Bridal Budget Beware

Getting hitched, taking the plunge, tying the knot, jumping the broom--whatever you call it, chances are you know it ain't cheap to say "I do."

But do you know the real sticker price of a wedding these days? You may want to have a seat for this one. According to a 2005 survey by The Fairchild Bridal Group, the average cost of a wedding is $26,327. And no, that's not a typo.

So that's the bad news. The good news is that you can do it for less and still have the wedding of your dreams. And you won't have to cut your guest list down to 10 or have a cash bar at your reception.

But before you begin crunching numbers and cutting budgets, figure out which elements of your wedding are most important. Start with a list of the major bridal expenditures (cake, ceremony/reception location, flowers, food, formal wear, honeymoon, invitations, music, photographer, and videographer) and rate them in numerical order. Once you've done that, you'll have a better understanding of your expectations for your wedding.

So on to the free advice...

Not all 'weddings on a budget' advice has to focus on settling for the next best thing. There are lots of ways to save money and still get precisely what you always dreamed of having. For example:

- Once you've picked out the perfect wedding gown, go online and see if you can find a better price. There are several reliable, online bridal retailers that also operate their own bridal salons--so you won't have to worry about fly-by-night operations and poor customer service. (And yes, they offer brand name gowns.)

- Do the same for your shoes and accessories. Many of these online shops have free shipping and no sales tax--so that's money in your pocket.

- If you're serving alcohol at your reception, ask your caterer if they charge a corkage fee. If they don't, look in to purchasing it through a wholesaler, local retailer, or even online. You're going to get better prices.

- Instead of hiring a professional videographer, get a friend or hire a student from your local university to do the handiwork.

- Ready-made favors can cost upwards of $3 per person. And most of the cost associated with these little tokens of appreciation is labor. So make them yourself...it's not that hard and can be lots of fun!

- Instead of buying expensive, personalized thank you cards, buy boxed thank-you cards. You can find beautiful ones at a card store, bookstore, or stationer.

- If your guests aren't big on dancing, think about skipping the DJ or band. Instead, hire a solo musician for a romantic touch.

- If you're having an outdoor ceremony or reception, use potted plants instead of expensive floral arrangements. Not only will you save money, but you'll get to take the flowers home and watch them grow through the years.

- Have your reception at a local restaurant. Many don't charge a location/rental fee AND you won't have to rent tables, chairs, or linens.

Planning a wedding on a budget doesn't have to be painful. And it certainly doesn't mean that you can't have everything you always dreamed of. It's about being spending your money wisely...and perhaps saving a little so you can buy furniture AFTER the wedding.

Jessica Bonilla is the owner and editor of http://www.e-wedding-planner.com/ -- the source that makes online wedding planning a lot easier.

Copyright 2005.

---

Fine Plus Size Mother Of The Bride Dresses

There are many choices available when shopping for fine plus... Read More

Wedding Favors That Embrace Nature?s Beauty

A wedding planned in the spirit of nature provides the... Read More

Las Vegas Wedding Packages

One of the good things about Las Vegas Wedding Packages... Read More

Wedding Tips

Weddings are made in heaven, they say, but they have... Read More

Man Made Diamonds, The Affordable Alternative

Diamonds may be a woman's best friend, but modern man... Read More

How To Fight Cultural Differences In Marriage And Stay Happy

When people plan to marry, they expect to find in... Read More

Diamond Engagement Ring, on Two Months Salary - Maybe Not!

Diamond spending - well, that is up to you. What... Read More

Planning Your Wedding Reception

Great deals can be found when you know how much... Read More

Weddings - Wedding Plan - Wedding Planner Tools - Ten Essential Tips

Getting Married? Congratulations! You just set the date for the... Read More

How to Find The Perfect Wedding Dress

You want the perfect wedding dress, so you have made... Read More

Wedding Rings ? Through the Ages and for All Eternity

The exact origin of the wedding ring is uncertain and... Read More

A Butterfly Release; Alternatives to Throwing Rice

Brides are looking for different ways to make their wedding... Read More

Wedding Day Hair Styles - A Top Ten Checklist

The big day is fast approaching, and the energy of... Read More

Planning the Menu for Your Wedding Reception

When you are planning a budgeted menu, you must first... Read More

Diamond Hunting

Diamond hunting can be quite traumatic for the uninitiated. It... Read More

Belize Honeymoon Resorts

The enchanting Belize honeymoon resorts captivate every visitor through the... Read More

2005 Mother Of Bride Dress

A 2005 mother of bride dress tends to have a... Read More

Wedding Videography - When Getting it Right on the 1st Take Counts, Hire a Professional

Getting married is one of the most stressful events anyone... Read More

A Look at Maui Wedding Cakes

Since Maui and Hawaii in general have been blessed with... Read More

The Charm of Homemade Wedding Favors

Homemade wedding favors come from a centuries old tradition of... Read More

How to Plan a Cheap Wedding

There's no doubt about it, weddings can be expensive. The... Read More

What Can We Learn From the ?Runaway Bride? Story?

Have you heard enough about the "Runaway Bride" yet? Well,... Read More

Are You Fully Present in Your Marriage?

"Presence is more than just being there," states Malcolm S.Forbes.... Read More

What Happens If You Dont Wear Proper Wedding Shoes?

Here comes the bride! Walking through the alley confidence holding... Read More

Your Wedding Invitation?s in the (e)Mail: Pros and Cons of the Virtual Wedding Invitation

From purchasing the garter to choosing the photographer, brides (and... Read More

Bridal Shower Games Are Extremely Fun!

Bridal shower games are a wonderful way to put your... Read More

Florida Beach Weddings

There is nothing more romantic than a wedding by water... Read More

Exotic Island Wedding! Where Dreams Truly Come True in Paradise

As a travel professional considering an exotic island wedding was... Read More

Before You Begin Marriage Counseling, Ask This Question

There's an important question that you need to ask the... Read More

Wedding Dresses - What To Wear

You have begun to plan your wedding and you want... Read More

Considering Success in Marriage

Your success in marriage depends largely upon having sound and... Read More

Choosing Your Groomsmen: No Matter What They Say, Nobody Must Be In the Wedding Party

Your lovely fiancée has chosen her 'maids, and now you're... Read More

Creating A Wedding Budget You Can Afford

The most important part of planning a wedding is setting... Read More