Don’t Let the Recession Blues Impact Your Big Day!
You’ve been dreaming about and planning your wedding since you were a little girl. Who knew an economy, like no other one in history, would have to be a factor in your special day! Unfortunately, reality is that, just like everyone else, brides and grooms, have to plan with our challenging economic times in mind. JoAnn Latorraco, General Manager of The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s, notes that while the economy is having an impact on some couple’s wedding day plans, there is a way to create the event of a lifetime, and stay within your newly trimmed budget. “Brides and their families are getting creative when planning a wedding in today’s economy,” said Latorraca. “There are useful ideas that can help young couples save money, yet still create their dream wedding.”
1. Carefully review your guest list. Limiting the number of guests quickly brings down the cost of a wedding. In the past couple of decades, it was not unheard of to have a wedding with 300 people. Now, couples want to create greater intimacy by making sure that their guest list reflects those closest to them.
2. Make creative food choices. It’s not necessary to offer guests a choice of multiple meat entrees. Consider one meat entree and one vegetarian dish. Or switch the chilled lobster appetizer for a salad.
3. Consider alternative dates for booking your hall. Those seeking greater value might wish to choose a Friday night or Sunday afternoon affair. Also think about having your wedding in the Winter months.
4. Prioritize your “must-haves.” Some couples feel music is the life of the party and must have that fabulous 10-piece band. Others feel flowers create the mood for the entire event. Certainly, dedicate more of your budget to the items that mean the most to you.
5. Save on the bridal gown. From sales at bridal shops, to online bridal exchanges, young women are finding creative ways to have that perfect wedding at a more affordable price.
6. Save on wedding favors. Instead of an expensive knick-knack, get creative. Potpourri, sachets or chocolates are inexpensive alternatives.
7. Skip the Destination Wedding idea. It’s not only more expensive for you, but it’s a burden on your guests who have to travel to get there.
8. Create a Honeymoon Registry. There are honeymoon websites that offer registries just like major retailers. Small donations from each of your guests add up.
9. Stay in the U.S. for your honeymoon. Rather than go overseas, save money and spend the money here to stimulate the U.S. economy!
10. Communicate with your wedding planner. Be sure your wedding venue and planner add value and are committed to working within your budget.
By Lisa Ellin
You’ve been dreaming about and planning your wedding since you were a little girl. Who knew an economy, like no other one in history, would have to be a factor in your special day! Unfortunately, reality is that, just like everyone else, brides and grooms, have to plan with our challenging economic times in mind. JoAnn Latorraco, General Manager of The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s, notes that while the economy is having an impact on some couple’s wedding day plans, there is a way to create the event of a lifetime, and stay within your newly trimmed budget. “Brides and their families are getting creative when planning a wedding in today’s economy,” said Latorraca. “There are useful ideas that can help young couples save money, yet still create their dream wedding.”
1. Carefully review your guest list. Limiting the number of guests quickly brings down the cost of a wedding. In the past couple of decades, it was not unheard of to have a wedding with 300 people. Now, couples want to create greater intimacy by making sure that their guest list reflects those closest to them.
2. Make creative food choices. It’s not necessary to offer guests a choice of multiple meat entrees. Consider one meat entree and one vegetarian dish. Or switch the chilled lobster appetizer for a salad.
3. Consider alternative dates for booking your hall. Those seeking greater value might wish to choose a Friday night or Sunday afternoon affair. Also think about having your wedding in the Winter months.
4. Prioritize your “must-haves.” Some couples feel music is the life of the party and must have that fabulous 10-piece band. Others feel flowers create the mood for the entire event. Certainly, dedicate more of your budget to the items that mean the most to you.
5. Save on the bridal gown. From sales at bridal shops, to online bridal exchanges, young women are finding creative ways to have that perfect wedding at a more affordable price.
6. Save on wedding favors. Instead of an expensive knick-knack, get creative. Potpourri, sachets or chocolates are inexpensive alternatives.
7. Skip the Destination Wedding idea. It’s not only more expensive for you, but it’s a burden on your guests who have to travel to get there.
8. Create a Honeymoon Registry. There are honeymoon websites that offer registries just like major retailers. Small donations from each of your guests add up.
9. Stay in the U.S. for your honeymoon. Rather than go overseas, save money and spend the money here to stimulate the U.S. economy!
10. Communicate with your wedding planner. Be sure your wedding venue and planner add value and are committed to working within your budget.
By Lisa Ellin
