Bakersfield Life

VOWS: Expenses

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     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. The Knot Wedding Network says it’s about $28,000 on average. Most couples’ budgets are typically 30 percent 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 who’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 your wedding invitation so guests can plan accordingly.Reception halls often try to upsell different packages and “extras.” Resist the urge to add on to the event —unless you really have your heart set on something. For example, do you need the gourmet cheese platter or the extended dessert bar? Why not skip the flambé? There will be plenty of food and guests will be satiated even if you skip these goodies.     Rein in the open bar: 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 signature cocktail. It can cut costs dramatically. Also, eliminating the champagne toast can rein in costs.     Rent instead of buy: There are many ways to save money by renting wedding components instead of buying them outright. Groomsmen already have the right idea by renting formal 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.    Flower power: Another budget-eater is flowers. Choosing in-season flowers can help cut costs, but so can reducing the ratio of flowers to other fillers. Consider mixing flowers with greenery or even fruit in centerpieces, which will be much less expensive. Tell your florist what you want to spend and make sure he or she sticks to that budget.     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.