Tag: budget

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Tips to help you plan a last-minute wedding

5307-2_300pxWeddings take time to plan and perfect. But, what if you don’t have so much time?

You can still pull-off a superb wedding within the time you have, with a little help. Here are the planning tips that will help you with the various aspects of a beautiful wedding, and make it as close to perfect as can be.

Plan the legal part

The legal part of getting married, can take some time. So, get down to it, right after you decide to get married. Make a list of the necessary papers you will require and visit the courthouse as early as possible, to apply for your marriage license. Make sure the paperwork is done and you qualify to be legally married on the day you want to.

Fix your budget before you do anything else

1A quick wedding means you have to have funds ready at short notice. Plan your budget quickly, calculate the number of guests who will be attending and make sure you account for all the factors that will be involved. Choose a theme that can be executed without difficulty. You may not have time to search for vendors who fit your budget, while meeting your deadline. So, obtain references from friends and relatives, check for online reviews and contact a number of vendors to find one who fits the bill and can accommodate your wedding plans at short notice. A wedding planner would be very helpful for a quick wedding as a professional will know what to do. They can also direct you to the right vendors who fit your budget but will deliver on time.

Choose shortcuts to spread the word

For a quick wedding, you may not have the time to select invitation stationery, print them out and send them by mail. So, choose the practical route. Quickly sort out your guest list, create an email invitation, and send it out. Also, call and personally invite your guests. Ask them to confirm whether they will be attending the wedding, and mark their RSVP response off a printed list, so you can do the rest of your planning appropriately.

Enlist extra help

This is the time to turn to your friends and well-wishers for help. If you are a naturally organized person, plan and delegate the tasks to your helpers.

If not, get your MoH or mother to help you, so you don’t miss anything.

Go shopping asap

Keep your wedding dress dreams realistic, as you do not have too much time for elaborate shopping and alteration sessions. Be open to choices when you go for your bridal appointment, and you will not be disappointed.

windflower_2Try to look at dresses that are readily available in your size and will require minimum modifications. Make sure that you ask for a speedy delivery, and as far as possible shop for accessories and wedding bands, soon after purchasing your wedding dress.

Bridesmaid dresses

Consider the logistics of getting your bridesmaids dresses on time, when choosing them. Select from available stock, or consider paying extra for a quick delivery. Make use of mix and match options, as this will allow your bridesmaids to choose their dresses faster.

Party favors

Choose quick and easy party favors that do not require assembling.

Forget the small stuff, and keep your expectations simple. This is the best way to enjoy your whirlwind wedding. It’ll all seem like a dream later, and the little glitches won’t matter then.

For more wedding advice and tips, visit us at Best for Bride.

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5 Wedding expenses that you may overlook

It is important to budget everything at your wedding. Only then will you stick to what you can afford. A common mistake is to not account for the overhead costs when booking a service or vendor. These aren’t usually stated upfront, and unless you ask, you may have a nasty surprise when you receive the final bill.

These are the usual areas where couples wrongly budget and it leads to costs they didn’t expect.

Shipping Costs for Invitations

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Vendors usually do not mention charges inclusive of shipping when you place your order for your wedding invitations. Remember that the bulkier your card is, the more postage stamps or courier charges it will cost. Where hundred or more invitations are concerned, this can quickly add up, especially if many are to be sent overseas. When you receive an estimate for invitations, make sure you account for the postage charges as well. You may rethink your preferences when you figure it in.

Wedding dress fittings and alterations

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It is unlikely to find a dress that fits perfectly when choosing off-the-rack. Every bride requires minimum alterations. Alteration services depend on the extent and nature of the work involved. You may have to pay more if you want custom changes, such as changing the neckline or adding sleeves.

First, fix an amount and set aside roughly 20% of it for alterations. Inform your bridal consultant of your wedding dress budget and mention that it is inclusive of all the overheads, so she can direct you to suitable ones. Make sure that you choose a dress that doesn’t need too much work by choosing the right size and finding one that has most of the features you desire.

Taxes and extras on services

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There are taxes on everything from venue booking to caterers, florists and other services. The actual rate may depend on the amount you spend. Find out the cost inclusive of taxes, so you know whether what you chose is an option you can afford.

Extra charges at the reception include costs for cutting and serving the cake and serving wine. Unless you take an all-inclusive package where the cake and drinks come with the venue, it is likely you will have to pay the staff who perform the service. Make sure you discuss the rates before committing to the deal.

Cleaning up

If you have chosen a full-service, cleaning up after the function is usually included. However, if you are only renting the place and arranging the caterers and decorations yourself, you have to arrange for clean-up following the function, or else pay for it. Even if you book a full-service venue, make sure you know about any extra charges you may have to pay for late-night cleanup, should your party extend beyond midnight.

