#weddng planning

[happyweddingblogs]

Tips on what to rent & what to buy for your wedding day

Well, it’s a human tendency that we mostly want to acquire things. That sense of acquisition gives us immense pleasure. But it is essential to understand what and when to acquire. Like for your wedding day if you are tempted to buy everything then the first question comes is – Will you use everything that you will buy for your one day event? Most of you will answer ‘NO’ because that’s the reality.

Temptation is very temporary feeling that can be curbed by being aware of the reality. Sometimes in the process, we purchase so many things which we later realize not worth putting money in. But now what can be done. And you know why it happens… Because shopping excites people. It gives adrenaline rush due to which we get tempted to buy things even when we don’t need them. And wedding day shopping is super fun, of course there you have no control. You feel out of the world, you want to have everything, and you buy also without having any discrimination.

Understand, your wedding is already a pricey affair. And purchasing everything as a keepsake might be tempting—but will you be using it ever in life again? If you also get such temptations then ask yourself one question before making any purchase: Will I really use this item later? And you will know the answer there and then. If you are getting married and wondering what you should rent for your wedding and what you should buy? Well, we are here to help! Here in this post I am sharing with you everything that you should rent for your wedding and things that you should buy for your wedding. Read till the end!

Here we go…

First things first, what to Buy:

Bridal Wedding Dress or Outfit

Wedding outfit is something that is considered the most important part of any wedding, and your emotions and feelings of your big day are attached to it. You may consider to rent outfits for your pre-wedding functions and ceremonies, but for the main wedding you must buy your wedding outfit. There is no harm in spending money on your wedding attire, after all your wedding is a once in a lifetime event. If you are really worried about never wearing it again, then consider buying a saree rather to buy Lehenga or may be light lehenga. And for western brides they can consider wearing some other color gown. Buying your wedding outfit ensures it will be tailored to your body and will look absolutely perfect as you walk down the aisle.

Bridal Wedding Jewelry

Well different cultures have different set ups. In an Indian culture bride wears lots of jewelry matching with her attire and to buy everything is not possible. Hence, it is recommended to purchase something in your budget that you can wear later even after your wedding. Wedding jewelry is treasured for generations for its sentimental value and add it to your family heirlooms.

Bridal Make-up Items

Make sure that bridal-make up items are purchased. Of course not everything needs to be purchased but a minimum make-up items should be purchased such as; eye liner, mascara, foundation, lipsticks, nail paints, perfumes, concealer, eyebrow pencil, make-up tools etc. All these items you will use even after your wedding also, especially while going for dinners, parties etc.

Bridal Wedding Accessories

Wedding accessories such as clutch, shoes, etc. should be purchased as you can use these items even after your wedding. You can carry your clutch out to some party or for a nice dinner, and compliment your wedding shoes with other dresses. There will be so many occasions where you may need to use them.

The Groom’s Wedding Tuxedo or Suiting

Like a bridal wedding dress, grooms should also consider purchasing their tuxedo or suit for a myriad of reasons. First, a better fit is guaranteed when you purchase your Suiting, since the look will be tailored to your body. You may however rent your tuxedo but not necessarily it will be the best fit. If you have your suit made you have the privilege to customize your look according to your style and how you have always desired it.

Also, you have a chance to match your dress with the bridal look, or if not completely at least you can match some of the elements with the bridal outfit or may be the color theme can be opted if you will get your outfit made. Also, you always have the chance to wear your tuxedo or formal suit again in some formal party, your friend’s bachelorette, anniversary dinners, corporate parties etc.

The Groom’s Wedding Accessories

Grooms can buy a set of nice cuff links and a matching tie bar, shoes, socks, etc. First, you can always use them later, also you’ll keep them forever as a keepsake of the big day of your life.

Custom Signage for Pointing Directions

Custom signage can be kept forever to remember the big day. Though generic signs can be rented, if you just want to have them to point guests in the direction of your ceremony, reception, and more. But, creating something tailored for your wedding will make sure that you have something as a keepsake from your big day that can be hung on your walls forever. Even simply calligraphed signs can be used later after the wedding and they really look unique and add to the décor. Also, sometimes these signs can even be cheaper than renting.

Welcome Bags for Wedding Guests

Welcome bags for your guests will make your wedding guests feel special. They have now replaced favors. Especially when you are planning to host your wedding in some other location then treating your guests to amenities for the wedding activities, add value to the whole event. You can include your favorite treats along with necessities like water, a hangover kit, and the itinerary for the celebration in the welcome bag. Also, if you want to add more to the welcome bag then add a sweet take-home gift as a reminder of your nuptials. Your wedding guests will feel good when they will find a beautifully wrapped package waiting for them upon arrival.

Now let’s talk about what to Rent:

Wedding Furniture

Well, it is always recommended to use the venue furniture, it will allow you to keep your expenses low. But if want some specific kind of set up for your wedding seating arrangement then rent the furniture. There is really no point in buying these items.

