Thisweek Newspapers ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT FEBRUARY 3, 2012
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February 3, 2012 THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Ease anxieties: Prioritize Planning a wedding requires a serious plan
by Jessica Harper THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS
Planning a wedding can often come with a mixture of excitement and stress for the bride-to-be. But couples can ease their anxieties by setting a budget and creating a simple priority list. Every couple has their own way of ranking their wish list, but from personal experience, I believe there are a few items that brides should place at the top. Always consider this question when prioritizing the list of wants, “Is this a one-day item or a lifetime one?� An engagement ring is one item that this question should address. Now, I know some brides would rather put the bulk of their money in a stunning gown or a lavish reception. But remember:
the dress and reception will only be enjoyed for one day. The ring, if all goes well, will be worn for life. This doesn’t mean couples must spend the majority of their budget on a ring the Kardashians would wear. When purchasing a ring, couples should always consider the four Cs: cost, cut, clarity and carat. Clarity is the degree to which a diamond is flawless, while the number of carats refers to the size of diamond. The more carats, the larger the stone. Inevitably, couples end up compromising to find the right wedding ring for them. The second-most important aspect of a wedding is photography and videography. Some brides, like myself, cut corners on this
one only to greatly regret it later. Photographs and videos encapsulate your memories and are the only way to share these memories with future generations. Whether a couple hires both a photographer and videographer is a personal preference. In either case, quality makes all the difference. Be sure to ask for a portfolio and references before hiring a photographer or videographer. This doesn’t necessarily eliminate amateurs. Some can have natural talent, but it’s always better to test their talent before, rather than after the wedding. The next highest priority is formulating the guest list. Many couples feel obligated to invite every friend, relative, co-worker, neighbor and so forth. But
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To help prioritize, brides and grooms should carefully consider costs based on the question: “Is this a one-day item or a lifetime item?� to stay within a budget, couples need to make hard decisions. Yes, even the guest list needs prioritizing. Form a list that ranks guests from must invite to maybe invite.
Then determine how many of those guests can afford to attend the ceremonies. From there, begin the cutting. Many couples feel guilty leaving people out of the
festivities, but remember: it’s your day, have fun with it. Couples may need to prioritize when selecting a wedding site and reception See Planning, 3B
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THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT February 3, 2012
There are ways to keep honeymoon costs under control accommodations if they do their research early. Bed and breakfasts (B&B), for example, often range from practical to ultra-luxurious, and tend to cost a fraction of what luxury hotels charge. Many couples actually prefer B&Bs, feeling they’re more charming and cozy. One thing to be diligent about with respect to B&Bs is the size of the accommodations, most notably the bedding. Not all B&Bs provide king or even queen-size bedding, and some might not provide private bathrooms. Be sure to confirm with the B&B as to each room’s accommodations before making a reservation. • Consider traveling during the “off â€? season. Whereas spring and summer were once the most popular seasons to tie the knot, nowadays many couples are looking to the fall to get married. While the months of June and July remain the most popular, September and October weddings have grown in popularity for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the aesthetic appeal
of the fall seasons. Another advantage to a fall wedding is the opportunity for couples to save money on their honeymoon by traveling during the “off â€? season. Peak season at beachside resorts is typically the summer months, and rates are therefore higher. However, traveling to a resort during the “off â€? season can save substantial amounts of money, and the weather will no doubt still be beautiful. What’s more, local business will most likely boast better deals as well, and the resort will not be as crowded as it typically is during peak season. • Consider a cruise. Cruises might seem more expensive at first glance, but many cruises offer all-inclusive deals, wherein food and beverages are all paid for, and entertainment is provided. In addition, couples who take a cruise will get the chance to see a variety of seaside locales. And since the cruise already has an itinerary planned, it’s a nice break from all the planning that went into the wedding.
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From there, priorities change for each couple. Some put the dress next, while others choose the cake or music. Whatever it is, be sure to shop around and do the research. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples when ordering a cake or food.
Again, ask for references when hiring a band or DJ. But most importantly, don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s not the day that matters nearly as much as the lifetime together.
hall. In the current economy, couples are often forced to choose between their ideal wedding site, such as a historic cathedral, or their dream reception hall, such as a local museum.
