Ideas & Trends

Read Part 1 here.

I've come up with a few more ideas to help your budget planning tips:

• Perhaps you have heard it before, but the number on your guest list is proportional to the overall cost of your wedding. If you are having problems staying within your budget, one of the biggest ways to get back on trach is to revise your guest list or adjust the menu. Being able to do this effectively can save you a lot of anguish and money down-the-road.
• Hire a wedding planner! The initial investment in a planner can save you A LOT of time and stress, which will add up to A LOT of money in the end. A good person will know exactly how to address your needs, respond to any concerns and limit the bumps along the way . A great investment that will pay dividends in the long run. Planners are really helpful with assisting couples in "laying the groundwork". They have experience and knowledge and will make the first steps easy for you.
• Determine which items included and excluded from a wedding budget. Everything related to the wedding day itself should be included in the budget...including the dress, veil and accessories, wedding party attire (if the couple/family is paying), photography (services and albums), videography (extra DVD's included), favors, flowers, stationary items (invitations, menu cards, programs, place cards, etc), the couples hotel expenses, related postage, music and other entertainment, transportation expenses, site rental fees, officiant costs, other rental fees (linens, chairs, etc), tips, planners or coordinators, decor items (candles, lighting, props, etc.), catering, alcohol and other bar costs, wedding party or family gifts, Hair/make-up and trials, gift baskets or out of town bags, miscellaneous pocket money, and cake costs. Some items to be excluded are the honeymoon, rings, and events surrounding the wedding, such as: meet and greets, rehearsal dinners, Bridal Party outings, and Bridal teas/brunches.
• Think outside the box. This is especially true if your wedding budget is busting at its seams. The traditional sit-down or buffet dinner at 6 is a wonderful idea, but perhaps a different time and/or a different food service would give your wedding a more unique flair. Do not be afraid to do something different. "Out of the ordinary" can be extraordinary! Sometimes these are ways to stretch your budget and get a bit more for your money.
• It's never too late to start budgeting. A budget will be most effective if it's established in the beginning. Although hope is not lost if it's not. Even if you are among the planning madness, a budget will help you prioritize and see what's important to you…even when you are going over budget.
• Be realistic about what you can and cannot attain. Follow these simple steps. 1) Decide what you want. 2) Work hard to get it. 3) Once you have it...do everything you can to make it exceptional!

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We are looking to donate our commission of up to $750.00 to a Breast Cancer charity. If you live in the Baltimore area, and would like us to donate our commision to this cause in your name, please email lisa [at] elegantevent [dot] com and tell us why you want to "Donate Our Commission". Also, please tell us which breast cancer foundation you would like to donate to.

Elegant Event Planning and Design is a professional, full time, event planning firm specializing in commitment ceremonies and weddings. Elegant Event Planning and Design www.eleganteventdesign.com