Budget allocation for wedding

I gave a bride to be suggestion about her wedding budget allocation and she thought it was the best suggestion she got so far at the time. So I decided to share this with you, hopefully reading this blog will help you stay in control of your budget.

I suggested her to bake her own cake and create her own invitations, which both will save her around $ 500 if not more. Of course then this can only happen if she has time or someone to help, plus if it's a small wedding then she can create announcements rather than invitations which is a lot easier. Visit Wilton Weddings to view some tips on creating invitations and cake baking recipes. You can also get Wilton's catalogue if it's easier for you than viewing online.
Another bride who already visited the site found it very useful, since she is creating her own invitations and learning to bake her own cake.

Two things I advised her not to take chances with : photographer and limousine. Whatever the situation is, you really wouldn't want to be bothered to drive plus you need to get there on time. A good limousine driver will be able to drive you where you need to go even in emergency situation so you really need to ask family or friends for recommendation in this regard. Photography is also important, since your moment will not come back. If you care enough about this moment then you should be very careful when making consideration about which photographer to hire. I've heard horrible stories about brides who have to spend more money on editing images that the photographer took for them. True, you might be able to get your money back but not the moment itself, so be very careful when choosing a photographer.


There are huge selections of favour, gifts and accesories that you can buy online at affordable prices. You can also view my blog on "Favours. A Must?" to get some ideas. Many wedding magazines provide ideas on how to make inexpensive favours yourself, but for those who are having more than 100 guests then it might be better to buy in bulk since the price usually are a lot lower that way plus it saves you time you can use for more important things. But if you do have someone to help, then by all means let your creative juices flow, it will help reduce your stress too! Most people prefer to buy gifts for ushers, groom's men, bridesmaids and other parties involved in the wedding. I agree with this since you will only provide for at least 10 - 15 people the most so it won't worth your time and effort to make them unless you have someone to help.

To save money on decoration, you will need to shop around for halls as early as 12 months prior to the wedding. Some halls include table cloths and chair covers in the rent price plus they have their own catering so you don't have to worry about the food and utensils. If the hall has a stunning interior design already, you might not need a decorator or you can add a little touch here and there but it won't cost you as much. Florist arrangement is recommendable for weddings, but if life flowers cost you a bundle, go with life-like flowers that are not less attractive than life ones. A good florist will know how to work within your budget, so it might worth it to get recommendations or if you have the experience and are good with flowers, by all means do your own arrangements. Get your ideas from magazines or wedding photos online, there are plenty of them available and nowadays you can get florist supplies in regular stores.

Bridal gowns and accesories these days are available in so many colours and styles. There are even quinceanera gowns that resemble wedding gowns, especially Spanish ones. Also bridesmaids gowns that look almost as elegant as bride's gown are available. If you are short on budget and you really like the gown, by all means take it. Any adjustments or additional feature can be done through a professional tailor. If you want to make your own veil, check this site out http://www.brilliantweddingpages.com/CEBride/CEBNewsletter_17.asp

I would say that 25 - 30 % of the budget will go to the caterings hall and entertainment, probably more depending on the amount of attendants, type of party, menu selection etc. Lesser people means lesser food and smaller hall. Decoration could go from $ 200 up to $ 1,000 or more for rental and services. Invitations usually start from $ 1.00 to $ 3.50 each with or without response card, announcements will be a lot cheaper. Favours, accesories and gowns prices depend very much on your personal choices. I would say in general favours is $ 1.25 each at the minimum, if it's edible favours then it could probably go even lower, plus if you buy bulk you might be able to get a good deal. For gowns you can shop around early or attend bridal shows where bridal shops usually give out discounts.

I provide links to several sites you can visit from my shop to get some ideas on wedding products and services. Feel free to share your comments and tips if you have any. Good luck and congratulations!