Recession-Proofing Your Wedding Budget -Part 2

Brides & grooms often spend $ on "Optional Wedding Service Categories". Which categories are optional? Which are not? In our opinion, the following categories of wedding vendors/services are NOT optional, and even the most basic wedding has them:

• Formalwear (of some sort)
• Officiant
• Photography (to some degree)
• Rings
• Floral (to some degree)
• Cake or desserts
• Invitations
• Venue (can be a free one)

Here are the categories that we feel are completely optional, or could be used at their most basic level for serious money savings:

• Limos & Transportation
• Health (gyms, personal trainers, yoga, dance lessons, etc)
• Wedding planners/coordinators
• Printed materials
• Catering
• Videography
• Music services

Let's take catering as an example. Do you really need a full catered meal? Could you DIY your own catering and have snacks and hors d'oeuvres instead to go with your cake? The price difference between those 2 food options is staggering. Or videography for example too - Have a friend videotape your ceremony and sections of your reception! The $$ savings there too would be immense. Even so, maybe some of these items are not optional according to you! Take into consideration all the options you have in each category. Nearly every category has a DIY option, a basic option and a full service option. Ultimately, it's your wedding so decide the budget priorities for yourselves.

For more wedding planning and DIY information, go to http://www.nwweddingplace.com/ today!

How to Save Money on Your Wedding!

Saving money makes me happy. Plain and simple. It's almost an art form in some ways... :-)!

How can couples have a great wedding, yet not break the bank? Here are the top 3 ways:

1. Do more searching, planning and DIY projects yourselves. In general, this is the number 1 way to save money on your wedding. Now you're probably thinking, "I am planning my wedding myself, so what is she talking about?" When I say do more planning yourselves, here is an example: If you walk into a florist and say you need a wedding flower package, you may hear a "cha-ching" sound in the background. Shop around. Know what you want and don't get sucked into extras. Or, look at grocery store floral departments for pre-made arrangements. Buy store flower bunches and put them in vases on your reception tables instead. Silk flowers can also be stunning and created far in advance. Get creative and don't just totally pawn things off to your vendors! "Our wedding colors are green and pink, and we need 6 bouquets, 12 arrangements, etc.... so make it happen". That's a recipe for overpaying.
2. Know what you're willing to spend money on, and what categories are "skimp-able". If you have a budget, which nearly all weddings do, you'll need to creatively fit everything in. Want a fancy wedding gown? Don't care so much about the invitations? Need a great DJ for the reception? Not sure about what kind of food or desserts to have? Take everything into consideration and figure out your priorities - rank them. Make sure to consult your groom :-)

3. Do some DIY projects. DIY stands for do-it-yourself. You can save some serious $$ this way, although I must tell you it won't save time. If you're not handy, I bet you know someone who is! Maybe a willing friend or family member?

Posted by Krista Dunk, CEO & Founder of http://www.nwweddingplace.com/

For more great wedding budget tips and ideas, please visit http://www.nwweddingplace.com/!