By Samantha Strahan

Wedding & Event Consultant, Samantha’s Creations

www.samanthas-creations.com

The fairytale daydream of a young girl often entails a princess dress with pearl and sequin accents, dozens of fragrant roses and undoubtedly "Prince Charming"– the perfect wedding day you were destine to have.

Finally, the day has come and you have found your Prince. Although pearls and sequins may no longer be part of your image, the picture of your perfect day is vivid. As you begin to tally the endless list of details…reality strikes!

The simple thought of the expenses you might incur to make your fairytale wedding a reality leaves you overwhelmed and stressed. The fact is, by utilizing a few money saving tips you can significantly reduce the cost of your precious affair.

From announcements to your honeymoon you can lessen the financial burden by shopping smart. Once you have an idea, do your research. Start by investigating the average cost of the "big ticket" wedding services such as the reception location and catering. Next, look at your available financial resources. These items will help you to build a budget outline while determining how expenses will be divided. Finally, stick to your budget! Impulse buying can create a financial disaster. Know what your budget allows and find creative ways to follow your budget outline.

With only 10 short weeks to plan her wedding, Shaune Kruger (Rigozzi) of Mancelona began to feel the pressure of pulling off the many details associated with her wedding. After picking up the Northern Michigan Wedding Guide, Shaune contacted Samantha’s Creations for a free initial consultation and budget analysis. We reviewed budget examples and began to build a personalized budget for the couple as we discussed their preferences for their quickly approaching event.

The resources and guidance of a professional consultant often play a key role in avoiding costly mistakes. With a broad knowledge of the wedding industry, a consultant is able to match you and your budget with reputable vendors saving you time and money. According to Kruger"If you want to save as much money as possible, find a wedding planner that has a good reputation for providing the things that you expect and can get you the best possible price."

With a limited budget, Shaune and Andrew, began to pull together the details of their dream day. The Club House at High Pointe Golf Club was the chosen venue for the reception and the natural beauty of the fall leaves in mid-October drew the couple to the large maples lining the driving range as their ceremony site. Combining the ceremony and reception site was another cost saving measure and an important convenience for the guests attending the celebration. With plans in order for their mid-afternoon wedding, Shaune and Andrew were faced with a significant cost cutting decision due to an unexpected event. With less than 4 weeks until their wedding day, their budget was virtually cut in half. Plans were in order including the ceremony and reception site, officiating, catering, photography, and flowers. Where could they cut their budget and still have the day of their dreams? After careful review of their budget and some creative insight, the answer became a hors d'oeuvre and dessert reception instead of a 3 entrée dinner they had originally anticipated. On October 16, 2004 Shaune and Andrew blissfully exchanged vows amongst their family and friends satisfied with the creative solution to the last minute dilemma and pleased to be within their unanticipated budget. Kruger advised "Don't hesitate to spend the extra money on a wedding planner. They will save you money in the long run…Let someone else worry about ordering your food, booking the ideal place and getting you the best possible price. All you have to worry about is showing up on time for your wedding!"

Today’s brides are looking for creative ways to personalize their wedding celebrations introducing added flexibility to their budget. Although there are an endless number of ways to cut the cost of your event, seek creative solutions through budget management to achieve "Celebration Perfection!"

Cost saving tips:

Become a do-it-yourselfer! Print your own invitations, make your own veil, design and create your own centerpieces and favors