There’s a lot expected of a wedding these days, and not just emotionally. I’m talking about the trappings. I remember a time when I had never heard of chair covers, and the wedding photos were good enough if they were in focus. Most brides did their own make up and nails, though there might be a hair dresser involved. The bride’s jewelry was often either her ‘something borrowed’ or a gift from her parents.
Today, well, it’s all about the details. In actual dollars, most couples don’t have more money to spend, but there are more things to spend the dollars on and more social disgrace for doing it ‘wrong.’
So what is a bride on a budget to do?
Very simply, figure out where you get the most bang for your buck, set your priorities accordingly, and plan from there. Where does that bang come from? Well, if you ask me, it goes to things that improve the comfort of your guests.
If it feeds, waters, entertains, or relaxes your guests, that’s the best place to spend more money. For all the effort you put into them, I guarantee your guests will forget the flowers in the centerpieces and the cut of your gown and the cleverness of your invitations in a matter of days or weeks. What they will remember is whether or not they could get enough to eat and drink. They’ll remember whether there was music they could dance to. They’ll remember whether there was a long line for one, insufficiently clean bathroom. They’ll remember a lack of chairs longer than whether or not they were pretty.
So consider saving a buck or two on make up technicians, special jewelry, upgraded chairs, and elaborate centerpieces. Put those dollars into a more generous meal, better music, and a venue with adequate facilities for your guests.
Details are great, but sometimes you have to step back and take a good long look at the big picture, too.
“If it feeds, waters, entertains, or relaxes your guests…”
My first thought was, “Gerbil cage?”
I don’t know about you, Jelly, but I think a lot more weddings need gerbil cages. ; p