As we discussed in the previous post, we’re all trying to save money these days. I tried to give a few ideas about what to do to save big bucks on your wedding celebration. Now, here’s what NOT to do…

1) Don’t put your wedding on a credit card, unless you have a detailed plan for how you are going to quickly pay it off. The average Chicago wedding costs well over $50,000. That is a HUGE amount of money to put on the plastic without thinking it through.

2) Don’t assume that you’ll get anything from your guests as a gift. Yes, I know this is a taboo subject! But, I’ve seen it time and time again where couples go overboard thinking that they will “make it back” from their guests in cash gifts. Although there is an etiquette rule that tells guests to give a gift that covers the cost of their meal at the reception, most guests have no idea about this rule or how much their meal costs! You’ll be incredibly lucky to get even a quarter of your money “back.”

3) Don’t register for things you don’t need. Yes, the $500 print from Pottery Barn is beautiful and the perfect thing to put over your bed. However, if someone is hugely generous and gives you the $500 print when you really could use something else (like cash), you’ll be kicking yourself later.

4)  Don’t assume that you’ll be able to negotiate with your vendors on their price. Please remember that each of your vendors has to pay the bills, too! If you do try to negotiate, be fair. Ask for things like a small amount of additional time or a free set of prints that doesn’t cut into the vendor’s bottom line as much. Don’t come to them pleading, “I only budgeted $400 for your service. Can you match that?” That can be offensive!

5) Don’t forget to factor in “hidden” costs. Yes, you may be able to afford to rent a venue for $6,000 for your celebration. But, look closely at the contract to see what that cost includes. Often, you are simply renting the space without tables and chairs and often for an amount of time that may be too short for your event. Be sure to ask plenty of questions before signing the contract.

6) Don’t be afraid to back out of your contract. If something happens like job loss or home foreclosure, it is often better to cut your losses and see if you can cancel your elaborate wedding reception. Yes, there will be financial penalties for doing so. However, it’s better to lose $5,000 than to spend $75,000 you don’t have. Keep the date at the church and get married. But, lose the expensive reception. It’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all…

7) Don’t jump into signing a contract that you are uncomfortable with. If the price is too high, but you just love the vendor, think it through! Talk to more vendors and see if there is anyone else who comes close. Talk to that vendor about other options. They may have smaller packages to better suit your needs.

Now that I officially feel like Debbie Downer,  I’ll repeat my message from the previous post. BE SMART about how you spend your wedding budget and you’ll be fine. Be happy! You are marrying your best friend.