September 03, 2015
Planning a wedding can be an emotional roller coaster. Family pressures, logistics, locations, menus and budgets can make it all feel overwhelming for the bride and groom. Heather Garrabrant, event coordinator for the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City, gives her best tips on keeping costs down while making your dream day a reality.
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Do: Negotiate. Things that seem to be set in stone may actually be set in clay. It never hurts to see where you can reduce overhead by negotiating with vendors. Some will say no, but others will say yes, and every little bit helps to stay within your budget.
Don't: Visit a venue unwilling to provide advance pricing. A venue should always stand by its prices and take pride in its product.
Do: Ask questions. There really are no "stupid" questions. However big or small a request, the event planner should find a way to accommodate you.
Don't: Simply ask "How is the food?" at your reception location. Sample it yourself. Inquire about a tasting prior to the reception.
Do: Plan your wedding, not your parents' wedding, your sister's or your future mother-in-law's. This is the most important day of your life.
Don't: Tell your cake/dessert baker the total number of guests attending your reception. Instead, only mention 50 to 75 percent of the total. You may also want to consider ordering a small display cake to present and cut, with additional sheet cakes for staff to cut and serve to guests. Sheet cakes do not need to be purchased from your baker; homemade or grocery store cakes are a great option and can keep your budget down.
Do: Enjoy the wedding planning process. Don't forget to "smell the roses" while working toward your big day and remember it is also your engagement.
