Blush + Bashful

It seems like everywhere we look these days, we’re hearing the same thing…Americans are worried about their finances. And for good reason! Apparently we are in the midst of the greatest financial crisis in American history since the Great Depression and things are going to get worse before they get better. Before you decide that hosting a wedding in these hard times is hopeless and you give up the dream of having all of your family and friends in the same room toasting to your new marriage, let’s talk about how to make this happen on a budget.

Now, let it be known that budget weddings are not a new phenomenon. Penny pinching brides and grooms have been getting married for years. Ask your parents about their wedding day and you’ll probably hear about a cake and punch reception in the church basement! Now, I’m not suggesting that you forget about the dream wedding that you’ve been planning since you were a little girl. But, please! Be smart about how you spend your money. A wedding isn’t a necessity, as much as I’d like for it to be!

Here are a few trends I’ve noticed that are helping couples through these rough times:

Longer engagements allow couples to save up money, get their #1 choice in venues and vendors, complete DIY projects, and plan for their future together.

Shorter engagements give couples just enough time to find what they need, but not enough time to go overboard with the elaborate ideas and spending.

Smaller guest lists are hands-down the most effective way to save money.  Each guest at your wedding costs hundreds of dollars! Do you really need to have all of your co-workers at your reception?

Second receptions are becoming more popular for those guests who didn’t make the cut for the expensive reception. Consider hosting a brunch, cocktail party, or BBQ at your home to celebrate with all of the folks who were left out of the other celebration. Emily Post would hate this idea, but…she’s rich!

Creative decor ideas help keep the floral bill in check. Spend some time at your favorite discount store, flea market, or garage sale to see what beautiful items you can find to incorporate into your centerpieces. Our team can help set up these items for a nominal charge.

Interesting venue choices! Start asking questions at your favorite places that don’t typically host weddings. They may have never thought about hosting weddings or, they may have always wanted to get into weddings but they didn’t know where to start. We recently hosted my brother’s wedding reception at a fabulous miniature golf course in Central IL!

Look to the suburbs or small cities nearby to save thousands of dollars on your reception.  Just 20-30 minutes outside of the Chicago, prices drop up to 40%. Look into Rockford, St. Louis, Madison, Milwaukee, or other cities and towns that may be special to your family.

Smaller Bands or DJs are being hired to help keep the cost down. Rather than blowing out everyone’s eardrums with a ten piece orchestra, consider using a five piece band or a DJ for your party.

Throw an Anniversary Party.  Financial Guru, Suze Orman, advises couples to get married quietly and buy a house with the money they would have spent. After 5 years together, throw an anniversary party to celebrate your success. (And, call us to help!)

I’m not suggesting that if your finances are fine you do any of this! Good for you if you are able to host a lavish affair with 400 of your nearest and dearest during these hard times. Everyone will be overjoyed to attend a swanky celebration where you are footing the bill for a gourmet meal and unlimited champagne. The average Joe doesn’t get out as much as he used to, after all!