Image by sunshinecity via FlickrIt's one thing to set a budget when planning a wedding on a small budget, the real challenge is staying within your budget, once you get down to the actual planning. The secret to staying on budget is being well organized. The more work you put into organizing the less chance you have of falling off the rails.Here are some useful steps to help you get organized:
Do Some Research
Before you even begin picking venues, suppliers etc make sure you check out all your options. Get at least 2-3 quotes or estimates on everything and then compare them to make sure you get the best value for your money.
Make up a folder and divide it into sections for each part of your wedding. Keep all the wedding related information in this folder and always keep it updated as you go.
Get It In Writing
Try to get all quotes and estimates in writing, a quote is usually seen as a fixed price legally binding agreement, where an estimate is just a guide. When making bookings, don't just take it for granted that everything is included. Make sure you get written confirmation as to what is included for the price and what is not. This way you can avoid unexpected surprises when you get the total bill and it's
higher than the original quote.
Make sure there are no hidden costs, for example the reception: things such as will you be charged if costs of services or supplies increase between the time you make a booking and the wedding day itself. Be sure you enquire about possible additional charges due to things like your reception going overtime, you underestimate the bar tab budget, or if tax is extra.
Some Questions To Ask Potential Suppliers
When you're doing your research on finding suppliers for all the elements of your wedding, these are some important questions that you should be asking:
1. Do you have a catalog/photos of previous weddings you've done?
2. What is and isn't included in the price?
3. Do you have special packages for weddings?
4. Can you give us an itemized quote on what's included in the price?
5. Do you have references or recommendations from past clients?
6. What is the cancellation policy?
7. Do you have payment terms and when do we have to pay?
8. How many weddings do you handle in a day?
The Best Time To Plan A Wedding On A Small Budget
Make sure you start planning your wedding early. Try to plan your wedding during the off peak seasons of the year around spring to summer. Also avoid the holiday weekends as well. These periods are in high demand and not only is it difficult to get bookings but prices are usually higher.
Things like reception venues, accommodation and airline flights are more expensive during the peak seasons. This could have a big effect on your overall wedding budget.
Easy Ways To Save Money Towards Your Wedding Budget
1. Open a special wedding account: a high interest account where your wedding money is kept separate from your normal bank accounts. Organize to have money from your income directly deposited into this account on a regular basis.
2. DIY: there are lots of things you can do yourself that can save lots of money and give your wedding a more personal touch. Things like planning your own wedding, wedding stationery, favors, decorations etc. If you don't feel confident to do these on your own, find someone you know who is creative and ask for their help.
3. Cut down: things like taking lunch to work instead of buying it or cutting back on the number of coffees you buy. Cook at home more and less eating out.
Keep a note of all the money you spend over a week or two and then sit down and work out where you cut back or change something. You'd be amazed at how much you could save if you were to cut back on spending by at least 10%.
Ways To Save Money On Your Wedding
1. Bridal expos: these are a great place to take advantage of discount offers and coupons or try samples of products. It's also a great place to see all the wedding suppliers and products all under the one roof and then compare prices and services.
2. EBay: a great place to save on almost every aspect of your wedding from the dress to wedding favors, stationery and jewelry to name a few. Just make sure to carefully check the product before you buy. Keep a record of the product description and photos if you do purchase to make sure the product is what it claims to be.
3. Discount stores: you can save a lot of money by shopping at these stores for things like wedding attire, cakes, flowers, decorations, favors etc.
Of course if you are planning a wedding on a small budget, you probably want to get the best value for your money. Finding the best bargains for your wedding can be a frustrating challenge, often the best deals aren't advertised.
If you've always dreamed of walking down the aisle in one of those designer gowns you've seen in the magazines or you have a picture of the perfect wedding reception but felt there was no way you could afford it, then I recommend you get this wedding planning guide.
If you don't want to risk missing out on your dream wedding then this guide will not only help you plan your entire wedding but will also show you how you can save thousands of dollars on your wedding and so you can afford the wedding you really deserve.
Good luck with your wedding planning.
Regards,
The Wedding Fairy.
Visit weddingfairyplanner.com
