Money....it's always a sensitive subject, especially around planning an event. Setting a budget should be one of the first things you do for your event. Actually, it should be second! First should be drafting a guest list - you can't even look at venues unless you have a rough number of guests. And then set your budget.
Unless you're lucky enough to have an unlimited budget, like Mr. Moneybags up here, these are my top 5 tips for staying on budget.
1. Guest List: Unfortunately, one of the fastest ways to save the most money is to cut down your guest list, which no one wants to hear. Food and drinks at your reception are the most costly. So the fewer guests you have the more you can give to them and the more you can spend on other aspects of your event. So, sad but true - one of the easiest, yet hardest, limit your guests.
2. "You Better Shop Around": Like the song says....shop around! Don't book the first person you meet with because you really like their website or they just seem so nice. Chances are you can find another vendor that can give you the same product and quality for less money. Really research vendors and compare prices. My favorite tip is to look for great vendors that have their own business. My favorite florist is an independent designer who works out of her house. Her work is AMAZING and her prices are great because she doesn't have as much overhead as florists with a shop. Check out this work!
All this research sound too difficult? Call me...I can help!
3. The Art of Negotiation: One a similar note to #2, everything is negotiable. I've mentioned this before here. You wouldn't make such a large investment like say a house or car without talking down the price, right? Well the same is true for weddings. Each vendor is often a huge investment, so negotiate prices or what a package includes. Or call me and I'll negotiate for you...it's one of my favorite hobbies...ask any Gregorio ;-)
4. Off-peak Events: Another easy one, but not always something people are willing to compromise is the month, day or time of their event. Off-peak events are called this for a reason. Venues are slower during certain times of year or days of the week. Because of this, they are usually willing to give bigger discounts in order to get your business. So staying away from the summer or holiday weekend, or picking a Friday or a Sunday might allow you to NOT cut your guest list or do more with your budget. The same is true with other vendors wanting to book business during the slow season.
5. DIY: Do-It-Yourself projects doesn't always mean you have to break out your hammer or glue gun! But there are plenty of those kind of projects that are great for weddings or other events...umm...hello Pinterest!
DIY could also be as easy as printing ceremony programs yourself and having a family member or friend not in the wedding party pass them out. I have an easy template for those! Or maybe you hand address your invitations for a personal touch and save on a calligrapher. Similarly, borrow, borrow, borrow! Something old and something borrowed definitely still apply! Did you love your MOH's veil, does your mom have great jewelry? Ask if you can borrow pieces. It's cost saving and sentimental. Want me DIY tips....you know who to call!
Event planning can often be about compromise. Pick the things that are most important to you (and your groom) to make your event memorable and spend there and be more frugal on the rest. An amazing event can be planned on any budget. And don't think just because you don't have an unlimited budget that having Eccellenza Events help with your event is out of the question. Like any vendor - I can work within your budget too!
Best of luck and Happy Planning!
grt
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