The Beginning and the Budgeting Bride

I've been a qualified Wedding Consultant for about a year now, but my planning days started long before then. I helped a colleague plan her Wedding when I was just 17, rescued a Bride a year later following a hair and make up disaster and Bridesmaid dresses that didn't fit on the day, and pacified a very nervous Bride marrying her Policeman fiancé just after I turned 20. It was only when I brought the first of my two gorgeous children into the world that I started looking at Wedding Planning as a full time profession. Armed with passion, determination, dedication and a willing to work my slightly-larger-than-desired post-baby bum off, I made it my mission to build up my very own company. Alas, Enchanted Occasions was born, but before it managed to take it's very first wobbly steps, there was another special delivery from the Stork and I recently welcomed Baby Enchanted number two into the world. Whilst I enjoy these precious few months with my newest addition, I have decided to keep in touch with my beloved Wedding Industry by writing this blog, and hopefully providing answers and offering advice for those burning questions and niggling situations.
So, here goes nothing. Hopefully a witty and well-rounded nothing...

Cut your wedding budget without cutting corners

The question I am most frequently asked, and most enjoy answering is "How do I keep my Budget low without compromising the overall quality of the day?"
Answer: Easy.
Everyone has a creative friend, and this is the time to exploit her (or his!) talents! With a bit of love, and DIY, it's very easy to keep costs low whilst adding the bonus of lots of beautiful and personal details to your special day. Combine this with the ability to beg, borrow and steal, barter like a professional and compromise in a few places, your dream Wedding can cost a lot less than you'd expect.

1) Don't choose the obvious.
Getting married from late spring through to early autumn will automatically mean higher prices as this is 'Wedding Season' so prices peak. A hearty banquet and roaring log fire can make a November wedding just as romantic as a Sultry Summer Soiree. Choosing to get married off peak can save you above and beyond fifty percent.

2) Don't use the 'W' word!
As soon as you mention the word Wedding to suppliers, the rule of three comes into play; the price triples on everything. It's worth avoiding the W word until you have a price agreed; instead say celebration, event, gathering, soiree etc.

3) Haggle.
Remember the above rule and you will remember that suppliers have got plenty of room to give you a good price and still make a profit. If you are booking a venue, mention that the price they are offering might stretch your budget a bit too much and ask if that is their very best deal. If there is absolutely no wiggle room, ask instead if they might include extras in the price; think spa treatments, canapes, guest rooms, welcome drinks for free, a waived corkage fee etc. Then, depending on the answer you get, tell them you'll have to go away and think about it as you can't be sure your budget will allow. Nine times out of ten, a supplier or venue would rather get a sale than not. The same goes for Dress shopping; once you've found your dream dress, take note of the designer and style. Shop around. When you know the lowest price, you can go back and haggle. Again, it's worth asking if shoes / veil / alterations can be included in the price. If you aren't very good at haggling, you are bound to know someone who is. Take advantage of a pushy Mother-in-law or forceful Aunt. You probably wont have to see these people again post wedding, so you've nothing to lose and pennies to save!

4) Get Creative.
Table centrepieces needn't be expensive; for example there is a million possibilities for the humble mason jar. Even with a simple tealight inside, a group of mismatched mason jars on an outdoor buffet table can add a touch of magic to an evening reception. Google others a plethora of ideas from lanterns to vintage style vases, all incorporating this simple idea. The beauty of it is, if you ask well enough in advance, people can save you their jars and so your centrepieces can often be close to free!

                                                           Image courtesy of Weddings.craftgossip.com


5) Ask about corkage.
A lot of venues don't charge corkage and it works out a whole lot cheaper to take full advantage of this. It means you can provide your own alcohol for the meal; work on the ratio of 60:40 of white wine to red, half a bottle per person, and a glass of bubbly each for the toast. A standard bottle will serve six glasses, and a good Cava will often stand up just as well as Champagne.
Instead of serving welcome bubbly, Bucks Fizz will allow alcohol to go further. Equally, a refreshing cocktail like Pimms means bulking out the booze with lemonade and fruit. It's just as classy, and a British classic, so no one will ever suspect it as a cost cutting strategy! Sangria is another refreshing drink and works all year round.

Sangria recipe:
1 part red wine
1 part orange juice
3 parts lemonade
Slices of orange, lemon and lime and fresh mint leaves to garnish

Pimms Classic recipe:
1 part Pimms or alternative
3 parts lemonade (depending on strength preference...I think four parts lemonade is gentler on taste buds!)
Chopped strawberries, apple, and cucumber, slices of lemon and lime and fresh mint leaves to garnish


Come back again soon for more budget saving tips!

Stay happy, stay savvy, stay tuned.

- The Enchanted One xoxo