Make Your Wedding Budget Work For You
Problem: I want the wedding behind door "A", but I can only afford the wedding behind door "B".
Almost every bride wants to know how to save money on her wedding, or make an impossible budget do impossible things. Typical savings strategies include trimming the guest list, choosing an off-season wedding date, or going the do-it-yourself route.
Still others are mislead into believing that they have to lower themselves to somewhat humiliating "beg, borrow and steal" tactics. That is not to say that creative sourcing of wedding essentials is bad. In fact, it can be both rewarding and fun. However, the lengths to which some industry "pros" suggest brides go to "get the best deal" at times violate common decency and professional consideration.
Problem: I need to save money, but I'm not that bride!
Do you cringe when you read bridal magazines that essentially tell you to lie to get the most of of wedding vendors? Are you put off by books that claim that every wedding professional is a crook? Do you count yourself among the more sophisticated brides, regardless of budget?
You're not alone. Couples are being injured by bad advice, and unfortunately, the lesson is often learned far too late. I remind my peers, staff and clients regularly and passionately that a wedding day is sacred - and alas, there are no "do-overs".
Solution: Think logically, seek expertise, and save.
There's not secret solution to fit every bride, but there are a few darn good options that could help many. One frequently overlooked way to maximize the power of your budget is to choose vendors from whom you can gain additional value without needing to be a master-negotiator.
Loyalty and reward programs are huge in this somewhat frightening economy. Programs are available in almost every industry. Many couples are already using "points"-bearing credit cards to pay for their wedding expenses. Few consider the possible rewards of hotel-industry programs, however.
For example, if you are planning to have your reception in a hotel ballroom, and you are also interested in providing your guests with a block of hotel rooms to select from, consider using a chain that makes this easy for pros and amateurs alike. Major chains like Marriott, for example will allow you to earn points on your "conference" arrangements AND on the hotel rooms that your guests occupy.
If you are looking for major ways to extend your budget, perhaps consider delaying your honeymoon a bit - earn points on your food & beverage arrangements and on your sleeping rooms and apply those to a luxury honeymoon. Or use them towards another major party you may have paid for later in the year - a holiday or anniversary, for example.
Read the fine print carefully, and consult other couples and wedding professionals to find the highest-yielding and highest quality programs. Be critical and wise when participating in rewards programs...but definitely take advantage of those that could reward you the most. Be a savvy, sophisticated and smart "budget" bride!
Happy planning!
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