Budgeting your Wedding Day
Today we’re excited to feature an exclusive interview with Jennifer Orsini of Style Network’s hit television shows “Whose Wedding is it Anyway?” and “Married Away.” We’re asking her the tough questions that each bride needs to know when planning your wedding budget. Nowadays, a lot of us are on a tight budget, but we still want the wedding of our dreams. If you have anymore tips or suggestions on how to save some money on the big day feel free to leave comments below!
What are the easiest aspects of the wedding to save money on?
There are definitely areas of you wedding when splurging is acceptable. There are also aspects where a bride/groom can definitely save money! For example, it’s easy to save money on the attire, stationery and transportation.
What’s the one thing to “splurge” on when planning a wedding?
If anything, couples should never skimp or cut corners on the menu for their guests. If you have to choose one area in which to splurge, it should be food.
Throwing multiple parties can get expensive (i.e. bridal shower, bachelorette, etc) do you have any budget saving tips? Should a bride forego any of these?
Nowadays weddings bring multiple parties and each can potentially carry their own hefty bill. But cost should never deter a bride/groom from enjoying the festivities associated with getting married! When funds are tight, I recommend combining events. It’s not unusual today for couples to combine engagement parties with showers or turn bachelor and bachelorette parties into one big party! Throwing one party is definitely more cost effective than hosting two!
Families often stress when their son or daughter is going to start wedding planning, can you give us some tips on how to manage expectations? What are some creative ways families have split the bill?
In today’s economic climate, lavish weddings are not as abundant as they used to be. Long gone are the days of the father of the bride footing the entire wedding bill. More often than not, both parties’ parents are pitching in and helping their children have a wedding. Many of my clients have expressed concern about asking their parents for money because it can be a very touchy subject. I always recommend setting clear expectations from the start and being open and honest with contributing family members about potential wedding costs. It’s not unusual for one set of parents to offer more money than the other. It’s important to remember it’s NOT a competition. Talk openly (and privately) with each set of parents and determine what, if any, funds they are comfortable contributing. For example, maybe the bride’s parents are comfortable paying for flowers and transportation, and the groom’s parents offer to pay for videography and favors. Parents can potentially be a great source of financial assistance, but you have to be realistic and do your best to make them feel comfortable with their contributions.
For all the ladies who watch the show, what’s one of the funniest or most memorable experiences you’ve gone through on “Whose Wedding is it Anyway”?
I had a great time filming an episode about a couple who wanted a Hollywood-inspired wedding. They wanted big-named celebrity impersonators but it simply wasn’t in their budget. The producers thought it would funny if the wedding planner took a stab at dressing up like different celebrities at a costume shop. Lucky me! The entire shoot was a blast. I had always wanted to dress up like Marilyn Monroe or Cher and I finally got the opportunity! Fortunately, we were able to find a real impersonator so on the wedding day, I was able to stick to what I know best — wedding coordination!
What are the 3 most important considerations couples should ponder before they set their budget?
· GUEST COUNT/COST PER PERSON -- Create a realistic guest count and research prices per person at your favorite locations. Knowing your reception costs is half the battle towards coming up with a total budget. Keep this process organized. So many brides forget things and make mistakes due to disorganization in the early stages of planning. Have folders set up for your favorite sites and top contenders. Use a Brother P-touch label maker to clearly make each folder. This way you can easily reference your options and ultimately choose the best site for you.
· STYLE/DESIGN EXPECTATIONS — If you know you want enormous Calla Lilly centerpieces with dangling crystals and lush linens and won’t settle for less, be realistic and expect a hefty design/rent/floral bill. Budgeting $1500 for decor is not going to cut it. Know your style and satisfaction level. Then assign dollars appropriately. This is another place where it helps for brides to be organized!
· MONEY MANAGEMENT SKILLS — The way you pay your bills is usually good predictor of how you will manage your wedding budget and funds. If you use credit cards a lot and spend more than you make, chances are you will go over your wedding budget. Be smart. Know what you truly can afford to spend.
Jennifer Orsini is most known for her recurring role as a featured event planner on the Style Network’s hit television shows “Whose Wedding is it Anyway?” and “Married Away.” Jenny’s whimsical approach to planning and design have gotten her noticed time and time again. Jenny and her team of designers and coordinators offer their clients a meticulous attention to detail, and a never ending supply of fresh and unique ideas for wedding design.