Wedding Planning – Planning Your Wedding on a Budget

Wedding planning on a budget is a necessary reality. Planning without a budget may leave you without enough money for flowers or music a week before the ceremony. And overspending may result in unpaid wedding bills as you’re starting your life together. Following are some wedding planning tips to help you plan your wedding on a budget:

Establish a budget. Determine which aspects of your wedding are most important, and scale back on items that are not a priority. In a recent survey conducted by Leflein Associates, Inc. for David’s Bridal, almost two-thirds of survey respondents said that the wedding dresses they found were too expensive. Keep your finances in check without sacrificing quality or style by shopping at a store that offers a wide selection of designer looks that matches your budget.

Use the Internet. Many brides-to-be rank wedding web sites as a top resource for useful wedding planning advice, tips and ideas. Most wedding products can be found online, such as bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, invitations, wedding favors, bridal accessories and jewelry.

Seek expert advice. When searching for your dream wedding dress, seek expert advice from the in-store bridal consultant. Consultants can provide great insight into the gowns’ quality, fit and construction. Also consider bringing along a trusted friend or family member to provide honest feedback.

Map out a timeline. Over 60 percent of engaged women give themselves less than six months before their wedding to purchase their wedding gown. Find wedding planning checklists at http://weddings.myguidesusa.com. Following a timeline will eliminate impulse shopping as a last ditch effort to finalize your wedding plans.

Select a national retailer. Bridesmaid dress coordination remains in vogue, with almost 75 percent of engaged women wanting their bridal party to wear the same color or color scheme. Select a national retailer that carries a large assortment of bridesmaid styles, in a wide range of sizes and colors, for ease of shopping and to ensure everyone looks and feels their best.

Personalize your wedding gown. Look for cost-effective solutions for personalizing your wedding dress, such as adding optional sleeves, a colorful sash that matches your wedding color scheme, or a sparkling brooch. Ask your wedding consultant about coordinating accessories, such as tiaras, veils, handbags, shoes and jewelry. Select pieces that complement your dress and personal style.

Create a seamless look. Visit a one-stop-shop and choose a personalized color scheme that makes it easy to coordinate every aspect of your wedding day, such as save-the-date cards and invitations to ceremony and reception items. Shop online or in-store to create a perfectly coordinated event.