Table Linens, Napkins, and Runners

There is no point buying table linens, napkins, and runners. These items are not only expensive to buy, but also they are time-consuming to clean, fold, press, and store. Also, you are never going to need these many tablecloths, linens and runners for any domestic dinner or party. Renting these items is the best way to go. Also, you will not need to iron or steam line them as it will be done by the vendor himself. Even after the wedding it’s vendor’s job. You don’t have to do anything about it. So, it’s good to stay free.

Wedding Decor Items: Candle Holders & Vases

Would you ever want to just maintain candle holders and vases at your home, that too without having to use them? Of course there is no point. Hence, it is always recommended to source inexpensive candlesticks, vases, and votive holders for your wedding party. There are many vendors who rent candle holders, vases etc. for your wedding. And they see everything from pickup, setup, and cleanup, which means you don’t have to worry about anything except about yourself.

Wedding Crockery

Wedding crockery should also be rented. Also, it is nearly impossible to manage crockery later. And there is no point in buying them. Even if you want to have some specific crockery at your wedding you can still rent that. There are many wedding vendors who look after all your needs at the wedding. So, practically you don’t need to worry about all that. Just rent it and stay away from any kind of extra stress at your wedding.

Chalkboard

Your wedding may be just about you two, but the people who will make for your big day should also be treated well. But there is no point spending extra dollars in buying a custom escort card display, in fact, simple signage noting where each guest should sit is enough. For that, you can consider renting a large mirror or a chalkboard and write your guests’ names and table numbers on it with a chalk pen, isn’t it that easy.

Glassware for Your Cocktail

Of course, buying too many glassware just for your wedding cocktail party doesn’t make any sense. In fact, the best is to rent them all. Believe it or not, glassware rentals will come out to be cheaper. Also, when you rent you can manage extra glassware, you never know which guests knocks over a stemmed wine glass.

To pan out…

The bottom line is, buy only what is required not what is not required. The simple rule is to think whether you will use a particular item later or not. There are many things which look tempting, but not necessarily meaningful later. So, it’s crucial to spend mindfully not lavishly.

Thanks for reading!

[onceuponawildflower]

2013 Wedding Statistics

According to the Knot, last year, couples spent an average of  $29,858 on their weddings, and that excludes the honeymoon cost. This is the highest amount they've been at in the past six years, and the stats are showing that it will steadily increase. 

The main reason behind this large amount of money being spent on weddings is because couples are aiming to please their guests. Is there a slight undertone of a need to show financial security with the collapsing economy? I can't say for sure, but it is a possibility. And then there's the expensive months of summer, where venuses and catering costs are inflated. The most common months to get married in are June and September, at 15% each. The beautiful weather also means more money spent. Still, statistics say that that summer is and will eventually work itself out of style for being a token 'wedding season'. In 2013, only 35% of couples chose to have their wedding during the sunshiney season while others chose purposefully against it. The second most popular season for weddings is autumn, where another 32% of couples chose to have their wedding in the harvest season. (Additionally, 36% chose spring, and 7% chose winter.) 

In the means of pleasing and impressing others, couples have emphasized personalized everything. From cocktails to interactive food stations, special colors (which I can understand, I'd want those too) to friend and family member officiating, everything is personalized and customized for the individual wedding. 

In addition, the age of couples getting married has also increased. The average age for women is 29 and the average age for men is 31. To me, this is a bit older than say, ten years ago. Couples are marrying at more mature ages, and income could play a part in the cost of weddings. With more experience comes better pay, most times. In addition, if both parties work, more income is allotted towards expenses like weddings, and may seem justifiable to spend 30k on a wedding to some.

Here's a helpful map from The Knot on the geographic location of the most expensive weddings in 2013. It's obvious to note that most of these weddings that cost an arm and a leg are on the eastern and western coasts. This mirrors the cost of land and houses, and general cost of living as well: anywhere near a body of water will be more expensive. Whether your wedding is on the beach or it's in a chapel, it's still going to cost more along the coast. According to this survey, the most expensive place to get married is in Manhattan, NY ($86,916) and the least expensive place is in Idaho ($16,159).

Still, isn't $16,159 a lot of money to fish out for a wedding? I was thinking I wouldn't spend more than $7500, if that. Then again, my wedding plans probably greatly differ from wedding plans of others. I am a romantic like the rest of you, but I think there are ways around spending an entire year's income (or more) on a wedding. I think my greatest expense might be the venue. Beautiful wedding dresses can be found for under $500, if you know where to look. Hint hint: David's Bridal isn't the only place they offer wedding dresses. And anyways, I don't really want all of that fluff and weight on me if I'm going to be hiking to the location of my wedding. Ruche has an excellent collection of both bridal dresses and bridesmaids dresses, at a reasonable price. If that's not your style, Ann Taylor's collection also offers select dresses under $500. Other sources include: Bride Power, Once Wed, and Tradesy.

