Wedding Savings Tips

FleurdeLaDay

Ok so I'm recently engaged and I'm wondering how am I gonna pay for a wedding! In the past my mother has offered to pay for my wedding but I'm currently not sure how able she will be to keep that promise since sheis helping to me pay for study abroad in France this summer. As a 1L law studnet I am not allowed to work so my FH is the bread and butter when it comes to finances so I've discussed with him about statrting a bank account that we can put money in to save for our wedding. I envsion our wedding will be expensive and we are planning that if we dont get married at the end of 2013 then we are shooting for Spring/ summer 2014. Does anybody have any suggestions on how they saved or cut corners for their big day? I would appreciate it. One tip I have heard is to not get married in the summer since that is wedding season and it is cheaper in the off season months. Only issue with that is our wedding colors contain apple green which is a spring summer color and it is a very special color to me to have as part of our wedding colors since my FH picked it and green was my deseased grandmothers favorite color who bought the dress I will be wearing to my ceremony (the dress isnt green though lol). So I'm stuck but any help or advice is greatly appreciated thanks!!!

MissusD1116

It seems as if you guys need to set a date first. Next is budget (how much tops are you willing to spend on a wedding?) From there, then you know how to plan financially. I know it's only January but the end of 2013 will be here before you know it. Once you and FI set a date and budget, you can figure out venue (which is most brides bulk of the budget) and so on...that way you can get an idea of how much you need to save and how you can make cuts. Sure you can put money back but you have to have a budget to work with first. HTH

FleurdeLaDay

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_wedding-savings-tips?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:f4247107-3bad-45f9-9c39-933f8b233944Post:62d4912e-8d0f-489a-8cdb-4c0bf0d69050">Re: Wedding Savings Tips</a>:
[QUOTE]It seems as if you guys need to set a date first. Next is budget (how much tops are you willing to spend on a wedding?) From there, then you know how to plan financially. I know it's only January but the end of 2013 will be here before you know it. Once you and FI set a date and budget, you can figure out venue (which is most brides bulk of the budget) and so on...that way you can get an idea of how much you need to save and how you can make cuts. Sure you can put money back but you have to have a budget to work with first. HTH
Posted by MissusD1116[/QUOTE]

<div>I cant even think about a budget honestly or at leats I'm trying not to. lol! We are stuck between 2 dates of July 17, 2014 or sometime in December.  I really dont even know where to start with a budget or figuring out what to include in my budget. Should my budget just be for the wedding (cereminy/ reception) or the ENTIRE wedding process (honeymoon, wedding, ceremony, cocktail hour, etc) included. So I guess that is my first question what do I include in my budget other than the venue? I know I want a free/ extreemly cheap ceremony venue and I want to spend the bulk of my money on my cocktail hour and recepton venue along with my food. I have an idea that I want to keep my dress under 9,000$ since it will only be worn at the reception. Guest count is about 100 or less roughly is what we are shooting for. IS there anyway I could get a budget checklist to factor in what I need to consider when making a budget?  </div>

MrsBad13

Even though I had already envisioned how I want my wedding to be I set my budget 12k. I figured at least half would go to venue, food and liquor. The other half was set for dress, decor, dj, photog, videographer, chair covers, cake , STD, invites, and the litte bit flowers that I will have. Most of what I just listed is the main important stuff. I did not include accessories, BP gifts, guests favors, and other miscellaneous stuff. Im using the knots budget check list and I like it. Maybe try that. I cut out alot of things like shopping, going on 1 vacation instead of 2, having more date nights in, not eating out or going to the movies as much. DIM doing it myself most of the decor. As of right now I am under my budget by 3500. We have this number because we down graded our HM destination. So maybe you can take each category and write down estimated amount on what you want to spend on. Ex your dress 9k, venue 3k, cake 500 and so on. HTH

CaseynMike

I agree with previous posts. Where are you all planning on getting married. If you go shopping at off the rack you can definitely find a dress for LESS than 9k or go to sample sales. I found several dresses for less than $600 at places in Baton Rouge. FI and I basically decided that my money I am not going to be paying in rent will be set aside and he is going to match that. You may get many blessings along the way from other people that you didnt expect. As far as keeping costs down really research the look you want for your wedding, flowers, linens and such. I am here in BR with you and wouldn't mind helping you at all. HTH

