First, have a budget and be very specific on what is and is not in the budget. Does it include the cost of the the dress and alterations, hair & make up for the bridal party, tuxedo rentals, gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen? Also, what about the items the groom's family typically pays for?
When I work with brides I create a very detailed spreadsheet which includes everything right down to the postage for the invitations and reply envelopes before we sign a contract. When I have a bride who tells me her budget is 45K for 125 guests I put together a detailed budget which includes everything she wants and in a mid-range price, i.e., designer linens, a three-course meal, lovely flowers, etc. so that when it comes to choosing vendors she doesn't have to do an "upgrade" on everything to get what she wants.
I will allocate the appropriate amount of money to the items that are most important to her and get savvy on the necessary, but less important items. I strongly recommend that before a bride signs with any wedding planner, she has them show (in detail) how they will stay on budget. My goal is to agree upon a detailed budget before signing a contract so once that has been established the planning process is enjoyable, not stressful. If I can't give a bride what she wants within her budget I will be the first to tell her so. However, I rarely find this necessary once we have had a chance to go over all of the costs related to having a wedding line by line.
Sometimes the golden horse drawn carriage has to go but I promise to get the bride to the church on time and in style.
Christina Baxter
Christina Baxter
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