Wedding Budget: Cuts to Avoid

No matter what your wedding budget is, it's likely that you will be looking for ways to cut costs where possible. And why not? There are so many small things you can do or change that will make a huge difference in the overall amount of money you will spend.  But there are endless amounts of articles about how to pinch your wedding pennies. However, there aren't a lot of articles explaining the things you should avoid cutting back on.

• Don't host a cash bar: Just don't do it. Alcohol can amount to a a large percentage of the costs for your reception, but you can host an open bar on the cheap. It's so common nowadays to go to a wedding serving only beer, wine, soda and signature drinks or a combination of the four. If your reception location allows you to bring your own alcohol, buy some kegs and plenty of wine and you will save big! If you're looking to save even more, think about hosting a morning bruch and serving only mimosas or even going sans alcohol.

Photo Credit: Wedding Bee

• Don't skip table decor: Centerpieces are the focal point of each table and an essential element of your reception decor. A room full of bare tables says restaurant, not wedding reception. Flowers are not the only option for centerpieces either. Think outside the box, but within your theme and use items that are unique to you.

Photo Credit: Benfield Photography

• Don't cut videography: This is often one of the first things to go when cutting costs, but it shouldn't be! Read what wedding pros, MPA Productions have to say about this essential service here.

• Don't serve food just because it's cheap: A deciding factor is your guests' enjoyment is how much they did or didn't enjoy their meal. Taste tests, whenever possible, are extremely helpful in making sure your guests will leave feeling satisfied and not heading for the nearest McDonald's. If the delicious catering service you prefer is out of your price range, think about serving an hors d'oeurves buffet in place of dinner or a brunch reception instead of heavy evening meal.

• Don't ditch the favors: Your guests may have plans to cancel, work to skip and traveling to do in order to attend your event. And aside from that, the people who attend your wedding have contributed a lot to get you and your groom to this point in your lives. For both of these reasons, they deserve a small thank you. 

Photo Credit: Steven Myers Photography and Once Wed

There are so many ways you should save money on your wedding costs. And if you need further assistance, email me and I would love to help you!

What do you all think about these no-no's? Are there any others you think should be added to the list?

Luxury Honeymoon on a Budget

It's Monday, there's snow on the ground here in Indiana and the sun is nowhere in sight. After a short bout of writer's block this morning, the topic of the day was obvious: HONEYMOON!

Paradise Point in San Diego

Whether you're just engaged, halfway through or somewhere in between, dreams of your honeymoon are dancing in your head (maybe behind the list of decisions to make...but they're there). The tradition of an immediate vacation following a wedding is pretty ingenious if you think about it. A week with your new hubs, getting tan and relaxing on the beach sounds so dreamy, it will get you through the most stressful days of wedding plans.

Unless you're one of the lucky few receiving your honeymoon as a gift or planning your own with an unlimited budget, you probably want a luxury trip without breaking the bank.

If you're not already on the mailing list for sites like Groupon and Living Social, you are passing up prime opportunities to save money on 5-star resorts. Or if you already have your options narrowed down but don't like the prices, try Funjet for savings on resorts, airfare, vehicles and activities. Try searching specifically for all-inclusive resorts (especially in Mexico) where everything you could possibly need is at your fingertips and included in your price!

The newest fad in honeymoons are cruises. And why not? Virtually everything is included in the price, (minus alcohol) and the opportunity to visit multiple locations is a serious bonus! Generally, unless you're booking a stay on a brand-new ship, cruise prices are extremely affordable and even more so in the off season! (Bonus for winter brides!!) You can easily book a 5-7 day cruise for two for around $1000 plus airfare. Try using this site to search cruises by port, length, desitnation and cruiseline. Searching by port location is so helpful  because you can save even more money by choosing a port that is the least expensive to fly to or within driving distance from where you live.