Case

FleurdeLaDay

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_wedding-savings-tips?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:f4247107-3bad-45f9-9c39-933f8b233944Post:a8d3267f-0860-4caa-bc4c-3b79f653fa7e">Re: Wedding Savings Tips</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with previous posts. Where are you all planning on getting married. If you go shopping at on the rack you can definitely find a dress for LESS than 9k or go to sample sales. I found several dresses for less than $600 at places in Baton Rouge. FI and I basically decided that my money I am not going to be paying in rent will be set aside and he is going to match that. You may get many blessings along the way from other people that you didnt expect. As far as keeping costs down really research the look you want for your wedding, flowers, linens and such. I am here in BR with you and wouldn't mind helping you at all. HTH Case
Posted by CaseynMike[/QUOTE]

<div>I plan on getting married (the actual ceremoy) somewhere cheap or free! lol I feel its unnecessary to spend money for the ceremony since I plan to have a short ceremony. The cheaper the better as far as my ceremony space is concerned. I plan to get married in Houston which is my hometown and I know of a place in downtown that is nice that does not charge to be rented the only issue is I could only see it being used as a cocktail hour space. I woudl use an outdorr location but that is hit or miss depending on weather conditions. le sigh</div><div>I want a custom dress from Baracci or a Jovani dress for my reception since I already have my dress for my ceremony. I dont want flowers other than bouquets and boutineers in my wedding. I originally wanted to rent the HMNS out as my wedding space but that was crazy expensive so I'm still looking. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-undecided.gif" border="0" alt="Undecided" title="Undecided" /></div><div>
</div><div>Thanks Case!!!  </div>

keyaira04

I agree with MissusD advice and want to go back to it. 1) Pick a date. You have an idea, which is good. You also have a in-season (july) and off-season (Dec) date. Research and then think about the pros and cons of in season vs off season. Tip: Consider a Friday or Sunday wedding. I received discounts from 80% of my vendors by following my BFF advice to have a Friday wedding. 2) Budget. Ther is alot to consider. But before getting overwhelmed, you talk about your situation clearly above. So you and FI should discuss what the two of you can afford to do. From there, include your families in the convo, seeing how much they would like to contribute, if any. Then go from there on setting a budget. Tip: www.thecostofwedding.com was a great reference point in helping us consider the cost of a wedding in our city of choice. We are under the avg in the area, but I will say much if the prices such as entertainment, services, etc are on point and close to quotes we received. Look for Houston! 3) Guest List. Again, a rough estimate. But know doing step 3 before step 2 is sometime sticky. We listed our guests and placed it on a table. Some then allow their parents to provide a list; we informed our parents how many guests they were allowed since we are hosting the wedding. May help you find a space that fits your guests needs. Houston. Low to no cost ceremony location. Downtown venue. Not alot of flowers. July or Dec wedding. 100+ guests. Sounds like you have some ideas so far.

nursing2u

I truly agree with others.. 1) definitely figuring out how much your FI can afford. that is first because that will help you figure out how long you will need to pay for our big day... because you have to think about deposits and paying things off as you go. 2) also figuring out what type of wedding you want to have. Ex. Size, number of guests... upscale...easy going.. do you want to hire a WP or do most yourself.. those things make a diff also. 3) as Case said. I am sure you can find an AMAZING RECEPTION DRESS for wayyyy under 9000... And with school and studying abroad...you need to take all that into account with planning...

CaseynMike

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_wedding-savings-tips?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:f4247107-3bad-45f9-9c39-933f8b233944Post:c100a61e-1950-4083-94cd-75c734616ace">Re: Wedding Savings Tips</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Wedding Savings Tips : I plan on getting married (the actual ceremoy) somewhere cheap or free! lol I feel its unnecessary to spend money for the ceremony since I plan to have a short ceremony. The cheaper the better as far as my ceremony space is concerned. I plan to get married in Houston which is my hometown and I know of a place in downtown that is nice that does not charge to be rented the only issue is I could only see it being used as a cocktail hour space. I woudl use an outdorr location but that is hit or miss depending on weather conditions. le sigh I want a custom dress from Baracci or a Jovani dress for my reception since I already have my dress for my ceremony. I dont want flowers other than bouquets and boutineers in my wedding. I originally wanted to rent the HMNS out as my wedding space but that was crazy expensive so I'm still looking.  Thanks Case!!!  
Posted by FleurdeLaDay[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Hey homegirl I am from Htown as well!! I used to live off 288 and Holly Hall! Ok so yeah the HMNS is awesome but expensive. I am not sure of many places that or offer free ceremony sites. Yeah Texas weather is as bipolar as Louisiana weather...I hope that you find something and yeah Jovani prices aren't that bad compared to an actual wedding gown! Good luck to you!

