress you feel the best in, and check it off your list.

While pricing is important for adhering to your budget, there are some other things to consider about working with professionals.  By and large, you can expect to get what you pay for.  True professionals may cost you a bit more, but what price can you put our your ease and peace of mind?  Far best to work with those who know the business and have been around the block a few times, than those who are still wet behind the ears, yet offer you a steal of a deal. By doing a bit of research up front, you can begin to formulate a list of questions you should be prepared to ask of the professionals providing goods and services.  You can glean much information from them by simply asking some key questions.

  • What is included in their price, and what is NOT included?
  • How much say will you have in the final decisions?
  • What can I expect the day of the wedding?
  • Do you have a legal contract?
  • Are you insured?
  • What happens if we have to cancel?
  • Do you guaranty your services/product?
  • Do you have references?

Where applicable, view their portfolio.  Ask them for real-life experiences, (i.e. there favorite experience, and also if the had any difficult weddings.)  You will be enlightened by the things they are willing to share.

Your vendors should see you as a person, and as an important client.  Remember, they WORK for YOU!  Do be afraid to give them an opportunity to earn your trust and business.   When you sign a contract with them you should have full confidence in the vendor and it should feel reassuring to check that detail off your To Do List.

Timing isn’t everything…but it is important

Allowing enough time to plan the wedding is important.  Weddings can be planned quickly, when necessary.  However, you may lose out on options if your planning period is too close to the actual event date.  If you do not already have a wedding checklist, you may find this site helpful: http://wedding.weddingchannel.com/planning/checklist/12-10months.asp

In your planning, please remember, the professional staff at Catering by Victoria offers the following services:
  • Exquisite Catering, for all budgets & a variety of authentic cuisines.
  • Rehearsal Dinners – Parties under 35 guests can be accommodate at Caffè Victoria.  Larger parties can be catered off-site.
  • Showers & Bachelorette Parties
  • Custom designed wedding & grooms cakes
  • Day-after brunch
  • Milestone Anniversary Parties
  • Bartending, Wait & Buffet Staff
  • Food & Wine Pairing
  • Event Planning & Coordinating

With ample time, energy and practical sense, you can plan and have a life-long dream of a wonderful wedding.  You can do all this, and work it from the angle of keeping it within your budget.  If we can help you, please do not hesitate to call.