Today’s post goes out to men who organize weddings.

What???? Men organizing a wedding!!!!

Well,  ”Show me that man”.  OK, if you would like to see that man, watch the video and come on back and comment.

If Men Organized Weddings

Remember, humor in our lives takes the edge off. If men get organized or involved in wedding planning the laughs will linger through out the process and into married life.

Planning a wedding on a budget may be tough but it can be done. In the planning stages you’ve probably added, subtracted, multiplied and prayed and came to the conclusion that your actual wedding costs are going to be bigger than you’d planned. If you have signed any contracts what do you do? (Panic is not an option.) First, take a look at all your expenditures. Then talk with each of your vendors to figure outwhere it is possible to cut costs or change your choices without reneging on agreements. Most vendors are willing to work with you in a financial jam. Why? To keep your business and generate good word of mouth. Just keep in mind if you do cancel any contracts, usually, one third to one half of your deposit will be lost.  So where do you start in shaving the costs? Lets take a look.

Would you consider changing the date? If you are booked for a Saturday (which is prime time), think Friday night or Sunday afternoon. Talk to your caterer – they may offer you a price break if they think there is a good chance to rebook  your original time slot.

I’ll Have Lobster and Steak

Change the menu but not the concept. Instead of having a sit down meal featuring carved meats, offer a less pricey variety of pastas and sauces. You can down size dessert by serving sliced fresh tropical fruit with raspberry sorbet instead of a fancy chocolate torte decorated with mango sauce. This can cut five dollars per serving off your costs. Multiply that by 200 and you save a cool thousand.

If you are inviting a large number of people, ask the caterer if he’ll give you a discount. Use your guest count as a negotiating point. Eliminate a course. You can lose the appetizer and start the meal with a salad. No one will notice.

Instead of costly pre-made favors, make inexpensive ones yourself. Sugar cookies cost pennies; bake ahead of time and freeze them.

Another often overlooked price saver is serving house brand liquors instead of top shelf or premiums which can be significantly cheaper.

Smell the Roses

Being flexible is the key when it comes to flowers. You can significantly cut the bill if you stay with buds in season. Ordering out of season flowers can cost you big time. Instead of insisting on certain flowers, remind the florist of your preferred style – for example, you want a pink and yellow garden theme – your florist can budget by color instead of blooms. Think carnations or orchids instead of roses. Dusty millers and lady’s mantles are other good choices.  Greens can pack a lot of punch to bouquets, centerpieces and table arrangements without packing on the price.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Another way to plan your wedding budget is to hire your photographer on a more limited basis than originally planned. Have them shoot from the ceremony to the first dance instead of until the last guest leaves. If you intended to get the jumbo photo package with multiple enlargements and leather album, opt for a smaller package that still fits your needs. You may also have friends that capture shots throughout the day the photographer might have missed being occupied with a list. Most people get doubles and share them any way. Instead of getting reprints ask the photographer about proofs. If they are of high quality and you can keep them, this is another bargain. You can also limit the number of disposable cameras you hand out saving mega money on the purchase of cameras and developing. Some people get crazy with cameras, you might end up with wasted film on shots of sparkles on a floor that may not even show up in dark lit halls.

And the Beat Goes On

Consider booking a DJ instead of a band. If you have your heart set on a live band strike a compromise; instead of six musicians playing the entire evening, opt for a three piece band. During the meal and/or cocktail hour, consider hiring a solo keyboard or saxophone player. Without a vocalist or others accompanying your solos you could save up to $500.00. Again, sometimes changing your wedding from a Saturday to a Friday or Sunday may cut costs too.

Don’t Kill a Tree

When it comes to invitations, cut down on the number of enclosure cards to stay within a budget. This can be a great way for you to help in protecting the environment. Every little bit helps. You can often include ceremony and reception information on the same card. Instead of expensive RSVP cards with matching envelopes opt for postcards. You will also save money on postage. Instead of hiring a calligrapher to address invitations, do them yourself (with a calligrapher marker sold at art stores) or ask friends with great penmanship. Instead of getting programs professionally printed, make them yourself.

Beep Beep – Beep Beep – Yah

 Another way to stay on budget with your weddingplanning is your transportation. Even if you have a contract with a limousine company, there may be some flexibility. For example, ask if you can book fewer limos than you originally planned. Instead of chauffeuring every member of your bridal party, hire just one car to drive you and your dad to the ceremony and later take you and the groom to the reception. If your style and setting is right; a horse and carriage/sleigh may be just as romantic.

Unless you always dreamed of stepping out of a big stretch limousine as the bride consider booking another set of wheels that is less expensive. You can save about 50% if you switch from a limo to a posh sedan or Lincoln Town Car. When it comes to your bridal party and you insist on wheels for them, a multi passenger van or mini bus can solve that situation and keep your bridalparty together.

