Win the Budget Battle
The Knot Top 10 Budget Tips 1. Cut your guest list. You’ll save big bucks by inviting fewer guests. Do the math: If your wedding comes to $100 per person for food and drink, cutting your list from 150 to 100 saves $5,000. 2. Simplify your invites. Splurge on just one amazing element: the printing method (letterpress and engraving are the most expensive), custom colors or custom patterns. 3. Skip the five-course dinner. If food is not at the top of your priority list, consider having a dessert or hors d’oeuvres reception. 4. Have a signature cocktail. Most bars charge you for every bottle of liquor that’s opened. Create a menu of special vodka martinis, and you’ll avoid paying for random glasses of brandy and whiskey. 5. Splurge on your rings later. Hold off on top-notch wedding rings. Get silver or gold bands now and invest in platinum for your first anniversary. 6. Be flexible with your blooms. Swap an expensive flower for a less expensive one. Even little substitutions (dahlias instead of Black Magic roses) will help cut costs. 7. Exchange vows in a naturally beautiful place. Pick a public park, a flower garden, or an already ornate house of worship so you don’t have to spend a dime on decor. 8. Order a smaller cake. You can still have your cake and eat it too by ordering a smaller version of your dream cake; then have several sheet cakes ready to serve to guests. 9. Hire a smaller band. Big bands can be costly, but with the right sound equipment, a smaller band should have no problem projecting and keeping the dance floor moving. 10. Get your honeymoon flight for free. Use a frequent flyer credit card when making wedding purchases to rack up big miles for your trip, and let the card pay for your flight. |