You see, once a bride knows what’s important to her, she can then put a value on that item. Determining the value as it relates to your wedding can be one of the most stressful parts of planning. So I often caution clients to break down what’s at the top of their list. For my clients I do the homework of determining what their priorities cost. However, for those brides that have not hired a planner I highly recommend they do their homework.
Start out by contacting the venue first and foremost. Detail out everything you want and work to get the best possible price. While researching venues go to the next most important item on your list and research that cost and so on and so forth.
It’s very important to gather all the costs before signing any contracts. Don’t let any one vendor pressure you into signing with them. Once you start signing contracts and giving deposits it’s too late to turn back. If you have hired a planner this is where you want to bring them in. They are the ones who can and will negotiate the best possible price for you.
By gathering all your costs you can see exactly where each item fits into your budget. This allows you the option to switch gears and change your expectations based on how the value of your “priority” fits into your overall wedding budget.
Take for example, I’m working with a client who has a fabulous venue. Their most important items are photography and band. I’ve cautioned them before signing anything to let us do the homework to determine what all of the other elements will cost. This way they can decide how all of the elements can work within their given budget and how they can allocate more money to the items they deem most critical.
Once you feel comfortable with how things work into your budget you can sign on the dotted line. After that, all the little details will fall into place.
Until next time…
Cheers!
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