</div>

CreoleBride30

There are several websites that offer budget checklists and budgeting worksheets online. 

www.Weddingwire.com is one

www.theknot.com has one

Just simply search for it and a plethora of sites will be available to you.  Happy planning!

Cha

MrsHoward2Be

Save your tax return if your get one Change cell phone plans Get rid of cable Don't go out to eat Don't take a vacation Have a yard sale Sale some unwanted stuff on ebay

MrsHoward2Be

Get married on a Friday or Sunday Skip favors Get married earlier Don't do dinner brunch or lunch is cheaper Skip the DJ and use a iPod

aquari0216

I'm having a nice theme wedding and reception at a budget after all added in and counted of 6k....it can be done, that included my dress and all. Free ceremony at my favorite fountain or I could've paid an extra 500 to my reception venue to do ceremony in another room and 4500 for reception venue...all inclusive....there are venues that do that...mine includes a free whirlpool suite for us, discounted hotel room block, cake, chair covers, light decor, plated dinner....shop around honey, get the most for your money.....i got a beautiful dress offline for 163 dollars....usually a big no no but I guess I was blessed...alot of things are DIY projects like bouquets, boutonnieres, card box, guest book....we are using silk flowers from www.silkflowersfactory.com,

M1ssJ

These ladies have great suggestions

You have to pick your date and make your guest list first. Your guest list determines everything.... your menu, venu, invitations, etc

Stick to your list and make an A and B list. some peoples feelings will be hurt no matter what you do.

Anywhoo significant cuts came for us by having a Sunday brunch wedding. It was half the price of a dinner. 1/3 of the price of a Saturday dinner.

Consider breakfast or lunch receptions.

Use VistaPrint for every paper product possible

Employ Groupons

Buy used items from other brides. 

aquari0216

In Response to Re:Wedding Savings Tips:[QUOTE]These ladies have great suggestionsYou have to pick your date and make your guest list first. Your guest list determines everything.... your menu, venu, invitations, etcStick to your list and make an A and B list. some peoples feelings will be hurt no matter what you do.Anywhoo significant cuts came for us by having a Sunday brunch wedding. It was half the price of a dinner. 1/3 of the price of a Saturday dinner.Consider breakfast or lunch receptions.Use VistaPrint for every paper product possibleEmploy GrouponsBuy used items from other brides.nbsp; Posted by M1ssJ[/QUOTE]
Hell there are options cheaper than vistaprint.....<a href="http://www.annsbridalbargains.com...." rel="nofollow">www.annsbridalbargains.com....</a>

M1ssJ

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_wedding-savings-tips?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:f4247107-3bad-45f9-9c39-933f8b233944Post:f7a9d44a-3d2f-487d-9b4c-31295b4e0573">Re:Wedding Savings Tips</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Wedding Savings Tips: Hell there are options cheaper than vistaprint..... <a href="http://www.annsbridalbargains.com...." rel="nofollow">www.annsbridalbargains.com....</a>
Posted by aquari0216[/QUOTE]

They are cheaper! forgot about them

FleurdeLaDay

LAWDY!!! Thank you so much ladies for your input. I see a lot of great ideas.

I'm very interested in the idea of getting married on a Friday or Sunday

The DIY options are also great 

I'm definietly trying to stay between a 50-100 person guestlist 

I'm going to keep all this in mind and thanks so much for the help!!

kala1322

you may also want to enter contests, attend bridal shows to...enter contests, watch wedding blogs to....enter contests, and look for contests you can enter lol. Seriously, we won some things and my moto has been "anything I can get free is one less thing I have to pay for." Aside from paper products, Groupon/Living Social often have limo deals, photo booth deals, and pampering (mani/pedi/spa) deals. Anything you can do yourself, do it if it won't bring about too much stress.

keysmit

I was in my friend wedding in 2011 and she was in law school as well and planned a nice wedding in 6 months.... She bought her dress from once wed.. For less than 400. and it wasn't used. it was new... Consider having a fall wedding i would say and do it on a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon. Sat are usually the expensive day.. I agree with PP about creating a budget and setting a date.. From there you should talk to ppl in your family and see who they know and how they can help.. For instance, i have a family friend being my coordinator, she is not charging us anything but i will give her something, and pick a budget friendly reception venue and make the best of everything.. Also figure  out what DIY projects you can do to save on certain stuff.