Comments on: Brides Beware of Bad Advice

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:04:06 +0000

From my point of view, there’s no one blanket piece of advice you can give generally on the right places to spend money.

One of the first things a couple should consider as they’re budgeting is their priority list. What are those things they care about the most? What are they willing to splurge on or cut on? For some it’s the dress, some the food, some the venue, etc…then they can seek out great tips on how to save on the things that are lower priority for them.

By: Cutting Edge

Cutting Edge — Mon, 17 May 2010 04:31:27 +0000

Yes Mindy, everyone should have a special day, but the tips were bad.

We would actually love to hear your advice, being an event planner.

By: Mindy

Mindy — Sun, 16 May 2010 12:25:50 +0000

I think it’s great that there is someone out there giving tip’s to couples who can not afford an expensive wedding. Shouldn’t EVERYONE no matter how rich or poor be able to have a day celebrating their love with friends and family?
I would be really interested to hear YOUR advice on how to throw a wedding on a minimal budget.

By: Martin

Martin — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:58:36 +0000

Lots of great insight here. Thanks for all the information and encouraging new brides to do the right thing, not the cheapest thing!

By: Linda Kolman

Linda Kolman — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:05:56 +0000

I am just reminded of the line from the movie, “Father of the Bride” – Don’t go “chicken and cheap”. A big wedding is not for everyone. You should do the best you can for the money you have. I agree that at least 2 things you should not skimp on are the photographer and the music.

By: DJ Mikey G.

DJ Mikey G. — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:51:45 +0000

When your “lil brother” or the I-Pod ruin that “once in a lifetime moment, you will wish you had hired a reputable, professional disc jockey!

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:58:05 +0000

I agree with crystal. There are good ways and bad ways to save money on a wedding reception.
Good Ways: Have the reception on a non Saturday. Most places are more willing to offer discounts because they are much less busy on those days. Less busy months like January through March is also a time to get better bargains.
Bad ways: Trying to “do-it-yourself” when you have no idea how to do it. That goes for cakes, photographers, entertainment, and catering. The fact of the matter is just about all of us had made a cake, taken a picture, played some music, and cooked some food. Suggesting that any of that experience should make doing it yourself at a reception worth it is simply bad advice. Doing these things at your house and doing these things with 100’s of people relying on you is about as different as you can get.

By: Crystal

Crystal — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:44:24 +0000

There are definitely “good” ways to save money and “bad” ways lol. I agree with most of your post here except the dress part. My wedding gown cost me $220 – and it was a gorgeous lace overlay strapless gown with a chapel length train and delicate beaded detailing. It would have retailed for about $1200 – and yes, it was brand new. There are tons of gorgeous gowns at great prices if you are willing to do your research and shop around. Keep in mind – not all brides care that much about the dress anyway. For some of us, the dress is just a side note and I would much rather spend that money on the reception where I get to celebrate with all our loved ones. To me – that’s just so much more meaning full then an expensive dress could ever be.

By: Mobile Music 1

Mobile Music 1 — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:31:14 +0000

A professional photographer will have your images archived. If something should happen to your computer or your home, at least those captured memories can be reclaimed. Try that with a college student trying to make a few bucks for books. Also, professional photographers know how to everyone quickly through the formal shots and stick to a timeline. Uncle Joe isn’t as worried about conflicting with the wedding professionals.

Also, florists have adequate cooler space. Home-spun floral decorators and Aunt Sue do not. Spend all that money on flowers, only to have them wilt and turn brown. I’ve seen it happen!

I’ve got a bride that’s been to a reception with the old country bar karaoke jock and one with an ipod/burnt CDs. She doesn’t have a lot of money but she doesn’t want what she experienced and is willing to budget appropriately.

By: Cutting Edge

Cutting Edge — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:27:53 +0000

And in regard to ‘budget’ photographers – a point which I disagree on – you might check out this blog that does a good job explaining why good, professional photographers cost more.

http://photocritic.org/why-is-wedding-photography-so-expensive/