We all know that weddings are expensive, but not all of us know the ins and outs of saving money when it comes to creating the wedding of your dreams. That’s why Wedding and Party Network is here to be your personal wedding planner for the day! Here are some great ways to save money on your wedding! Continue reading "Ways to Save on Your Wedding" »
Before you start planning your wedding, you should know which parts are going to take up most of your budget. This will help you stick to your budget and not suffer from shock when you get quotes from your vendors. Continue reading "What are the most expensive parts of a wedding?" »
We are not going to lie and tell you that wedding planning is all smiles and excitement. It takes a lot of work to plan a magical wedding day of your dreams. There are many decisions, deadlines and responsibilities that tend to fall on the bride’s shoulders. Instead of reaching for cookie dough or simply not eating anything at all, deal with your stress in a more productive way.
At Wedding and Party Network our vendors have years of experience working with brides. They have given us many suggestions on how brides can avoid stress during their engagement season. Take a look at what you can do to have a stress-free wedding planning experience.
1.Say no to the DIY projects
With Pinterest and Instagram it’s easy to get caught up in a long list of projects that you want to get done for the wedding. DIY projects are a great way to save money but typically add to a bride’s stress level. Although it is tough to admit, sometimes it is worth it to spend a little bit of money on an item even if you know you could do it yourself.
2. Eat right
This is especially important the month of your wedding. As the day approaches if you start to feel overwhelmed don’t indulge in junk food or not eat anything at all. Keep healthy snacks in your kitchen that you can grab when you need a stress reliever. We also suggest keeping a water bottle on your person at all times. Staying hydrated keeps headaches away and helps your skin stay clear.
Need help sticking to your wedding budget? This week's wedding tip gives you a few ideas on cutting costs but still having your dream wedding.
There are other numerous ways you can easily cut costs. Also, don't forget to talk with your vendors. They may have budget friendly packages or know of ways to cut costs as well.
I've just been asked to be in a wedding. How can I hint or talk with the bride about the strict budget I am on?
Answer:
Be up front with her. It's better for her to know now than later after she has picked out a dress. It would be inconsiderate for you to know this from the beginning but not talk with her. If you are important enough to be in her wedding, she should understand that you're on a budget. You can either turn it down or tell her that you don't have much in your budget to spend on a dress or shoes. This gives her the option of finding another bridesmaid or a more budget friendly bridesmaid's dress.
We hope this answered your question!
If you have more wedding questions, send them to: social@weddingandpartynetwork.com
Every Wednesday we will post answers to your biggest wedding questions.
Do I have to pay my out-of-town guests' hotel?
Answer:
You aren't obligated to pay your guests' lodging and travel expenses. You can, however, reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel to help your out-of-town guests plan for the best accommodations. Be ready to help out your guests with any questions and directions they need.
We hope this answered your question!
If you have more wedding questions, send them to: social@weddingandpartynetwork.com
Every Wednesday we will post answers to your biggest wedding questions.
Now that you've picked a date and found your dream wedding location, what's next? It's easy to become overwhelmed with endless costs of what seem to keep coming your way. Cost is a big factor for most brides when planning a wedding. How can you plan the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank? Wedding and Party Network has 5 tips on how you can cut back for your wedding.
Some brides go with a live band or a dj. If you're having trouble deciding and are looking to cut costs, go with a dj. Bands are fun to have at a wedding, however, djs cost less. Plus, if you enjoy hearing the original artist sing the song, this is the way to go.
Shoes are so important to brides, however, are you looking to cut costs? Why spend a fortune on a pair of shoes that no one sees and you'll wear for a couple of hours? If you must have some fun shoes, plan early or start a savings jar. Also, do some research online to try to find a replica of your favorite designer shoes that are a bit cheaper than the original.
Welcome baskets, calligrapher, programs, favors, and all other wedding items that aren't a must, get rid of them if you're wanting to cut costs. If you still feel like some of these items are a must, recruit some friends to help. Having friends that know how to create wedding programs or do calligraphy is an advantage and it saves you some money. Just remember, if you don't feel like it's necessary, don't spend the money on it.
Cutting costs is pretty easy when planning a wedding, just keep these few wedding tips in mind and you'll save money and have the wedding of your dreams.
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Not in Saint Louis, MO? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find cakes & bakeries near you!
When it comes to planning a wedding, there are so many little details that go into it. These little details can certainly add up, making it costly. However, there are ways that you can cut back on your cost to make sure you get everything you want on your wedding budget. So, Wedding and Party Network has a few tips for a budget friendly wedding.
When it comes to planning your wedding, take a step back and ask yourself what's important and what's not. It's important to cut back on what's not important to you and focus on the things you really want for your wedding. This will definitely make your wedding more budget friendly.
This post is brought to you by Miami DJs
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find djs near you!
It's easy to believe that every wedding costs tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, after flipping through the channels. Brides dripping with diamonds, grooms riding in luxury cars, as easy as it is to get swept way into the money-madness, it's important to note that you can have your dream wedding without going broke. In other words: you can have your cake and eat it too!
