Date: 4/11/2009 7:51:24 PM
Author:Treasure43
The economy the way it is, and wedding costs being what they are is anyone else feeling stressed about wedding costs? FF and I will be paying for it all ourselves and I can't see spending that much money, especially when it could be going towards a down payment on a house. Anyone have any budgeting tips? Or any thoughts on what is a REASONABLE amount to spend on a small, elegant wedding.
Haha careful
Treasure.....that is a loaded question. Last time I brought up what is "reasonable" I got attacked lol (thinking that $50,000 was a "low key" wedding...and being shocked it was possible to have a wedding for $7,000). It is VERY dependant on geographic's. Because the "norm" widely varies. I.e: according to studies done in 2008, the "average" wedding in the US, costs $28,000. That is factoring places that spend much less, and places that spend much more. However, the
average wedding in NYC costs $46,000. Big difference right?
I dont mean to threadjack, but I was actually typing a new thread about a similar topic, when I saw yours and decided to post it here. I was going to ask about all these FF's telling their girls that they dont want to propose/get married with the economy as their excuse. However, as a wedding planner and a member in active bridal communities/conventions/etc, I get articles/reports/updates etc. And in a recent study conducted, 65% of the couples said they were getting married now to TAKE ADVANTAGE of this economy. This is very wise, and I feel, is a GREAT time to get married on a budget.
Many vendors, are not getting the steady flow of leads they once were. Rather than getting bombarded with calls/emails that just naturally fall into place, they are actually having to "sell". Meaning the business just doesnt fall into their lap, and because they have so much of it, have a "take it or leave it" mentality. Instead, they are needing to sell themselves, and be much more flexible. Some of the highest end wedding vendors I know, that use to not even
talk to a bride unless her budget was 6 figures and up, are now willing to work with brides within
their budget. Its an excellent time to get the things you may not have been able to get one, at a MUCH better price.
I too am getting a little overwhelmed with talking about our "budget" though. As my FF and I are paying for it ourselves, with no help from parents. We also just bought a house, and would much rather use our money to upgrade things in the house. So I SO know how you are feeling!
A little advice to save:
1) if possible, BOOK SHORT TERM! If you can pull off a wedding within 2009, DO IT. Many vendors, ESPECIALLY venues, want to fill up any dates left in 2009 (rather than have them sit empty), and will do whatever they can to fill them, including HEAVILY discount their package price. For example, I just saw a catering facility take $70 off their per person wedding package price to get someone in for
this Sept. Might not sound like alot, but if you are having say 200 people, thats a $14,000 savings!
2) Book in "off" months (this will vary depending on areas). In NYC, peak months are Sept/Oct, but other places may be different. I think almost all places that experience a cold winter, its safe to say that Dec/Jan/Feb even March, are "off months". There are significant discounts for those months as well.
3) If you have no problems with a Fri/Sun wedding, DO IT. Most places offer discounts and/or lower their F&B Guarantee or # of attendees guarantee for those days.
4) Dont be afraid to negotiate, and be upfront with vendors. There is nothing wrong with saying "I really love your work, but so and so company offered it to me for this much". Many vendors will work with you.
5) Be upfront with your budget to all vendors. Dont assume you cant afford what they offer, EVERYTHING can be modified to accommodate a budget. Ie: Remove a course in the menu to lower the price, or instead of getting orchids in your centerpiece that need to get flown in from thailand.....get hydrangeas which are much cheaper, or stick with flowers that are in season in your local area
6) Finally, most brides are still having the wedding of their dreams, they are just having less people I am finding. They are still having them at the place they want, with the flowers they want, with the food linens band they want, etc they are just having 175 people instead of 350. When you think about it, thats less per person in food, less centerpieces needed, less linens, less chair covers, etc. Gone are the days of inviting everyone under the sun. haha.
Just paying attention to little things like that, can make a HUGE difference. Good luck!
