Budgets all Around!

I'm sure you have seen it before....a woman gets proposed to and the doe-eyes come into play when she starts thinking about every element that she wants in her wedding from the princess dress to the THOUSANDS of roses and rose petals scattered everywhere. And then, her dreams are shattered by the mention of the word "budget."

In all honesty, there is no real reason to be afraid of this tiny little word, and when used in the proper manner, it may help you keep a sane head (well mostly) throughout the duration of the wedding planning process. Also keep this in the back of your head, even the richest of the rich have budgets that they stick to when planning large events. I mean, they care about their money too, so don't get irritated or insulted when some vendor asks what your budget is, and you say excitedly that you don't have one, and they give you a look as if you have a third eye. Working with clients without a budget is like dealing with an active bomb for them.

After the post-engagement bliss has settled, the first thing that you want to do is gather the key players in the wedding budget arena (read=anyone who will be giving you a large amount of money to pay for major areas in your wedding) and discuss with them what they will be able to do, and what they won't be able to do for you. This is also the time for you to think realistically about what you and your significant other will be able to afford on your own. In short, you may not be able to have a full champagne wedding on a beer budget. So, here are a few guidelines that you may want to follow when starting the planning of your wonderful day.

First make a list of what is important to you. Those things that you just KNOW that you want to represent you and your mate for the day. Make sure once again, that these are realistic desires. Just because you saw Platinum weddings last night on television, doesn't always mean that you are going to be able to recreate that "exact" look. They call it Platinum for a reason. However, you can downscale the look and make it just as presentable. For example, cymbidium orchids are one of the higher priced flowers on the market for weddings. You could do the same look for less by making sure that the flowers you order are 1) In season and 2) just as beautiful in sets on reception tables or in arrangements. Is it really worth breaking your budget for those orchids when you could opt for something more memorable instead? Get a great DJ, or spend that extra money on a fantastic honeymoon for you and your sweetheart.

Second you want to realize that your reception itself is going to take up the majority of your budget. There is no reason for you to buy a $4,000 gown and only spend $2,000 on your reception. If you can't afford to have the same level of elegance all around, settle somewhere in the middle. Believe me, you'll be happier in the long run.

Most of all, just stay focused. Know what your absolute cutoff is, and don't go above that. You know that if you can actually afford that Monique Lhuiller or if you have to go with something that may be more of knockoff from David's Bridal. There is no shame in having the wedding that YOU can afford.