Budgeting for your next Big Event: the good :) and the bad :(

Invitations:
:)Good- Printing a single card with both ceremony and reception details
:(Bad- Texting invites
Flowers:
:)Good- Decorating with potted bulbs
:( Bad-Skipping centerpieces all together (bare does not = beautiful…bare=bare)
:) Good- Buying flowers that are blooming locally (no shipping charges yippeeee!)
:( Bad-”Borrowing” flowers from your neighbor’s garden
Food and Drink:
:) Good- Foregoing the champagne toast and having guest toast with whatever they are already drinking
:( Bad-Not having a toast
:) Good- Booking a site that lets you supply all your liquor (further savings: buying by the case).
:( Bad- Writing BYOB on the invitation.
Negotiating:
:) Good-Asking vendors to discount but expecting to compromise (maybe that means shortening the cocktail hour).
:( Bad- Asking vendors to donate stuff

Want more budget Saving Ideas?…I’m Glad You Asked!

Trimming the guest list:If you haven’t socialized with someone in a year or more, cross them off the list (yes…even Facebook “friends”).

Serve wine, beer, and a signature cocktail.Skip the full bar.

Pick a redecorated, fully furnished site. You won’t have to splurge on

Have a lunch reception.

DIYing your wedding stationary. I did it for my own wedding and I even solicited the help of my fiance at the time. It was a great bonding experience(see the menu card that my fiance and I did below)

Scheduling your event during your locale’s off-season or on a quiet day (in most places that is any day but a Saturday).

Create awesome playlists for each part of the reception and hook up your iPod to a good sound system (rental equipment is affordable).
ELOPE!!!!… just kidding : ) Hope this helps!