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.

---

Marriage Advice: Twelve Steps to Creating an Affair-Proof Marriage

There's no way to absolutely guarantee that your marriage won't... Read More

Marriage Advice: Seven Marriage Myths You Can?t Afford to Ignore

If you're like most people, you probably entered into marriage... Read More

Minor But Important Duties For Your Wedding Party, Bridesmaids, and Groomsmen

Your wedding party is a major factor in the success... Read More

Why You Should Buy that Wedding Gift from the Gift Registry - OR, the Wedding Gifts from Hell!

When you come to choose a wedding gift it's no... Read More

New Findings on Happiness Have Implications for Rocky Marriages

Not only do individuals who follow Time Magazine's "Eight Steps... Read More

Honeymoon Destinations

Your big day is now over all the stress of... Read More

How To Keep Love Growing Through All The Ups And Downs

The relationship expert on i.village.com, I am the author of... Read More

Expert Tips on Making Your Own Wedding Stationery

Vital tips on making your own wedding invitations - by... Read More

The Engagement Ring Bling

How much should you spend on a diamond engagement ring?$100?$1000?How... Read More

Family Law

A frustrating lack of permanence plagues modern relationships. Approximately one... Read More

Growing and Connecting with Your Spouse

Do you remember when there were no children in your... Read More

Las Vegas Wedding Receptions

Las Vegas wedding receptions are where people tend to go... Read More

Marriage Advice: Ten Ways to Add Romance to Your Marriage

Every marriage needs a healthy dose of on-going romance to... Read More

Prenuptial Agreements: The Deal Breaker?

So you're toying with the idea of getting married? Maybe... Read More

Saving Money on Photography for Your Wedding

Weddings are momentous occasions to all people involved; especially the... Read More

Twelve Ways to Make Your Spouse Dislike Sex

It's really not difficult to ruin what could have been... Read More

Lighting The Way When Two Become One

Whether you want to add a little extra romance to... Read More

Planning the Music for Your Wedding Ceremony

It's safe to say that out of all the events... Read More

Wedding Photography - Tips for a Wonderful Session

Every couple wants wonderful photos of their wedding day that... Read More

Let Your Wedding Flowers Speak the Language of Love

Congratulations! You have found the man of your dreams and... Read More

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ring

Traditionally, a wedding band was worn on the ring finger... Read More

Marriage Counseling: What Do Husbands Really Want in a Wife?

Because many men do not discuss feelings as easily as... Read More

Wedding Favors: A Brief History

For many centuries wedding favors have been a part of... Read More

Cultivating Spiritual Intimacy

When two people - destined for each other, come together,... Read More

Wedding Reception Made for You

No matter how well you plan all the aspects of... 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

Do You Hear Wedding Bells?

So you've been in that perfect relationship for some time... Read More

The Perfect String Quartet Repertoire for Your Wedding

Here follows suggestions and tips that will help you determine... Read More

The (American) Bride Wore Red

Increasing numbers of American brides are thinking about doing the... Read More

Eight Ways to Divorce Proof Your Marriage

1) Write a mission statement:Most brides spend more time planning... Read More

Fitness Tips For Looking Your Best On Your Wedding Day

Every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day.... Read More

Intimacy, What is It Really?

Simply put, intimacy is more than sex or making love.... Read More

How to Have a Dream Wedding on a Budget

No one wants to pay more than they have to... Read More