“How Much Does a Wedding Cost?”
Donald Trump was asked the amount of his daughter’s wedding budget and answered, not surprisingly, was “unlimited”. He went on to say that she had exceeded the budget. Some might initially laugh at his response; but to those actively involved in planning a wedding budget, it’s probably, uh…not so funny.
Preparing a wedding budget can be a difficult process. How do you set a budget when you have no experience or knowledge of what the various components costs? In my Kansas City catering company office, we get at least one phone call a week, where the sweet, joy-filled voice on the line says, “How much does a wedding cost?”
There’s isn’t an easy answer to that question. That question can only be answered with more questions concerning style, size, expectations, preferences, and…..budget. Uggh! The “B” word again. While initially frustrating, the budget setting process can be tackled with systematic research and planning. The secret to successful wedding budgeting is PRIORITIES.
To establish a preliminary budget, you should allocate the most money to the things that are most important to you. Whether it is your dress or your honeymoon, there are a wide range of choices and prices. Allocate the most money to the items most important to you. For less significant aspects, make the most cost effective choice.
In my slightly biased – but defendable – honest opinion as a Kansas City caterer and event planner, I, of course, encourage a healthy amount of the budget to be dedicated to the wedding reception. I often tell bridal clients to think about what their favorite memories are made of. Experience proves that memories are made of food, fellowship and fun which in wedding budgets translates to having a great reception. It doesn’t mean that you have to implement the “Trump plan” and exceed an unlimited budget.
The best advice for wedding budgeting is to focus on what’s important. The golden rule is “If it is important to the bride, then it’s important!” If it’s not important, then don’t allocate much time, energy, or budget. With good choices and careful budgeting, your wedding budget won’t require a visit to Trump towers for a loan!
Dee-Dee Stokes is the owner of Kansas City’s Affordable Elegance Catering and has over 20 years experience in wedding and event planning. Visit her website at www.AffordableEleganceCatering.com
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