Posts Tagged ‘Budget Weddings’
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!
Planning a $5,000.00 wedding in DC is not easy. In fact, I think it’s one of the most challenging projects I have undertaken. Not only do you encounter all the normal stuff one encounters when planning a Washington DC wedding, you also have to deal with all the stuff one encounters when planning a Washington DC wedding inexpensively, and you have to deal with the unknown. You can get over all the other stuff, but it’s the unknown that can get ya – if you let it.
It’s Murphy’s law. You just have to plan for it. During the planning process, your car is going to break down, or the computer that you need is going to get a indestructible virus (that destroys your computer), or your furnace will break in the middle of winter. Something can – and will happen. It’s inevitable – how could it not? Especially if you take 6 months, a year – or more to plan your wedding. It’s going to happen – and if you are not ready – it’s devastating.
I’ve seen it.
So, what do you do When you are planning for a wedding on a tight budget in DC? You also have to plan for the unknown.
Some things that may help
1. Have all the wedding money prior to planning. Put it in a separate account.
2. Plan to have more than the money for your wedding. If you want to spend $5,000.00 on your wedding, have $7,500.00 in the account.
3. Have a disaster fund (this is important at all times). Just keep it going throughout life.
4. Discipline
5. Be proactive
Things you should not do
1. Call Lisa and cancel your entire wedding. Not good. Not good at all.
2. Become a nervous wreck. Bad Bridal Karma
3. Get crazy and squawk like a chicken. Bad idea
4. Take it out on your mechanic. Maybe – they are always a good target.
kidding!
I hope this post gives you some ideas of ways you can become proactive – and to prepare. Plan for the unexpected and you will plan for your budget DC wedding!
Happy planning!
Who knew that Nordstrom had a wedding shop? It’s cool because there are some very good options for the Bride under $500.00. They also have something for your Bridesmaids, mothers, and fathers – oh my! Of course, they also have accessories for your feet, neck, head – and everything in between.
Check out the Nordstrom Bridal Shop
Thanks Mom!
Happy shopping and saving!
Unfortunately, I do not get the opportunity to help create dreams on a $5,000.00 budget too often. Why? It’s because most couples want to spend the money that they have on their wedding – and not hearing me rant, rave, and carry on!
Sad, but true.
Thing is, I think I have some really wonderful ideas on how to make this budget work and create an air of elegance and taste – which is one reason I decided to pursue this blog series. Why should I keep it to myself? With that said, when I do work with couples, I make sure to adequately prepare them before we sign the contract. There are a few fundamentals that must be understood before we venture on this exciting journey – because planning a wedding on $66.67/guest in the DC area is not easy. All of the preconceived notions of what a wedding is – needs to be thrown out – revisited – revised – stylized – and realized. Once the realization takes place – the possibilities are limitless.
What are the basic fundamentals?
- Forget about getting married in or around Washington DC. Just forgetaboutit! Not happening.
- Allow the dreams of a meal flow from your mind. Definitely not enough dough to do that.
- Long gone are the days of olde! Large wedding parties are out. It’s 2010 – and 1 attendant is in! Better yet, no attendants. Ask your guests to honor you by sitting in their seats and enjoying the day.
- The four hour reception is a no-go. Sorry! Short and sweet, a lot of spunk and sass – but always with an air of elegance, class and taste.
- Hotel? No.
- The big white dress – well that’s ify. I tend to venture on the side of quality rather than quantity, but others might not necessarily share my ideals. There are ways to get the large white dress on significant discount. Whats more important than that, is that the dress reflects the feeling and theme of the day! The Bride is, after all, the center of attention. All eyes are on her, and it’s her attire that will make a break a theme.
- Prioritize…prioritize…prioritize. Determine what you can live without.
Everything else – possible on $66.67/guest! Want to find out how? Come back next week (or everyday)! We will talk about choosing a venue.
Just a note:
I convinced my client to drop their guest list. We got a 15 person drop! Great going! So, now we are working with
$81.97/guest
Happy planning!
I have been hired to help a very nice couple plan their $4,000-$,5000.00 wedding for 75 guests. No, not for just the food, but for the entire event. Luckily, they are open to ideas – as I could not plan the wedding any other way. Still, it’s very difficult – the preconceived notions about what a wedding is supposed to be, the meals, the decor, the venue. Pressure from friends and family members – Pressure from the couple, themselves – it’s overwhelming.
When you are working with this type of budget, all of those preconceived notions of what a wedding should be need to fly out of the window. With a budget of $5,000.00 for 75 people- you are working with $66.00 per guest for the entire wedding. In Washington DC, it’s a huge challenge- especially because everything I do, I do with a very high expectation – and so do my clients. Luckily, I like a challenge!
So, where do you start? What do you do? What do you serve?
Good question!
I imagine there are others with similar situations, so I am going to warm your hearts by bringing you through the exciting process on how you plan a high end wedding for $66.67/guest in Washington DC Metro area!
It’s going to be an amazing ride!
See you next Saturday!