Planning your wedding on a budget does not have to be painful. What is painful is taking out a loan to pay for it. Saving where you can and putting it towards a down payment on a house is much more rewarding down the road than that one day in your life. If your wedding is about connection it will be  remembered long after you say “I DO” and less on what you spend.

A wedding planning timeline can help you stay organized and keep your  stress levels under control. We talked yesterday about ways of handling stress for smooth wedding planning. Today I like to give you a timeline guide that will help you stay on track.

You can savor your wedding celebration more fully by preparing thoroughly for the big day. Arrangements for a large, formal wedding ideally should begin eight to 12 months in advance, but many beautiful weddings – in all degrees of formality – are put together in considerably less time than that. The most important rules of preparation are to follow a timetable and to share the joyful tasks involved with your fiance, your families and your attendants.

Guys if you are reading this we know you don’t get into this sort of thing but us women like to have a “guys perspective” not only in wedding planning but through out the marriage. A wedding is not about the bride it is about the bride and groom.  Sharing the responsibilities can bring the two of you closer in starting your new life together. You will find out later in your marriage it was all the things you did together that built the love you share. Helping each other through stressful times builds that love.

The following timeline is not set in stone. You may or may not be doing all these things. It is your wedding. Do what matters to both of you and plan some fun in between. You don’t want to breathe every task of your life about the wedding. It is a special time for both of you. Like any other couple before you, it to shall pass. Savor the moments – it gives you memories for life.

Six to Twelve Months Before the Wedding

• Determine your budget and discuss the sharing of expenses
• Decide on your wedding type (formal, semi-formal, informal)
• Choose the ceremony site   Phone  __________________
• Discuss date with clergy or officiant
• Decide wedding party size and choose attendants
• Select gown/Headpiece/Veil  Phone __________________
• Select attendants apparel   Phone ____________________
• Choose reception site  Phone ________________________
• Select caterer/wedding consultant Phone _______________
• Plan reception details
• Select Photographer Phone__________________________
• Have engagement photos taken Date/Time ______________
• Select reception music  Phone ________________________
• Select videographer  Phone __________________________
• Select Florist Phone________________________________
• Compile invitation list from both families
• Discuss gown colors and styles with mothers of bride and groom

Four to Six Months Before the Wedding

• Select and order men’s formal wear Phone_________________
• Select ceremony music and musicians Phone_______________
• Make honeymoon plans  Travel agents Phone_______________
• Decide on new living arrangements (buying/Renting/Leasing)
• Register gift preferences with one or more bridal registries
• Order invitations/stationary/programs Phone______________
• Prepare and print maps to include in invitations
• Reserve hotel rooms for out of town guests
• Have physical exams and update immunizations

Two to Four Months Before the Wedding

• Reserve rental items (candelabra/arches/canopy/linens/etc.)
• Arrange rehearsal dinner  Phone_______________________
• Shop for trousseau/honeymoon/prenuptial apparel
• Reserve limo/carriage/trolley or coach
• Address wedding invitations
• Review florist’s arrangements and finalize order
• Buy attendants gifts and gifts for each other
• Experiment with hair styles and make-up changes
• Buy bridal and attendant shoes. Send to dyer
• Order wedding and groom cakes

One to Two Months Before the Wedding

• Mail invitations (four to six weeks before the wedding)
• Confirm all contracted arrangements
• Have final bridal fitting Date and Time _________________
• Have final attendants’ fittings Date and Time _____________
• Confirm honeymoon reservations/begin packing
• Select reception decorations (balloons/candles/flowers/table favors
• Select reception accessories (handbag/garter/engraved goblets
• Arrange stag/stagette or combine for one big party
• Buy marriage license. Have blood tests if needed

Two Weeks Before the Wedding

• Schedule hair styling/facial/manicure/massage
• Invite wedding party and guests to rehearsal dinner
• Move personal and mutual belongings to new home
• Review reception seating and order place cards
• Confirm out-of-town guest lodging at hotel
• Confirm wedding party transportation and arrival times
• Record gifts as you receive them and send thank-you notes
• Schedule caterer for gift opening party Phone____________
• Arrange for gown cleaning/preservation for after the wedding

One to Two Weeks Before the Wedding

• Pick up wedding rings. Check engraving and sizing
• Have final consultations with florist/musicians/photographers
• Give final guest count  to reception facility and caterer
• Pick up and check fit for mens’ formal wear
• Make a wedding day schedule/hand out copies at rehearsal dinner
• Relax the day before the wedding/ Keep personal appointments and finish honeymoon packing
• Have a Wonderful wedding day

Remember this is only a guide line. Depending on the style of wedding you  have, there may be other things you add or don’t do. The important thing is to have fun. It may seem like a daunting list, but taking small steps through out the planning process will lead to a successful wedding day. Remember things may not go as planned that day.  If it doesn’t just keep your wits. It will be a great story one day to tell your kids or grand kids when they begin their own wedding planning timeline. Feel free to copy this timeline for your own use.

Commenting is always appreciated.