What SIZE is Your Budget?

In January I posted some tips on saving money as it relates to the timing of your wedding. Today I wanted to give a little advice on saving as it relates to size.

Size can be broken down into three categories: "Size" of the guest list, "Size" of the wedding party, and "Size" in terms of grandeur of your theme.

1. Size of the guest list: Clearly the difference between a 20-person guest list and a 220-person guest list will have an impact on your budget. But what about a 200-person list versus a 180-person list? Most would think that the 20 extra people would have little impact on the overall budget - it's only 20 more plates, right?

Consider this, 20 more people means two or three more tables set up for your reception, three more tables means three more centerpieces (which will typically amount to another three plates), it also means more rentals, more menu cards, more place cards, and more servers to serve those extra tables. Besides tables, you're also looking at more invitations, more reply cards, more stamps, more guest favours, ...

2. Size of the wedding party: This is yet another place where people tend to forget the impact size will have on their budget. Yes, in most cases the bridal party will pay for their own attire, so you're off the hook for that one. But what about bouquets and boutonnieres? What about wedding party gifts? What about transportation (can you get a cozy 8-person Lincoln Town Car or will you have to rent two limos)? Then there's the rehearsal dinner where, if you're paying, you'll have to pick up the tab for your entire wedding party - and quite possibly their significant others too.

3. Size/Grandeur: Clearly, if your wedding theme is "bigger is better" you're looking to dish out some big bucks. Big cakes, big hall, big centerpieces, etc. Smaller, less grand themes (such as "garden party luncheon") can be extremely charming (and much easier on the wallet). So when talking about grandeur consider "Breakfast at Tiffany's" over "19th Century Royal Gala".

Happy Planning!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination