Today’s Money Saving Monday guest blogger is Mary Auburn of One Fine Day Wedding and Event Planning.  Mary has worked in the wedding industry for many years and has some great tips for us today!

Let’s face it, whether the economy is good or bad, gas prices are high or low, etc… everybody wants to save money on their wedding. The key is to do with without sacrificing what is really important to you. 

When I sit down with a bride and groom for the first time, one of my questions is “What are your top priorities in order of importance for your big day?” By asking this, it gives me an idea of where that particular couple may be able to save a little or put that money towards a more important area to them.

Here are a few money saving tips that will leave you with a beautiful and memorable wedding without breaking the bank. 

Limit your Guest List!! Each time a person is added to your guest list, it increases your budget considerably. You are adding additional catering costs, rentals, centerpieces, favors, etc… To get more bang for your buck, limit your guest list by, not inviting people you haven’t seen in over 5 years, don’t invite all of your work colleagues and don’t feel obligated to let single friends bring a date. Parents have a particularly hard time limiting their guest lists, so break down your budget to a per head count and make an A list and a B list. Really think about how close you are to those people and who you really would want to be a part of your special day. 

Reduce the number of people in your bridal party. Think about just having your closest friends by your side on the big day. Having your cousin be a bridesmaid, because you were best friends at age 5, but haven’t really been close to since then, doesn’t make any sense for anyone. Considering the average bridesmaids bouquet can range $65.00 to $95.00 a piece, each girl added can get very pricey. Boutonnières for groomsmen and ushers typically range $10.00 – $18.00. By having 3 attendants on each side, rather than say 8, you easily save a few hundred dollars, just in flowers alone, not to mention, bridal party gifts and other expenses.

Consider having your wedding on a different day of the week or a month that is not as popular. If you choose to have your wedding on a Friday night or a Sunday, your vendors and venue may be able to be more flexible with their pricing, because they are not as in demand as a Saturday. Some brides are even choosing to have their weddings in the middle of the week. Also, choosing a month, other than May, June or October, the three most popular wedding months, will typically be a little less expensive, plus you won’t be competing with, as many other brides to get the vendors you want. Shoot for January, February or even November and you’ll be sure to get great deals. Also, consider December, because many places will be decorated for the holidays and that will save you in the décor department. 

Use every connection you have. Do you have an Aunt who has beautiful handwriting and calligraphy skills? Ask her to address your invitations as a gift to you. Does your mother have a friend who has made wedding cakes for years? See if she will cut you a deal on the cake. What about a friend who always did your hair and make-up? Ask if she could do it the day of the wedding. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People want to help however they can and many times will help for free or charge very little. 

Pick a venue that does not require a lot of decorating. Finding a place with natural charm, that needs very little done to it, will save you a fortune. Also, find a place that includes the majority of your rentals, chairs, linens, even centerpieces. The less you have to bring into the space, the better. Many people think they will just rent some land, put down a big tent, rent chairs and tables and that will be a simple and cheap way to go. VERY WRONG! Many times for the cost it takes to rent all of those things, plus lighting, power, catering tent requirements, etc… you could have had your wedding reception in an amazing ballroom with no worries. Do some math and consider convenience and peace of mind.

Consider hiring a wedding planner. Planners specialize in helping you put your budget in the right areas and help ease the anxiety along the way. We know the vendors who can offer the right services and prices for you. It takes the guess work, out of the planning and you’ll find that the peace of mind you get from having a planner, will be worth it in the end.

There are many more Money Saving tips coming your way on Money Saving Mondays. Please feel free to call me at 615-972-8084 or email me at contact@onefinedaynashville.com

Thank you so much Mary!  To illustrate your point about choosing a naturally beautiful location, here’s a quick sneak peek of Crystal and Justin’s wedding this past Saturday.  More of their wedding to come later this week!