Released May 19, 2009
LINCOLN, Neb. — For those tying the knot this year, trimming costs may be in order. The first thing Kathy Prochaska-Cue recommends is to figure out how much money will be available before any wedding planning begins.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln family economist said it's important to find out where the money is coming from, then decide what budget categories to spend it on.
"Set up a budget, then like all budgets, set up spending. You may realize you'll need to make trade-offs because you'll spend more than you think in some areas," the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources specialist said. "Decide if it is really important to give guests goody bags. Or, if pictures are important, hire a photographer for the formal part of the wedding and have friends take pictures for the rest of the wedding."
Prochaska-Cue said it's really important that the couple and parents talk about what is important.
"Decide if pictures are more important than flowers, or if it is more important to have 300 guests or a full meal at the reception," she said.
Prochaska-Cue said big savings can result by cutting down on the guest list.
"You want to have people there that you know are important to you," she said. "Beyond that, you may want to think twice about inviting business acquaintances or business acquaintances of your parents or your parents' friends."
Not only will that save money, but it will make the event more personal.
Another way to save money is to have a smaller bridal party. And for bridal party dress, think about not only renting the tuxes, but the bridesmaid dresses and even the wedding gown. Another idea is to borrow dresses.
"When it comes to the wedding gown, anything on the market with 'bridal' in the title is going to cost more from the gown to the shoes," she said. "Think about buying a white or cream colored bridesmaid dress. When it comes to the veil, go out and look at some already on the market, then go home and make your own."
When it comes to flowers, the labor usually costs the most, Prochaska-Cue said.
"You can buy fresh or artificial, but arrange them yourself, or if you know someone who is good at that, ask them," she said.
Asking friends and relatives to do jobs or doing it yourself is another place where big savings can result.
"Hire friends for videography, photography, music, decorating, even for doing invitations," she said.
Invitations can easily be done on a computer, or a friend or relative good at calligraphy can do them for you. Prochaska-Cue said don't worry about the tissue paper inserts, double envelopes or even the response cards.
"It really boils down to your personal choice and what is most important," she said.
Alcohol can be one of the largest expenses at a wedding, Prochaska-Cue said. With that, cash bars are becoming more popular and even expected.
"You can provide champagne for the toast or even a first hour of complementary drinks or drink tickets, but turning it off at a certain time not only will save money, but help people not to overindulge," she said.
As for ceremony and reception sites, look at having the ceremony and reception at the same site to save on the expense of renting another venue. Or, if the wedding will be at a site where there are other weddings before or after yours, talk to those brides and ask if there are ways to share some of the decorating costs.
Having a wedding on a Friday night is sometimes less expensive than a Saturday night as is having it in the off-season. Or, think of different ideas for the reception besides the traditional sit-down dinner and dance, such as a brunch, high tea or buffet.
Also, don't forget about public venues and parks. They often cost less than private and there are many beautiful parks across the state. If the wedding is small, having it at someone's home also is a great way to save money, she said.
Additional Nebraska Extension resources to meet today's challenges are available at the UNL Managing Tough Times Web site.
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http://ianrnews.unl.edu/static/0905190.shtml
Source: Kathleen Prochaska-Cue, (402) 472-5517
Editor: Sandi Alswager Karstens, (402) 472-3030
