by Michael | May 19, 2015 | Blog
I don’t think you need me to tell you that weddings can be a bit of a drain on the pocket. You want to put on a good show and you’re probably prepared to go the extra mile. Mercifully, you can find ways to save money that won’t spoil the general effect. Here are six.
- Dresses: Expect that the wedding gown you buy will need alterations. Don’t necessarily buy your normal size, but ask to be measured according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Make sure you know what the alteration fees will be before you pay your deposit. If they’re excessive, you can always try seamstresses elsewhere.
- Venue hire: Be aware that venues may well offer discounts if your ceremony/reception is out of season. The low season tends to be winter (except round Christmas and Valentine’s Day). Weekday and morning ceremonies should come in cheaper too. Be prepared to negotiate a bit, as you might at least be able to get a longer booking slot on the day or extra desserts or maybe a special package. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
- Mailings: When sending out invitations, use e-mails for save the dates, hen/stag parties, rehearsal dinners and the like. You can save on postage that way. You’ll need to send wedding invitations by post, though. To cut down on weight and size, try to include all the information you can about the ceremony and reception on the same invitation. Include postcards for the responses. This works just as well as cards and envelopes, but will save you a bit.
Source: www.thriftyfoods.com
- Dessert: If you’re serving a wedding cake, is there any need to offer a dessert too?
- Freebies: If you are providing little gadgets and so on, you may be able to get them much cheaper from a toy or novelty shop.
- Scaling down: Nobody will realise that you are not having personalised serviettes or even a colour theme – so, although these may be nice, don’t feel obliged to have them.
These tips will not slash your expenditure and finance your honeymoon to a tropical island. However, without interfering with the wonderful effect you want your wedding to offer, they will leave a little more money in your pocket than you might have been expecting. That’s always welcome, isn’t it?
by Michael | Apr 29, 2015 | Blog
An insuperable obstacle?
Planning a wedding is a pretty daunting prospect. You may just be lucky, and have wise advisors and experienced, understanding support. The chances are, though, that it’s new to you, and you’re going to have to do the best you can. You’ll have to make – and learn from – your own mistakes. Some may be expensive.
An amazing solution
That sounds pretty grim. However, would you be prepared to spend about £5 to get a dependable, easy-to-follow guide?
If so, you have come to the right place!
As part of my role as civil celebrant, I frequently come across couples swimming in a sea of bewilderment and despair. There’s not a lot of help out there for them – although there is at least the option of an event planner. Naurally, these don’t come cheaply.
What if there was a guide that they could buy for ‘peanuts’, that would lead them gently and securely towards the Eldorado of a successful wedding? Towards a unique, memorable and meaningful day? That would offer them great ideas? Something that they could consult at every step of the way?
Well, look no further.
I am proud and excited to announce that I have put the proverbial pen to paper (except it’s all been done by computer, of course) and produced a handbook specifically aimed at helping couples get on their way with a minimum of fuss or difficulty. That’s not to say that there isn’t still hard work to be done, or time and money to expend. Of course, there is, but you can at least be sure that you are progressing, covering most eventualities and not going round in circles.
What areas are covered?
Some of the areas I look at include:
- choice of ceremony and celebrant
- the service: rituals, vows, music, etc.
- ‘team’ roles
- speeches
- guests
- children
- same-sex weddings
- hiring professionals
- social media
I don’t pretend to have something for absolutely everyone (budgets, as well as taste, will vary enormously), but I am convinced that there is so much in the wedding guide for everyone (from first-timers to wedding planners!).
I am delighted to be the one to fill what seems to be a huge gap in the market.
If you know somebody who might benefit from this handbook, please put them in touch with me. It’s easy to buy: just click here, and you’ll be through to Amazon.
I am not actually anticipating a million-seller block-buster, but I am really excited to be offering practical help to couples, so that they can have the wedding they are dreaming about!
by Michael | Mar 26, 2013 | Blog
Wonderful and significant events as vow renewals certainly are, they do cost money. However, they do not have to get out of control!
Assuming you have a limited budget, you might like to bear the following in mind:
What season?
Autumn and Winter tend to be the quietest times – and the most likely to be open for negotiation when asking for quotes. Avoid the Christmas/New Year period and Valentine’s Day too.
What time?
A morning ceremony and reception can work out very well for you, as brunch will cost a lot less than dinner. Moreover, people will be unlikely to want alcohol at this time of day, which should save you a lot.
Which location?
If you are members of a church or synagogue, you will probably have to pay very little to use it. However, if you shop around, you may find municipal historic buildings and gardens available at a surprisingly low cost. If it’s to be a small ceremony, you could consider holding it at home (although you may have to hire equipment, which can add to your bill considerably).
How many guests?
Food and drink are the biggest costs. If inviting people from work, try spare hurt feelings by doing it by department etc. You don’t need to invite children. Why invite someone you haven’t seen in years?
Invitations and programmes
Today’s 10-year-old can design and print off invitations and programmes – and may not even want paying! You can also save money if friends or relatives can prepare something they may do as a hobby – I’m thinking of flower arrangements, a musical entertainment or a luxurious car, for example.
Food and Drink
You could choose a theme which is less expensive (such as “A Day in Italy”), as pasta and the like are popular but not dear. If you have a bar, limit what you offer for free.
Flowers
It is normally cheaper to buy locally-grown flowers. It is worth telling your florist that you do expect to cut costs!
Finally …
Start planning early and concentrate on the essentials. Then you can ensure you have a wonderful event.
Michael Gordon is a Wedding and Vow renewal Celebrant based in London.