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Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com.
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After all of the stress that comes with planning and preparing a wedding, most couples head off to a resort for some much-needed R&R. The locales couples choose to spend their honeymoon are as varied as the couples themselves. While many couples head for a seaside resort, others choose adventurous getaways to such places as the Alaskan wilderness. Whichever destination couples choose to spend their first vacation as husband and wife, one thing all couples can count on is the high cost. However, not all honeymoons need to break the bank. In fact, there are several ways couples can save substantial amounts of money while still enjoying their first getaway as a married couple. • Research where you’ll be staying. Oftentimes, hotels offer luxury at a very high price. Particularly in locales where many couples spend their honeymoon, such accommodations can be quite costly. However, savvy couples might be able to circumvent costly hotel
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February 3, 2012 THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Style doesn’t have to be sacrificed when cutting wedding costs What bride and groom hasn’t envisioned doves launching into the air while trumpets herald their union; horse-drawn carriages; a Vera Wang gown; and a guest list of 200 or more? Many couples want a dream wedding full of extravagance and fun ... that is until they realize how much it will cost. According to recent statistics, weddings in the United States cost between $20,000 and $30,000. Most couples’ budgets are typically 30 to 40 percent less than what they actually spend on the occasion. That can leave newlyweds in a financial bind after the festivities, especially if guests’ gifts do not cover the extraneous spending. With every penny counting these days, it is even more important to stick to a wedding budget and determine how and where to keep costs down. Here are some ideas.
Timing counts
What day of the week and at what time you have your wedding can shave a large amount off of your costs. The wedding reception can be one-third of your total wedding expenses, so timing it for savings is key. Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Sunday weddings will be less than a Saturday night affair. Guests have grown accustomed to weddings on different days of the week, so don’t hem and haw about a non-Saturday event.
Realize priorities
If you’re a couple that’s more interested in having fun and mingling, consider a reception heavy on the cocktail hour and light on the main meal. There’s no rule that says you have to have a three-course, sit-down dinner. A cocktail party is perfectly acceptable. Just be sure to note the type of party on the reception card of
heart set on something. For example, do you need the gourmet cheese platter or the extended dessert bar? Why not skip the flambe? There will be plenty of food and guests will be satiated even if you skip these goodies.
Reign in the open bar
mal wear. The bride and her bridesmaids can rent gowns as well. Some brides wonder why they should pay several hundred dollars for a gown they’ll only wear once and then have sit in the attic. Did you know you can even rent wedding cakes? Some bakeries will provide a styrofoam cake that’s decorated to perfection, which can be placed on display. Then a less aesthetically pleasing sheet cake is substituted, which is cut into slices for the guests.
Alcoholic beverages can be a large expense at a wedding reception. Instead of having guests pick up the tab for their own drinks to save money, offer a limited bar of only wine, beer, soft drinks, and perhaps a signa- Flower power Photo submitted ture cocktail. It can cut costs Another budget-eater is For better or for worse, dramatically. Also, eliminat- flowers. Choosing in-season money issues are prominently ing the champagne toast can flowers can help cut costs, in the background of any rein in costs. but so can reducing the rawedding plan. of flowers to other fillers. Rent instead of buy tio Consider mixing flowers your wedding invitation so There are many ways to with greenery or even fruit guests can plan accordingly. save money by renting wed- in centerpieces, which will Reception halls often ding components instead be much less expensive. Tell try to upsell different pack- of buying them outright. your florist what you want ages and “extras.� Resist the Groomsmen already have to spend and make sure he urge to add on to the event the right idea by renting for- or she sticks to that budget. -- unless you really have your
Reassess the guest list
You certainly may want to invite every third cousin once removed. However, it’s simply not practical if you’re trying to keep expenses low. If you haven’t spoken to someone in years, do not feel obligated to invite him or her to the wedding. Also, talk with your parents about keeping their contribution to the guest list within reason. Their personal friends and business associates may need to be limited if it means making room for immediate family. These are just a few suggestions for marrying on a budget. Another way to keep expenses in check is to hire a wedding planner. While it may seem like a luxury expense, he or she can actually help keep costs down, and may have insider information as to where to save money with certain vendors.
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