Once that's out of the way, food would be the next thought. Think hard, do you have a family member that you love and trust that could make your cake? According to the Huffington Post, the average cost of a wedding cake is $466. Note, that's almost as much as the dress, if not more, and will be devoured in a matter of minutes. Cake is good and important, but is it that good? I happen to be blessed in having a cousin who makes not only cards at a large name company (which is where the invites could come from, at a discount), but also is a caterer and makes exceptional food and gorgeous cakes. She actually made my parents' cake when they got married. Asking for help of this sort from a family member shouldn't be embarrassing, but rather celebratory. You're embracing your family's skills and talents, and I'm sure they'd be more than happy to make a cake or cater your wedding. 

Mint Life offers a way of strategy around budgets and offers some helpful hints. Plan to eat seasonally: the food tastes better and costs less. If your reception is inside or in a walkable area, enlist a culinary school. This should cut food costs up to 60%. And if you don't have that handy relative, culinary programs are a great place to search for your cake-baker. The Frugal Foodie reports that with this option, you're paying $3/slice s opposed $8+/slice. 

Have you been to a wedding recently? Think back to all the options you had. In my experience, it was overwhelming, and people stuffed their plates and bellies, but there was still a ton of food left over. They didn't save that food for later, either, and it was thrown away. To minimize waste, physically and monetarily, consider limiting the options. Stick to one main course, or an interactive menu option, like build your own pasta or tacos. Two years ago, my friends got married, and they had Chipotle cater their wedding. Everyone loved it.

Another facet of ordering food is to choose the time of day your reception is at. Later at night or in the evening, you'll be paying a lot more per seat (for indoor weddings at venues). You can cut costs in half by having the reception earlier in the day, as a brunch menu instead. This also probably means that people won't be boozing up as much either. On the topic of alcohol, another option is BYOB. A small bar could be offered, but for a larger selection, you could offer that choice. That is, unless you want a dry wedding, which would help you cut those costs altogether.

The venue is probably one of the most expensive parts of this ordeal, and depending on the weather, the climate, and the month you choose to reserve your one special day and night, you could rack up quite a bill. As previously mentioned, the most expensive and popular months for wedding venues are June and September. Summer is still the most popular month, which means inflated prices, and autumn comes in a close second. Winter weddings are on a slight rise from 5-7% popularity, and will most likely cost less than summer or autumn weddings, but it may conflict with your ideal arrangements. Take that into consideration. 

I know for most women that I've talked to, every one has a story of how and where they want their wedding to be. This is often a non-negotiable, and women will seek out their ideal location, going to the ends of the earth to find it. Location is important to us, and to me, as a geographer, it's very important. With that in consideration, I've tried to do myself a favor by keeping my wedding location rather nondescript, to ensure that I could find a place (when and if the opportunity presents itself). I always wanted to get married out in nature, ever since I was a little girl. (I also kind of hope that whomever the lucky guy is, that he proposes to me out in nature too, but I'm not going to be too picky on that one.) Even in a natural setting, details are important; not every forest is created equal. It's important to do a little research on the parks and forests in the area, and check for weather variability, incline, hazards, and insects. An infestation of mosquitoes and spiders in the summer can easily spoil your cute wedding reception (unless you really want those guests out of there, stat). 

My ideal wedding kind of look like this and this. Find a location where you can have tree coverage for shade and protection from rain or the likes of that, but still enough sunshine and light. Look into how much it would cost to 'rent out' a small area such as this in a forest for a few hours. I can nearly guarantee you it'll cost less than staying at the Ritz or an upscale restaurant.

If you want to keep with the trends of personalized trinkets and decorations, go right ahead. After all, that's what makes it look like your wedding, and not a generic one anyone could traipse on into. For cheaper wedding decorations, check out Etsy. I swear by Etsy for almost everything, because it's simply amazing, convenient, the sellers are friendly and approachable, and it's cheaper than the commercial big boys. Plus, you're supporting an individual's work, and that means a lot in the long run. You can find vintage items, frames, record players, strings of light, tablecloths, dishes, silverware, and even bridal dresses and veils on Etsy. Vintage is in, and Etsy has it all. If you want to get even more crafty, invest your own time in making DIY gifts and decorations. My friends did this for their table centerpieces and decorations, as well as their gifts (they made jams and honey to take home in personalized mason jars). Not only did she save a ton of money by spending a little time every day making her own decorations, but she also made her wedding look totally personalized, which was the purpose of all that deco to begin with.

Alright, so let's see what we've covered: Food, drinks, cake, dress, location...

Ah one more thing. Party size. This is ultimately the largest judge of how how much your wedding will cost. The average number of guests is 138 people. Smaller wedding parties can help you save a lot of money. I can't even think of 60 people I'd want to invite to my wedding, heck, I don't even know that many people. Think small. Think intimate. I'd personally probably stick to fewer than 100, total. Just with that limit, you cut your cost by 30%. My rule of thumb is: if you're not close family or friends that I consider good friends, you probably won't be offended if I don't send you an invitation. And if you do get a bee in your bonnet, perhaps I wouldn't have wanted the drama you bring there anyways. 

Long story short: Weddings are rather expensive these days, but they don't have to be. Hopefully this helped you out.