Friday, December 26, 2003
That perfect wedding is possible even when planned on a restricted budget.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Hiring a wedding consultant is one way to ensure a smooth wedding day. But some brides think wedding planners are only for rich and famous couples who aren't restricted by a budget. But even the rich and famous want value.
That's what Jennifer Lopez -- "The Wedding Planner" herself -- must have been thinking when she hired A Story Book Wedding Inc., based in Miami, to coordinate her first wedding.
As Linda Bernstein, one of the company's consultants, said, "There are lots of ways to cut corners and still get beauty and perfection on that special day."
Here's some free advice from wedding experts:
UCut the guest list. Make sure you want every person you invite to be there. If you wouldn't have them to your house for dinner, don't invite them to your wedding, suggests Bernstein. Shaving even 25 names off of your guest list will save on food, drink, party favors and decorations.
U If you want to save money planning the reception, cut decoration costs, not hospitality. Don't skimp on guests' pleasure: Food, drink, coat check and parking. "You've got one pot of money, and the question is where do you put it? I always opt for hospitality," said Marcy Blum, of Marcy Blum Associates in New York and co-author of "Weddings for Dummies."
USkip the party favors. They're nice, but not necessary.
U Have the ceremony and reception on a Sunday rather than a Saturday. Hold it in the afternoon rather than the evening. Many wedding venues will lower fees to entice clients to wed off-peak.
URent or borrow wedding apparel, including a gown. Many consignment shops will rent gowns for much less than it would cost to buy one. "Spending a lot of money on a dress is ridiculous," Bernstein said. "It would be practical to purchase a dress that could be cut and worn as a cocktail dress "
UBecause you pay per player, cut a six-piece live band to four. Or, hire a disc jockey instead of a band.
UConsider a destination wedding. Because they inherently involve fewer guests, they often tend to be cheaper.
USelect seasonal flowers. If tulips are not in season, they can be very expensive, said JoAnn Gregoli of Elegant Occasions in New York. Also, potted plants are much more affordable than cut flowers.
UHire photographers and videographers on an hourly rate instead of buying expensive photo packages.
UCheck out all of your food options before making a decision. Many believe a buffet is cheaper than a three-course meal, but this is not always true, Gregoli said. "You can always go to the chicken," she said, instead of red meat or seafood. Ask to taste the food before making a down payment.
U If you know you won't be serving a crowd of heavy drinkers, opt for a consumption bar instead of an open bar. That way, you will only pay for what your guests drink instead of an hourly rate.