Wedding Planning 101: Ways to cut costs and stick to your budget!
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/Wedding and Bridal News Articles/ - TAMPA, FL, April 10, 2008 - It's only natural to want the Princess fantasy wedding, complete with ice sculptures, a heavenly cake, and thousands of guests who've flown in from around the country to enjoy the accompanying celebration.

It's only human to cry at the bill that this dream can rack up.

But there are ways to hold a festive wedding on a budget that you (and your guests) can afford. Simply follow these behind-the-scenes secrets for saving money on everything from banquet facilities to the menu itself from Jennifer L. McCrackin, owner of QuickCare Event Planners.

Planning

If you are working with a wedding coordinator, set a budget as opposed to a working "paddable" version. The firm budget forces the planner to ask questions ahead of time, which is always the best route for saving money.


The more bargaining chips you bring to the table, the better the deal. If you and several high school or college friends are tying the knot in the same year, approach an airline and hotel chain directly to negotiate one rate for all guests.


Always negotiate the final package with vendors face to face. It is harder for them to say no to your special requests if you are negotiating at the table.


Hotel Accommodations for Guests

Negotiate a flat rate versus a single-double rate.

Stipulate that you want a group discount on parking fees.


Meals

It's a myth that a buffet-style meal is less expensive than a served one. In reality, buffets require more food and more labor so their cost is higher.

If you are working with a smaller group (say 40 to 70), piggyback onto another group's menu. This allows the hotel to buy in bulk and lowers your price.

Consider other main entrees besides beef and chicken. Chefs can do a lot of things with pastas and the price is very reasonable.

Allow the chef to try out his new, original recipes with your group. Most welcome the chance to be creative and lower the price per serving in exchange for the group's feedback. Be careful that it's not something too exotic, though. Lamb or swordfish might not appeal to everyone in your party.

Use 8-inch plates rather than 10-inch ones. It appears very full.

Negotiate house wine price with dinner versus a specialty wine. You may even request to stock your own bar with certain caterers and venues, saving a big chunk on your food and beverage budget.

Outsource your speciality linens versus upgraded linen on the tables through the venue or caterer.


Determine which table decorations are available at no charge. This list usually includes votive candles, mirrors and bud vases and try to work this into your wedding theme.


Entertainment/Unusual Reception Ideas

To save on the cost of a full dinner, create a themed reception around a topic that can be covered by food and drink only. For instance, if you go with a Caribbean beat, umbrellas in the drinks, a few streamers and some tropical food choices are enough to give the effect. There is no need to purchase a reggae band, too.


Ask the hotel or caterer what stock items it can lend you for special themed events.


Request waiters to pass trays of drinks and appetizers. This strategy uses less food than the buffet version and looks extremely elegant in the bargain.

Insist that bartenders use shot glasses. This keeps drinks uniform, and if you're charged per bottle, prevents bartenders from "pouring heavy" to go through more bottles.


For large groups, buy beer by the keg, not the bottle.
And remember, it's not the price of the wedding that determines the quality of your marriage or dictates a good time for all involved!

Press Release Contact Information:

Jennifer McCrackin
QuickCare Event Planners
Owner and Design Director
4206 Grainary Avenue
Tampa, Florida
33624
Voice: 813-382-7723
Fax: 813-265-4372
Website: Visit Our Website