Tips from our Event Planner

How to plan your Budget Friendly wedding   

You have found the one your heart has longed for and want to share that special moment with those who mean the most to you.  So you throw a party.  But not just any party it’s your wedding.

Most brides-to-be have never done this before and therefore have no clue where to start.  Or maybe you’re the bride that has envisioned what your special day would look like every since you were a little girl but you are not quite sure of the best way to carry out your plans.   At Divine Occasions we can help you organize and keep everyone on track as well as ensure that your special celebration is unforgettable.

If, however you choose to plan your wedding on your own (and with the help of some gracious friends) here are some of our tips to get you started.

What’s your budget?
 
Traditionally, the Bride’s family hosts the Wedding day and the Groom’s family the Rehearsal dinner.   Many of today’s couples opt to cover most if not all of their wedding expenses.
Although money is always a touchy subject, first talk with your families to find out if they want to make a contribution to your wedding and how much they are willing to commit to. 

Below is a guideline to help you figure how to spend:
The reception (location, food and beverages) -  45%.
Flowers - 10%
Photography 10%,
Wedding attire 10%
Music 10%
Stationery, gifts, favours, and other accessorizing details 15%

If there are special items that you want to incorporate, develop a savings timeline to help you get on track.   Determine which elements or services are most important to you and allocate your funds wisely.  Once you have settled on your budget, do your best to stick to it.  It is not a good idea to enter your new life together with any outstanding debt from your wedding.

Who do you want to share this moment?

This is probably the only factor that is completely dependent on your budget.  Sit down with your fiancé and decide on who you both want to be there.  If you’re on a tight budget you probably shouldn’t consider your parents co-workers, that is, unless your parents are footing the bill.  This is also where you should start thinking about the size of your bridal party.

What’s your theme?

The key elements of your wedding should be a reflection of you and your husband to be.   Do your homework: look at magazines, the internet and draw inspiration from nature and your personal surroundings or even look to a person that you admire.  Look at the elements that truly represent your idea.  Don’t go overboard though: choose one or two main ideas and build on them.  Once you have made a decision that you are comfortable with, go ahead and start ordering favours and the like.

Where do you want to get married?

With your theme in mind you can decide on a location.  And although your venue depends on your budget, remember that with the right décor and design you can create your dream venue.  If you are religious, chances are that you want to get married in a church.  Contact the church. If it is not your regular house of worship, find out their requirements to use the building as well as special restrictions on scheduling and attire.  If you choose to have any part of your wedding outside you may want to consider having an alternate site or a tent in the event of bad weather and if your wedding will run anytime after sunset then you also may want to consider special lighting.

Time to decorate
By now you would have settled on venues for the ceremony and reception.   If you use flowers it is always cost effective to use in season and local blooms, if not you may attract additional costs that come along with sourcing and shipping.  

Instead of flowers, recent trends include fruit or personalized items that represent the couple.  A more popular option is the use of candles.  They come in a variety of styles, shapes and colours and are easily complimented by other elements like stones (see photo).  

Check with local suppliers for centrepiece items like vases that can be rented or acquired at minimal cost.  Really need to cut costs; check with friends/ family who may have a garden – you can use these flowers to at least create the bridal party flowers.  

One good tip:  choose colour over flower – A more budget friendly option is to create a bouquet or centrepiece with flowers in you colour scheme or that compliment it

Whatever will you wear?

If by now you haven’t started, now is the time to begin the search for your dress. Look at magazines or your style icons.  Choose a style and colour that fits your body type and complexion.  Still not sure, get input from your bridesmaids or other influences that you trust. 

If cost becomes an issue you have the option of renting your bridal wear.  If you do decide to buy your dress make sure that you make arrangements for its care and storage after your wedding.  

Once you have selected your dress you can begin looking at hairstyles that will look good on you. Remember to have your stylist do a practice run and take pictures.  When it come s to your bridal party, a good idea is to choose styles and colours that will compliment the bodies of you attendants, identical dresses do not always translate into nice.

Time to eat

Your best bet when selecting is to stick to menu choices that you are sure most of your guests will enjoy and that are fitting with the time of day that you will sit down to eat.  

If your celebration will take place at a hotel or banquet hall be sure to enquire about the menu offerings and pastry/ cake options.  If you book a site that has an in house pastry chef and you decide to bring in your cake from outside, beware of the cake cutting fee.

Find a reliable and experienced caterer and discuss the options.   For a fancier affair, you may want to look at more than one course.  Once you have settled on your choices decide if you will want a plated meal or buffet style.   Buffets are usually less expensive and you will also save on the number of wait staff that you will need.  

If you choose to have family or friends prepare the meal make sure that you have clearly discussed the menu and know how the food will taste.  Also check if they will want to be present for the ceremony and if that will interfere with the preparation for your reception.

Another fee to look out for is a corkage fee if you have wine or champagne. 

As with any vendor, be sure to read all contracts carefully and be very clear on the obligations of both parties.  Negotiations are the order of the day.  Ask your vendors for special allotments at a minimal or no cost to you.

It is important to remember that although it can get overwhelming the idea is to stay organized and delegate where possible.  Do not be afraid to ask for help.

Also remember that the more personal and customized you choose to be is the more preparation that will be involved.  Decide if it’s worth it and ask for help.  You don’t want to remember how stressed or tired you were on your wedding day, worse yet it will show in your portraits and will probably get you labelled as a Bridezilla! 

If you have problems it is always advisable that you seek the services of a professional planner.  If not for the whole wedding, at least the day of.  This can be very helpful as you won’t have to worry what has showed up but you can relax and truly enjoy your special day.

Event Planner
Danisha Racquel Osbourne   B.A.