There are countless wedding tips and tricks on how to save cash when tying the not, everything from making your own wedding invitations to buying a second-hand gown. However, let's talk about the big things, the things that will make your wedding the stuff of your dreams.
To start, think of what is most important to you. Did you always dream of a wedding by the beach? Do you want a sit-down meal?
Once you and your fiance have decided on one or two non-negotiables, figure out how much making that a reality will cost. Don't be afraid to get creative. If you have a favorite hotel that you want to get married in, try to schedule your event in the off-season or strike a deal, such as renting a minimum number of rooms to get a break on the ballroom. Same goes for destination weddings. It's a bit of a risk, but it could save you thousands. In addition, by hosting your event in a unique or lavish location, you have all but eliminated the need for extensive (and expensive!) decor. A few flowers here, a few candles there, and voila!
Once you have your non-negotiable, do your best not to sweat the small stuff, because it is, in fact, small stuff. Spend money on the things that mean the most to you and your family. Only you know what they love. Focus on the big things and forget the rest. If you have money left in your wedding budget, you can add the extra items later.
Just remember, at the end of the day, it's about you marrying the person you love. Keep your eyes on the big picture, spend on the big stuff and work your way down to the tiny details.
Planning a wedding in Trenton NJ? Find all the resources you need at Wedding and Party Network including Omaha NE wedding planners.
Did you know that the average wedding costs over $23,000? While there is no shame in spending more or less than this, the averaged wedding costs can still add up quickly. Most brides overshoot their wedding budget goals by as much as 15%! To avoid breaking the bank with your wedding planning, here are some budget-friendly tips for brides-to-be!
Wedding Budget Tip 1: Avoid The Busy Season
The majority of weddings occur between May and October. In fact, October is the new June. Late fall weddings and winter weddings are beautiful and allow brides to reduce costs by catching vendors and wedding supplies when they're not in great demand!
Also, consider marrying on a Friday or throughout the week. Marrying on a weekday may be less traditional, but it's a fun and unique way to make your ceremony special (and save money!). Weekend weddings are great but reception halls charge the most for Saturday evening weddings. By marrying on a Friday, you'll be able to save on the reception costs, enjoy great options for the ceremony location, and spend a three day weekend with your groom!
Wedding Budget Tip 2: Pass Up The Dessert Tray
Wedding cakes are a huge reception expense. Since this is the most important piece at the reception, no bride wants to cut it out completely. Instead, opt for a smaller wedding cake. Also consider a cupcake wedding cake. This tasty trend allows guests to enjoy a small portion of the same great flavor. The biggest treat for you? Cupcake cakes usually run about $60 compared to hundreds for a traditional wedding cake.
If a smaller version of your dream cake won't feed everyone, consider having a sheet cake of the same flavor along with your wedding cake. An evening of dancing, drinks and good food doesn't leave much room for dessert. Consider passing up extra dessert options which quickly add up (on the hips as well)!
Wedding Budget Tip 3: Go Green With The Wedding Flowers
Opt for more greenery in the reception arrangements. Most guests won't know which flowers are in or out of season so trim the cost of your wedding flowers by using more greenery. The wedding ceremony flowers are a beautiful addition to the ceremony but remember that this is where guests spend the least amount of time. Most spend more time at the reception so consider putting the budget emphasis on your wedding reception flowers instead.
Wedding Budget Tip 4: Go Green With The Wedding Invitations
In the age of technology and conservation, eco-friendly wedding invitations are a big perk. If you want to send standard wedding invitations, consider replacing the RSVP cards with a note on the invitation that asks guests to RSVP at your wedding website. Wedding websites will save a ton on less important wedding stationery. (Oh, and invitation liners are unnecessary. You're breaking no etiquette by opting out on these.)
Wedding Budget Tip 5: Double Up With Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are a must-have for most brides according to traditional wedding etiquette. Wedding favors can be practical and functional though! Consider favors that double as place cards or serve a purpose after the wedding. Personalized bottles of bubbles serves as wedding favors and can be used instead of tossing rice or bird seed after the ceremony.
Wedding Budget Tip 6: Opt For A Cocktail Reception
This is a good way to glam up your reception without spending lots of money on food and decorations. Waiters carrying trays of hor d'oeuvres is a glamorous look and a frugal choice for brides. Many wedding caterers have their own wait staff, so consider hiring a local caterer with wait staff for a glamorous but easy-on-the-wallet reception.
Wedding Budget Tip 7: Buy The Music, Not The Band
A band at the wedding is always fun, but consider a single musician or a dj instead. Going this route with wedding reception entertainment will save costs simply because you're paying for one person instead of multiple people.
Wedding Budget Tip 8: Share The Menus
Instead of giving each guest a menu at the reception, opt for one or two per table. These can look elegant when placed between beautiful table settings or when stood on either side of the table's centerpice. This saves paper and printing costs plus adds to the decor of the table.
2024 is here, and that means it’s time for everyone’s favorite blog: wedding trends for the year! If you’re planning a wedding for this year, or hope to plan one soon, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn what’s …
