Thursday

Can't get along without it!


Budget! The very word conjures up scary images of no money, can't buy this, can't afford that. If you aren't setting a budget for your wedding, then you are courting disaster. Not being able to do all of the things that you want to do with your celebration is disappointing. Buying things or services here and there and then not having enough for the really important items - like great food - is even more disappointing. How do you get everything you want for your wedding and still have enough left over for a cup of coffee? Budget!

Before I even start to discuss flowers, colors and wedding certainties with a couple, I ask them what is their budget for their wedding. If they don't have one, then I tell them that they need to make one asap--this is crucial to the overall success of the day. How can you spend any money if you don't know how much money you have to spend?

Knowing your budget will allow you to make smart choices and spend as to where your priorities lie. If good music is important to you, then you will spend a little more on a band than the flowers. If flowers and decorations are more important then we will spend less on the transportation and so on.

Unfortunately not budgeting for specific items and out of control spending will leave little left over for the more important details that really make the memories. I had a bride that refused to budget, telling me that they would find the money for whatever they needed. Bad move. Now it is just a few months away from the wedding and they have no money left over for flowers or decorating. They spent money on this and that that really makes no impact on their day, and when it comes time to create the story, giving their guests something to look at throughout their 6 hour reception and having a beautiful bouquet that will be in virtually every picture that is taken, they have decided that they will just "make do." I doubt their Hummer Limousine that will be used for 10 people will make much of an impact on their 200 guests.

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