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Friday January 27, 2006

Planners help dreamers stay on budget

by denise sautters
copley news service

Many girls dream of a fairy-tale wedding. And why not? Cinderella married her Prince Charming in grand fashion. But a fairy-tale wedding often requires a fantasy-based bank account.

Joyce Smith, a coordinator for the Association of Bridal Consultants in New Milford, Conn., reports that the average price of a wedding is $20,000. (In the Northeast and major metropolitan areas, the costs are even higher.)

Not everyone has that kind of money available. Smith and others know that, so the first thing she does when helping a couple plan their special day is to determine the budget and guest list.

“The main thing is getting the bride and groom to prioritize so they know where to funnel their money,” Smith said. “I want to know what is the top dollar they are willing to spend and their vision of their wedding.

“You have to have an idea of what they consider an elegant affair, then you can break down their budget. The guest list drives that budget,” she said. “If they want an elegant wedding with 300 guests on a small budget, that is going to be tough.” But it’s not impossible if the couple is willing to cut back on reception expenses, invitations, thank-you notes and so on.

However, for a really affordable wedding, experts say, keep the guest list down to a reasonable number.

“A buffet can cost as much as $15 per person,” said bridal consultant Vickie Hogan. Multiply $15 per head by 300 people and you already have spent $4,500. Add the price of a wedding cake, which can cost $3 or more per person ($900), and already the wedding is too pricey for some budgets. However, reduce the guest list to 100 and the cost is very different — $1,800 for both the buffet and cake.

“The cake is something you want to invest in because it is the centerpiece of the reception,” Hogan said. “The key is to give yourself enough time to shop around so you can get the best deal possible.”

She also suggests shopping around for music and photography.

“There are a lot of freelance photographers who will take photos for less than a professional,” Hogan said. “The cost of photography depends on what is important to the couple. I would advise couples on a budget to hire a professional photographer to take the formal photos, then ask a friend with camera knowledge to photograph the reception.”

As for the music, rather than hire an orchestra or band, she recommends thinking about a harpist or a disc jockey.

The same is true of flowers, she said. “Using flowers that are in season is less expensive than using ones that are not. A simple arrangement isn’t as expensive as an intricate cascade of flowers.”

The wedding cake may be the centerpiece of the reception, but the bride is the one who commands attention at a wedding. The cost of a wedding gown can be astronomical, depending on the bride’s choice. Resale shop owner Donna Czech has a hint for brides, however.

“We often get $800 and $900 bridal gowns we resell for $100 to $200,” she said. “These are top-line gowns in sizes 0 to 28.”

Stores like hers also offer shoes, jewelry, veils and other items for the bride.

The location of the reception is another expense to consider.

“In many cases, hotels, country clubs and halls depend on corporate contracts for their revenue, so if a couple wanted to get married on a Thursday or some other weekday evening, the vendors will most likely work within their budget,” Smith said. Also, Sunday afternoon tends to be less expensive than Saturday night.

Thinking of having the wedding and reception in your back yard?

“An outdoor wedding is … one to remember,” said Anne Haines, who manages a party-rental store. “Keep in mind when planning an outdoor event that you need to consider adequate coverage from the weather by renting a tent. It is a wonderful option, along with the tables and chairs.”

There are also a variety of computer programs available to help individuals print their own invitations and matching thank-you notes. Reasonable programs that can get the job done cost from $20 to $50.

“A wedding is a very important time for the couple,” Hogan said. “Planning a wedding takes a good year. You need to shop around to get the prices you want. That is where a wedding planner can help. We work with wedding professionals and the couple to help them organize their dream wedding while staying within the confines their budget.”

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