How To Keep Wedding Planning Costs Down
Most newly engaged couples are shocked to find out that the average wedding planning costs will be over $10,000. In some cities, that amount can top $15,000 or much much more, depending on ameneties. However, with good organizational skills, a bit of ingenuity and the assistance of a professional wedding planner, it can be done more cheaply.
The first thing to do is set a realistic budget that you can stick to. This is a critical element for keeping your costs down. Engaged couples can very easily get carried away during the planning process, and quickly surpass their budget plans. A wedding budget can be broken down into the following categories: reception, music, photography, flowers, bride’s attire and “odds and ends”. As an approximate guideline, you should devote 50 percent of your budget to the reception (this includes the site, food, drink, rentals, service and cake) and 10 percent each to the other categories. While these amounts are flexible, they do provide a workable starting point.
A Wedding Planner Can Help You Keep Track Of Costs
Hiring a wedding planner is the best way to keep track of the numerous details, including the budget. One of the biggest mistakes couples make is not planning ahead. When things come to the wire, all budgets may become useless. A wedding planner can keep track of all your wedding needs and make sure you come out under budget. Also, a wedding planner can keep track of the odds and ends better than you can, so it may be in your best interest to get help when you start this process.
Find Wedding Locations To Fit Your Budget
The right wedding locations can be the your biggest expense, it’s also usually where you will save the most money. Most standard reception locations can be costly, especially if you are required to use the in-house catering service. You should have your wedding planner look for a site such as a home, park, museum, public garden or other venues. It also helps to avoid planning for the peak wedding months, May, June, July and August, because most aspects of the wedding business are more likely to negotiate a lower fee during slow periods.