Extra equipment and overtime charges

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Unless you stick to your original wedding schedule, you have to compensate for any extra time your service providers spend at your wedding. This applies to the band, DJ, caterers, wedding photographers, wedding officiants and wedding makeup artists. Book with a realistic time schedule, and you shouldn’t have to pay too much extra. Any additional equipment such as speakers or microphones, that will be required at your venue, will come at an extra cost. So, check this outright in the beginning.

For more wedding tips and advice, visit us at Best for Bride.

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Cherished Moments: Your Comprehensive Guide to Planning a Cozy and Intimate Wedding!

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What does your wedding actually signify? Isn’t it all about the moment of being declared man and wife; of feeling excited and overjoyed in the midst of those who really love you?

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Do you think that this would be better realized when you have a small and intimate wedding, where all those who attend have your best interests at heart and really mean a lot to you. This doesn’t mean that you have to limit your budget.. It is just that you can use your money better and not have to cut down on anything you wanted because it stretches your wedding budget. If you have been thinking along these lines, this post is one that will be very useful for you. So, let us get into the details of how to plan a small wedding, and do it well.

The guest list

A small wedding can be as small as you wish. The number could be 20, 50 or 100; it is up to you to decide. All you have to remember is that you should be inviting only those who personally mean a lot to you (and your families, if they are sharing the expenses).

The venue

Depending on the number of guests, choose a venue where you will be seated in such a way that everyone can mingle and meet the others. With a smaller wedding party, you can make the most of your budget by opting for a luxurious or picturesque wedding venue, instead of a huge banquet hall. For very small gatherings, you could even have one in your own backyard or garden, provided you are able to deck it up and arrange it well.

Splurge on what is most important

If you always wanted a designer wedding dress with all the works, a small wedding allows you to indulge yourself. Comments on how great you look will sound more meaningful and heartfelt, when they come from your dear and near ones, than from someone who barely recognize them. A small event also allows you to throw a lavish spread of delicious food, get better wedding favors and decorate your venue to perfection. Fix your priorities, and spend your money accordingly. If you want to hire the services of a wedding planner, the fact that you are having a small wedding shouldn’t hinder it. There are many wedding planners who specialize in small events, you just have to find them.

Handling protests

There will certainly be a few people who feel let down by your decision. Tell them this was because you were having a very small wedding, which in fact is true. You can always have a party after the wedding, when you can invite them. Keep it casual, but use it as a chance to introduce yourselves as a couple to the rest of the world. But do so, only if you really want it.

Whether you have a big wedding or a small one, don’t forget that the most important thing is that you enjoy it. For more wedding tips, advice or for all your wedding shopping needs, visit us at Best for Bride.

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3 Rules you should follow to keep your bridesmaids happy

Your bridesmaids are the lovely women who will see you through your crazy wedding planning days and stand beside you as you say “I do.” It is an honor to be offered the title of bridesmaid, but as the bride, you should remember that they have agreed to be in for several demands while accepting the title. The least you can do is make their job easier, by being considerate and sensitive. You do not want to distress them over your decisions and create a rift in an otherwise great relationship.

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According to statistics cited by the Daily Mail, 32% of the brides they interviewed had fallen out with at least one woman who they had chosen as their bridesmaid. Fortunately, you can avoid such an experience if you make sensible decisions, and think not only about yourself, but also about your favorite girlfriends when making plans. Here are some things that you should know and follow, so you make your bridesmaids job easier.

#Rule 1

Set a budget for her dress shopping, and keep it reasonable

When your friend signs up to be your bridesmaid, she knows that a new dress, shoes and accessories are on the card. Remember that all this shopping will most likely serve her only for your wedding. So, be reasonable with your choices. Discuss what she can afford and fix a budget within her means. Only choose a dress that she can afford, unless you are footing the bill. If you can make do with a dress that your bridesmaid will be able to use again, you will immediately score extra points with your lady friends.

via Best for Bride

#Rule 2

Keep your expectations about the bridal shower and hen party reasonable

Your bridesmaids are already paying for their dresses, while also planning your bridal shower and hen party. You may be a great gal who deserves a grand bash, but be reasonable with your expectations for the party. Parties cost a lot, and it isn’t nice on your part to expect them to pay beyond what they can afford. Appreciate the effort they put in to plan your celebrations and be happy with what they’ve arranged.

#Rule 3

Thank them like you mean it

Everyone has their limitations and the important thing is that your bridesmaids have tried their best, and have agreed to stand beside you on your big day. Make sure that you thank them for all that they’ve done with a special gift. You should already be sponsoring the jewelry and accessories that they wear on the day. Apart from that, gift them something special and write them a thank you note. Or send them a bouquet of flowers or a gift hamper to indulge in, post the wedding. Treat your bridesmaids with respect and affection, and they will be enthusiastic about your wedding instead of just doing things for the sake of it. Always remember that they are your friends first.

At Best for Bride, we have some fantastic bridesmaids dress choices at reasonable prices. Make sure your pretty ladies have something pretty to wear on your wedding day, by visiting us today.