Planning The Wedding - Part 2
Setting a Budget
The first step in putting together a budget is making calls to find out approximately how much things cost. Then set budget guidelines that are as honest as you can make them.
If you find you need to cut back, remember that the budget for food, beverages, support staff and the like is proportional to the number of guests, as is the size (and cost) of the hall you'll need to rent. Other areas where you can trim costs include flowers, transportation (kibosh the limo), catering, miscellaneous reception items, disc jockey, and invitations. Consider borrowing where you can, such as renting flowers from a nursery or borrowing a friend's antique car. Also, making items yourself, such as clothing, food, or invitations, will further reduce costs.
The following is a rough breakdown by percentage of the costs for a typical wedding. As more guests are invited, the reception costs rise and the remaining items drop proportionally:
| Reception | 60% |
| Clothing | 10% |
| Music | 10% |
| Flowers | 10% |
| Stationery | 5% |
| Miscellaneous | 5% |
Tips on Choosing a Site
By now you probably have a good idea of the kind of wedding you want. You know what style it will be and what your estimated budget is.
You should start shopping for a site early, at least 10 months before the wedding, because popular locations book up early. If you wait too long, you'll either be shut out from the site you want, or you'll be forced to pay top dollar. Before shopping, though, finalize the number of guests as best you can. Most places are very specific about the number they can hold due to fire safety laws, building codes, and profitability reasons. If you select a site and then your numbers change, you may lose both your site and your deposit.
When interviewing sites, ask the following questions:
- Prices -- do they change depending on the time of day and season?
- How many people can the site hold?
- What services, such as catering, does the site offer?
- What hours will it be available to your party?
- Will there be another party taking place at the same time?
- How are the parking arrangements and accessibility?
Items to put in writing might include the date and hours the room will be available; staffing services; the type of food and the way it will be served; the hours the bar will be open; the type of glasses drinks are served in and dishes food is served in; any other charges, such as a corkage charge for bringing in liquor not bought on the premises; the exact room to be used and the look of the room; and whether the quoted price includes tax and tip.
Bridal Consultants
They have design experience, they know where to shop for bargains, and they may get you special discounts. They'll save time, and if they are any good, they will actually save you money -- even considering their fee.
Their job can include selecting a caterer, finding the right music and florist, advising on invitation wording, and helping with arrangements at the church. For a flat fee, you can get a one-time consultation to start you on your way. Or you can hire a consultant on a full-service basis, in which case you should expect to sign a contract that stipulates the responsibilities and liabilities of the consultant. Their price may be on a percentage basis (usually 10-20 percent of the total wedding cost), or it may be derived from a flat fee or an hourly rate.
When looking for a consultant, you can research them by checking with local business organizations or associations. You may be able to get a referral from a local bridal consultant association.
