The Truth About the Wedding Industry by Victoria Kelly

Over the past couple of years, I admit it has become much more difficult financially for everyone. Jobs are not quite as easy to come by, retirement accounts and money in savings are a thing of the past for most of us. However, for those of us staying positive, this only means that we need to be smarter with our money. What better time to watch what you’re spending then when you are planning your wedding.

I have 5 specific tips for saving money for those plunging ahead into wedding planning that need to know the truth about the Wedding Industry before jumping in.

1) Create a budget and stick to it. There are many “wedding” vendors out there that are simply trying to get your money. In fact, most of them are in the business for the same reason. Vendors know that this is a non-repeat business and that brides and grooms have no idea how much each item of their wedding should cost. These vendors will convince you that, for instance, a DJ should cost $3000, or that putting a $6000 deposit on a venue is normal and common. Don’t believe them for a second. Do you really think it costs them that much to provide you the service your buying. No way. Set a strict budget from the beginning and stick to it. If you only have $600 budgeted for food and $300 budgeted for flowers, make sure the caterer and florist know that from the beginning. You’ll quickly distinguish the frauds trying to get your money from the great vendors that will gladly work with you to make your day beautiful. It’s completely possible.

2) Never use family members or friends as vendors. I know it sounds like a great idea to let your best friend make your cake for you and let your sister and her husband take the photos, but trash that idea now before it’s too late. The ONLY reason EVER to use a family member or friend to help with an important part of your wedding is if they are professionals and you can see their work and speak to their references. Seriously. It’s like the saying “Never work with a family member.” I have seen it too many times. I realize they are trying to help, but it will seriously look like your best friend made your cake and you sister took your pictures. They are not professionals and weddings are different. I have had a videographer friend show up 4 hours late to the wedding and a brother-in-law drinking from a liquor bottle in his pocket while taking the wedding photos. It always turns out badly. Just say thank you for thinking of me, but we are going to go another direction.

3) Always pay for everything with your credit card. By no means do I suggest that you go into debt for your wedding. I am simply suggesting that you pay for everything with your credit card and then use the money you already set aside for those items to pay it off. If something were ever to happen (knock on wood) with any of your vendors, such as a vendor not showing up or not providing what was agreed upon, you can use your credit card company to get your money back. If you pay with cash or check, there will be nobody standing behind you to fight for you. If you need to stop payment, block payments or even dispute a charge, your credit card company will back you up 100% so at least you can get your money back. If only it were so easy to get your wedding day back.

 

4) Read your contracts thoroughly. (tips)If you find the right vendors, you will have absolutely nothing to worry about. However, like I said before, many vendors are simply out to get your money. You may have agreed to bridal party bouquets and 4 centerpieces at $500, but if you’re not careful you may not see the $100 arrangement charge, the $300 delivery charge, and the $150 setup charge. Oh, and you didn’t notice the 20% added gratuity did you? This happens more often than not to unsuspecting couples that trust their vendors completely. You’re getting married. they wouldn’t do something on purpose to deceive you. Of course they would. They will only see you once and have another wedding couple tomorrow. Check your contracts thoroughly for hidden charges and added gratuity. You owe them only for their services and nothing more. If you would like to give them a tip on the day of the wedding for outstanding performance, great! However, don’t think this is required or common by any means. Read those contracts!

5) Stay away from “wedding” venues. I’m sure you’ve heard that “weddings” are more expensive than “parties.” It is said that if you tell a venue that you want to have your wedding there it will cost more than if you’re just having a meeting or a get-together. That may be so, but I have even better advice. If you go to a hotel, a golf course, a reception hall or any other typical wedding venue, you will pay a great deal more than if you find some place for your wedding that isn’t typically used for weddings. The YMCA and Adult centers in your area have gorgeous areas for parties that would be perfect for a wedding and would cost thousands of dollars less. Think about parks, lakes, rental homes, or the backyard of a really nice home in your area. All of these places would make great locations for weddings and wouldn’t cost you the pretty penny the typical places would. Feel free to be unique and get creative and your bank account will thank you.

6) Always get your negatives. For this article the final tip I will give you relates to your wedding photos. Photographers are usually much more reliable and easier to work with than other vendors. Obviously there are exceptions. However, these vendors have to make money as well. If your biggest desire for your wedding is to have the fabulous photo album and tons of professional pictures for your wedding, these are definitely the people to see. Photographers usually know their business really well and will do a stupendous job for you (as will any great vendor). Although, if you want nice pictures and aren’t hesitant to save some money in this area, all of the extras are a really great place to save. These nice albums supplied by photographers will traditionally run you around $2000-$3000 and professionally done pictures will take you back pretty far as well. I suggest simply getting your negatives when the wedding is over and making sure the photographer hands over the copyright. You can then print your own pictures elsewhere and even create your own photo album for much less expensive.

Please don’t believe everything you hear when you are planning your wedding. If a price or restriction sounds outrageous, it most likely is outrageous. Make sure to do your research or at least talk to someone you trust to help you make the right decisions. Your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful, just make sure you are smart about it.