Staying within the country will also save you big, especially if you don't already have passports. The United States offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Think San Diego (I highly suggest Paradise Point!) and the Florida Keys. Or opt for a different climate entirely. Research the options in Northern California, Colorado or Maine. You'd be suprised at the appeal of a non-traditional honeymoon location and the romance to be found at a cabin in the mountains, a trip to the vineyard, or a bed & breakfast on the East coast.

When all else fails, try a local travel agent and see what options they have for you. I am certainly no travel agent and don't claim to be, but I do have a knack for finding amazing deals on travel, within a couple's budget, so if you're still looking for more ideas or interested in more information, email me, I'd love to help!

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Easy Money-Saving Tips for your Wedding

Unless you are one of the privileged few who have access to an unlimited budget for your wedding, then you likely have or will experience moments in which you will stress about the cost of your event and all of its components.

I am sure you've heard the typical suggestions to save your money like hosting a cash bar, weekday wedding or using an iPod in place of a DJ. My goal as a wedding coordinator is to make my clients' dreams a reality while keeping them on budget. It's not always easy, but by way of trial and error as well as experience, (both mine and others) I can meet that goal. So without giving away all of my secrets, I've complied a list of money-saving tips.

• Be Creative when it comes to Florals: Nowadays, flowers don't have to be a part of your decor. If you want to cut your funds in one area, this is an easy one! Instead of floral centerpieces and bouquets, look into some of the other unique options available. I could seriously post hundreds of examples here, but here's just a few!
  
  Source: honeyoats22.blogspot.com via Kindra on Pinterest

  
  

  
  
  
  
  Source: stylemepretty.com via Meaghan Shelton on Pinterest

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Source: ruffledblog.com via Meaghan Shelton on Pinterest

• Consider Alternate Dates/ Times: Reception venues aren't making money when they aren't hosting events. So they often offer (sometimes deep) discounts for weddings in the morning, afternoon or off-season. If you aren't made aware of this information by the staff or their website, don't be afraid to ask for a reduced rate! 
• Often, brides are automatically against anything but the "typical" Saturday evening wedding, but before you join this group, think about the options (and additional savings!!). Although Friday evening weddings seem to be gaining popularity, Saturday and Sunday afternoon/morning weddings shouldn't be overlooked. A brunch, breakfast or lunch meal is something unique to wedding guests. Instead of a candy bar, guests will be treated to a coffee or hot chocolate bar! And remember the same rule about discounts often remains the same for limo/ transportation companies, caterers and other vendors.
• Utilize money-saving tools available online: In addition to sites like eBay, visit webpages dedicated to saving brides' money! Recycled Bride is an "online marketplace" where brides can buy and sell wedding-related items. Whether you are in search of a "good deal" on that designer dress you have your eye on or some decorative additions, "click" before you buy! 
• Know your Bar Options: Although the most obvious way to reduce the cost of alcohol is to simply choose a cash bar, there are other ways to spend less. 
• Offer a full open-bar for a pre-determined period of time (i.e. during cocktail hour or dinner, one hour after dinner, etc.)
• Only serve beer & wine
• Take advantage of the Signature Drink trend! Bonus: you can DIY (or order) an adorable, custom sign to display the beverage of the evening!

Source: google.com via Emilee on Pinterest

                                                                  

• Explore Outdoor Venues: Best thing about hosting an outdoor event? A naturally gorgeous backdrop, which translates into little to no decorating for you! This one's pretty self-explanatory so I will add some pictures to convey the rest! 

Source: inphotography.net via Alison on Pinterest

Source: frostedpetticoatblog.com via The Frosted Petticoat on Pinterest

Source: kristinnewmandesigns.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Second Bonus? Breathtaking photos!

For more money-saving tips specific to YOUR wedding, email me and we can discuss additional ways I can save you from blowing your budget, as well as the circumstances in which you shouldn't scrimp!

Are you engaged or even just a curious reader? Do you have a topic you'd like to see featured on All Tulled Up? Email me  or post in the comments section below with any questions, suggestions or thoughts. And don't forget to follow All Tulled Up so you don't miss a thing. :)

Happy New Year & see y'all in 2013!

Happy Planning!

Meaghan xoxo