I WANT TO GET MARRIED but.... WE HAVE NO MONEY!!!!

There is more to life than the courthouse steps. I run into so many people who want to get married , but just don't have the money for the lavish affair. These people tell me things like I am just going to go to the courthouse and maybe we will do something later. Here is the truth NO YOU WONT. Most people will not go back and spend the money once the marriage happens. Honestly it just doesn't make much sense to. So here are a few suggestions my budget brides can do ( depending on budget) to make it happen and make it beautiful!!!

FIRST THINGS FIRST!!! Your wedding is about YOU and the Groom. No one else. So unless there is someone else paying or helping take all advice for what it is advice. Do what makes you happy and do what you can afford. Everyones budget is different so I will talk about three different options. The small wedding, the destination wedding/elopement and the there's no place like home wedding.

THE SMALL WEDDING
You want to get married , but you have less than 5 grand to make this happen. NO WORRIES there is a wedding for you , but just a small one. Make a list of the people who HAVE to be there. Once you have that number start to call local banquet halls that either have all inclusive packages or ones that let you do your own catering. Let them know what your budget is. Tell them you have $2500. ( you still need money for shoes, dresses rings etc.) Let them know your number and many will tell you what they can and can not do.

Utilize small businesses!!! Many times they charge less and do just as good of a job. You would use these people for cake, photography, invitations. Consider nixing the full meal or buffet and do heavy apps. It is less expensive, but people still get something and you can make this look very nice! People who know you and love you more than likely are familiar with your budget and will not be offended.

If you decide to do a small wedding and your own catering consider hiring a private caterer. (small business) They charge a lot less than banquet halls and high end caterers. Instead of $30 a plate your getting maybe  $10 to $12 a plate for food that most times tastes a whole lot better.

DIY ....Let that internet work for you find friends and family to help you!!! For flowers do a single rose pass for bridesmaids OR use their bouqets to double as centerpieces. It works and it saves !!!! Finally stay realistic and  stay on  budget. It is an important day but it is just one day and you have to remember that.

THE DESTINATION/ELOPEMENT
A destination wedding is not always cheaper, but it can get you more for your money. Find an all inclusive resort. Sandals is a popular one, and they usually give you your wedding for free if you book a certain type of room with them. Let your potential guests know your going at least six months in advance. Everyone you hope for won't be able to make it, but it will be beautiful and intimate and you get to make a honeymoon out of it!!! The great thing about all inclusive is you don't have to worry about additional costs to feed or provide liquor to your guests. They get a vacation and you  have a beautiful moment to remember.

Elopements are popular. If you have to exclude too many people sometimes it is just best to do something special with the two of you. Again the all inclusive hotel is perfect for this. After the elopement you can send an announcement and let people know you have tied the knot!! You can even consider having an informal gathering to celebrate.

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Do you have a beautiful home? Why not use it?? If  your budget is non existent you can make this happen. Determine a ceremony spot, back yard , fireplace etc... invite very close friends and immediate family just depending on how big your home is. Get a small cake, contact a local church or use your priest. See if you  can get a few friends or family to help prepare an intimate meal and check out Costco for your wedding flowers. YES THEY DO THEM!!!! If you can not afford a expensive wedding dress , check clearance dresses or just find a nice white dress you can wear. Utilize candles as decor it makes it very intimate and waa laa!! You have a beautiful intimate setting without the exorbent costs.

Remember having a wedding does not have to be expensive! You just have to think outside the box!

10 ways to plan the perfect party without breaking the bank.

When planning a party it is easy to get a vision and get carried away. We all want to have the perfect event whether it’s a birthday bash, wedding, baby shower or small intimate event we want our friends to compliment us on how well put together it was.  I have good news no matter the size of your budget you can have the perfect party. No one has to know that you pinched pennies.  Here are 10 ways to have the perfect event.

1.       BE CREATIVE…think outside the box don’t let your budget restrict you. Look at fabulous, lavish and over the top ideas and find ways to take elements of them and simplify them. Some of my most successful events had minimal investments, but maximum creativity and originality! Have an open mind.

2.       DYI ( Do- it- Yourself) If you are the type that hosts several events consider investing in vases, candles etc. the investment is often sometimes less than the rental of these items and the plus is you get to use them again.

3.       Be Unique! Find your own flavor find little touches that speak to your personality. It will not go unnoticed by your guests.

4.       NIX THE FLOWERS… flowers are expensive but here is a secret trick. CANDLES, CANDLES and more CANDLES. Candles have the ability to change the ambiance of a room.  Consider candle centerpieces or accents for your next event.

5.       The internet is your friend. Almost everyone has an email address. One wedding I planned decided they were going to send virtual invitations to most of their guests. The few that did not have access to the internet they mailed invitations, but the internet cut down on costs dramatically. There are several sites that will let you design your own virtual invitation for free! Paper invitations can be anywhere from $2.00 to $10.00 per invitation.  http://www.paperlesspost.com is a site I have found to have tons of choices for all kinds of events.

6.       Keep the menu simple. Many times we go overboard thinking of all the foods we like. We spend extra money to have extravagant menus that many of our guests are not impressed by. Guests enjoy the simplicity. Think of a few good choices not what YOU like but what people will eat. Many times you don’t even eat at your own event. Your guests will not mind and you won’t either when you realize how much you have saved!

7.       Know your crowd! This is important your lavish ideas may not even impress your guests. Heck they don’t even know who Preston Bailey or David Tutera is. Tons of decorations don’t make it look better it just makes it look busy.

8.       Think outside the box. A house party can be just as elegant as a party at a country club, or banquet hall. If you’re doing a small party for close family and friends consider something at home and save yourself on the costly hall rental fees! On the other hand if you need to rent a hall consider finding one that allows you to provide your own catering and liquor. This gives you more flexibility with food costs, and you would not believe the mark up on liquor at some establishments!!!!!

9.       Plan ahead, when you wait till the last minute you are a prisoner of retail costs. Planning ahead allows you to search for the best deal, order online, and catch sales. Sometimes the costs of waiting till the last minute can double your party planning expenses. Remember in school when they told you to write an outline before writing a paper? Do this when planning a party. Structure keeps you focused and focus prevents you from overspending!

10.   HAVE FUN!!!! Most people won’t remember what thread count your linen was; they won’t even notice that your flowers were imported from Africa and that the chandelier was hand blown crystal! What they will remember is if they had a good time. Pick the things you want to invest in wisely and remember the amount you spend will not determine how much fun your guests have.