Budget Weddings - Decide What You Want First!

Before you to too far with your wedding plans, decide what is most important to you!

The theme for a shoestring wedding is "Simple but Elegant!" It's really hard to set a budget until you know what your priorities are. What area is going to mean the most to you? Is it that you want real flowers? Or you want to splurge a little on your dress? Do you want to focus your money on the food or would you rather have a scenic place to have your wedding?

Makin' a List and Checkin' It Twice...

First, make a list of everything you want to include in the wedding. Be specific. For example, don't just say flowers. List everything you want whether it's a brides bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, etc.

Here's a basic list of items in most weddings to give you ideas:

invitations

RSVP's

save-the-date cards

unity candle

aisle runner

pew bows

alter flowers

bridesmaids flowers

bridal bouquets

tiara

veil

wedding dress

shoes

slip

bustiere

earrings

necklace

bracelet

bridal purse

groom's tuxedo

flowergirl basket

ringbearer pillow

attendant gifts

wedding programs

officiant (minister, pastor, priest, etc.)

musician or organist

photographer

videographer

reception hall

food

drinks

reception decorations

place settings

centerpieces

DJ or band

wedding cake

guest favors

guest book

guest book pen

limousine

bubbles or rice

Focus on What is Important

Once you have this list of wedding essentials, set it aside. Then go back to it tomorrow. (Trust me on this one.) Look over your list. Decide what is most important to you and what you can live without. Believe me, there's lots of things that you can do without and no one will ever notice. For example, how important is that limo? Do you really need guest favors that people will just throw away? Do you need a special pen or will a regular ball point pen work? Can you borrow anything on your list, such as jewelry or a veil? This is the first step in controlling your wedding budget.

This article is brought to you by Brenda Frezell of [http://www.shoestringbrides.com] Stop by for tips on how to save big on your wedding day.

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