Weddings can be expensive, so planning your wedding budget is a must. Sometimes, a couple may take a loan to have and enjoy this most memorable time. Yet, like all weddings they will have the inescapable glitches. But, I have found out that there are ways to decrease that spending frenzy, that seems so prevalent during such an occasion.
Tips for Planning Your Wedding Budget
1. Start with a budget, a food budget, and the guest list.
The luncheon is a major part of the reception and an equivalent amount of time and effort should be placed on planning the luncheon. A simple wedding could just as well offer the couple and guests cherished memories. It is good sense to plan your food, because ultimately you save in many ways and you can avoid wasting good food. You also take into consideration you own limitations (financially and physically).
A large guest list and dozens of individual appetizers is a sure recipe for a budget overdraft when you know you don't have the support to cover extra expenses. Remember that quantity does not equal quality, and pleasing everyone is costly (especially, in the Trini sense, when half of your guests would be stormers!)
2. Next, consider your beliefs, food preferences, reception site, and time of day.
This will help you devise a menu you can share with your caterer. You do not always need an exotic menu from some foreign country. A simple menu could be just as impressive to the guests. If you think of any wedding you attended you would surprisingly notice you remember the tasty cake you ate there rather than the dramatic cake you observed when you first entered the reception.
Also, a smaller guest list is so much easier for the caterer to cater to. The food is always tastier and the caterer would have been able to ensure the food tastes exquisite. They are less likely to cut corners to prepare the meals. Not to mention, the guest themselves will be happy with the few tasty entrees. However, if hors d’oeuvres must be served, stick to simple foods as it would be less expensive.
3. Accept help from family and friends, or seek their help.
Many couples seek the assistance of family and resourceful friends around this time. There you may find skillful decorators, a planner, cooks, etc. They may be very eager to give their service around this time. People love weddings and are always willing to offer their service freely. There you may also find some family or friends willing to help make the finger foods to be served between the meals. (Also a point to note, finger foods are great for shorter receptions).
Taking note of these three points will help you plan a memorable occasion for you and your family and friends. Now all you have to deal with are the “control freaks” who may want to upstage your plans on the day and impose their “ideas” of a wedding on you.