Showers Splurge vs Save Tips
The current economy is weighing in on many people’s decisions for their wedding. Even if you have saved for this day, you may be trying to figure out how to still have the event of your dreams while not cleaning out your savings. We have put together a list of where you may want go ahead and spend top dollar as well as where you can DIY or shop around for a lower price.
SPLURGE: Photography. Beautiful photos of your wedding day are irreplaceable. The excitement and pride you want to have when you look at your pictures is so important. This is truly and area where you get what you pay for and we suggest investing in a quality photographer. A good budget for 6-hours of service is $1300-2000. If you use the same photographer for your engagement photos, check on discount pricing for your wedding.
SAVE: Flowers. People always say flowers are the most expensive purchase for your wedding and while this can be true, with a little effort and creativity you can put together some beautiful bouquets and centerpieces on your own. By purchasing wholesale flowers from places like The Flower Exchange and finding inspiration from magazines or blogs, you can recreate your ideal flower arrangements and cut costs.
SPLURGE: Catering. Food is an important element to any event and none more important than your wedding. Definitely take your time selecting a caterer and taste everything you think you may want on the menu but be prepared to allocate a good amount to this area. As a general rule, the more guests you have, the lower the price per person. If you are having a buffet reception, budget $25-40 per person. If you are having a seated reception, budget $55-80 per person.
SAVE: Cake. You can have a smaller, tiered cake put on display for your guests to ‘ooh and ahh’ over and have a sheet cake hidden in the back to be cut and served. No one will know the difference and it will keep the cost much lower. If you are having 100 guests, have your main cake feed 60 and two sheet cakes for the overage.
SAVE: Favors. This is a true DIY project that can be done with a few friends and a few glasses of wine! My Wedding Favors has a large selection and great prices. If you are giving candy to your guests, check out Groovy Candies or Candy Warehouse to buy in bulk.
SPLURGE: Shoes. We are not suggesting Manolo Blahnik’s prices but purchasing a good pair of shoes is not a waste. You will get a lot more use out of a more expensive pair and looking down at them whenever you wear them will remind you of your wedding day.
SAVE: The Dress. You have numerous options now for wedding dresses. From discount places such as David’s Bridal or Lily Wedding, you do not have to pay thousands for designer dresses to look absolutely beautiful. If you are not one to be deeply attached to your wedding dress, another option is renting. Men have been renting tuxedos forever and now that same convenience is available to brides. You may have to take extra time to find what works for you but if your heart is set on Vera Wang, you can have the option to wear one of her designs without breaking the bank.
