Weddings require detailed planning and organization. There are many things to plan for, and usually a set amount of funds in the wedding budget. No doubt you've planned each aspect of the day from wedding showers to wedding flowers, and set up a wedding budget checklist with funding set aside for each item. Now you're in the heart of the planning and purchases and you begin to realize that your estimates were less than on target. That can be a scary feeling. Take a deep breath. There are things you can do to avoid going over the wedding budget. Here are some ideas for making adjustments.
Look at your list
crutinize each expense. Is there a possibility of swapping, reducing the quantity or dropping any of the items? If you're giving a gift to each guest, that could be rethought or eliminated. Flower choices can be one place to cut costs, by substituting one less expensive type of flower for a more expensive choice, or reducing the number of full bouquets, number of flowers in each or changing centerpieces to balloons. Go through your list and determine which items are the must haves, then also note those which could be changed to save money. You may find there is more flexibility than you originally thought.
Prioritize
Using a scale from 1-5, with 5 being any absolute must have, and 1 being items you can drop or change and still have the wedding of your dreams. In between numbers are for those items that are not key to happiness, but you would still like to have.
Tackle the low numbers
Now look at the list, beginning with the lowest priority score. Decide whether to drop or change each, noting the savings in an additional column. If eliminating or modifying the 1s isn't bringing you back to your budget amount, go on to the 2 ratings. Do the same thing. Keep going until you've come back to your wedding budget.
Most flexible items
The most flexible places to save money and still retain elegance are flowers, wedding favors and food. You can drop or change an appetizer or side dish without the guests ever knowing the difference. You can also change the beverage list to include less or no alcohol, or make an open bar into non-alcohol with one champagne or wine bottle per table for a toast.
Money does matter
Remember, you don't want to go broke getting married - you need money to start your new life. Manipulate the budget and you'll breathe easier, have a lovely wedding and be glad you did.
 | Your wedding budget is less likely to get out of control if you use these tips to help keep an eye on the best deals. |
 | Make your budgeting easier by knowing who pays for what for a wedding. Then meet with family members to determine a budget that will work for everyone. |
 | Wedding party favors, when done right, will allow your guests to treasure a special token from your big day. |
Traditionally certain parties pay for certain expenses that become incurred with a wedding. It is often a confusing process while we are deciding who pays which expense. With a handy list, it no longer has to be confusing. |
Right now, wedding traditions are in flux. And, because in many cases the bride and groom are already self-sufficient, paying for the wedding is often split right down the middle. But some people are still interested in the traditional division of finances when it comes to paying for a wedding. |
