There are some ways that you can cut costs – and it makes a huge difference.  I have gone over these ways – but I haven’t really explained how they work.  When you want a really nice wedding, and are on a tight budget in DC – you have to make some difficult choices.

My mantra – Less is more.  My 9 years of experience in the wedding industry has taught me one very tough but important lesson – you get what you pay for.  It rings true – probably in more than just DC.  It’s human nature to want a lot for very little money.  The urge is so strong – sometimes it’s overwhelming.  In all cases – in the end (more like in the middle), the client’s eyes are opened.  Not really the enlightening experience that I want my clients’ to have – or any couple.

One of my clients told me – well, Lisa, everyone has an idea of what they want their wedding to be.  True – and a little eye opening for me!  However, if you cannot pay for what you want – than that idea may have to change somewhat, no?  Alternatively, one can keep postponing – for years and years and years – with the idea that they will save to get what they want.   If you are in this category, please, let me know how that works out for you.  Maybe by “coming to terms” and making some decisions -you will be able to marry the person you cherish most in this world – and also have a memorable experience (both before and on the wedding day).

It’s simply my intention to give you the ideas and the reasoning – so that you have the tools to make the best decisions for you – and maybe dish up a little tough love.

So, here we go – just a few cost cutting ideas…

Solution 1

Decrease the guest list

Reasoning

200 guests at $100.00/person = $20,000

150 guests at $100.00/person =   $15,000

100 guests at $100.00/person = $10,000

Solution 2

Change the time of day

Reasoning

200 guests at $100.00/person = $20,000

150 guests at $100.00/person =   $15,000

100 guests at $100.00/person = $10,000

Alternatively

200 guests at  $40.00/person = $8,000

150 guests at $40.00/person = $6,000

100 guests at $40.00/person = $4,000

Solution 3

Cut out the Wedding Party

Reasoning

Rehearsal dinner – 30 guests (B&G, family, 6 BM, 6 GM, dates, Flower Girl, Ring Bearer) at $50.00/person = $1500.00

Gifts – 18 family/wedding party member at $25.00 = $450.00

Alternatively

Rehearsal dinner – 10 guests (2 moms, 2 dads, 2 grandparents, B&G, siblings) at $50.00/person = $500.00

Gifts – 10 family members at $25.00 per = $250.00

Solution 4

Get rid of the alcohol.  They will survive, I promise.

Reasoning

A lot depends upon whether you are getting married in a hotel or banquet hall, are hiring your own caterer or purchasing your own alcohol.  I will give two examples, and hopefully, one or the other will apply in your situation.

100 guests at $120.00/guest = $12,000.00

100 guests at $140.00/guest – $14,000.00

Alternatively

100 guests at $100.00/guest – $10,000.00

I hope this helps you see how much money can be saved in the different situations.  These same scenarios can be applied to your specific situation.

Happy saving!

Tags: Budget Weddings, Planning a 5000 Wedding

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 at 6:35 am and is filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.