For Rich & For Poor: Weddings for any budget

for Rich & For Poor WEDDINGS fy BUDGET -any The average cost for a wedding is almost $30,00o, according to The Knot. The most expensive wedding in history? Prince Charles and Lady Diana's wedding in 1981 rang up at $48 million – that's $110 million when adjusted for inflation, according to Business Insider. GOT THE BUDGET OF ROYALTY? GO CRAZY. BUT IF YOU DON'T, WE CAN HELP YOU OUT, TOO. $30,000 AVG. COST OF WEDDING 48%-50% Reception 2%-3% Parking/transportation 2%-3% Wedding rings 2%-3% Ceremony 2%-3% Stationery 2%-3% Gifts TYPICAL WEDDING BUDGET 10%-12% Photography/ videography 8% Miscellaneous 8%-10% .Attire Entertainment/ music 8%-10% Flowers 8%-10% PLACES tO SAVE THRIFTY ALTERNATIVES $$ AVERAGE COSTS $1,053 $2,800 $1,800 BRIDAL GOWN PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY FLOWERS & DECOR Shop sample sales or pre- owned gowns. Also consider renting or borrowing your gown. Remember: It's a dress you'll wear for one day. Book early for discounts, and opt for a less expensive, digital package - you can make your own prints later. Instead of a florist, buy fresh flowers at your local farmers' market or bulk cuts from a local floral shop and enlist a Pinteresty friend to make homemade arrangements. $3,609 $386 $4.339 CEREMONY & RECEPTION SITE CAKE/DESSERT RECEPTION FOOD Square cakes feed more guests and cost less. Skip the fondant and go with Substitute less expensive items for premium foods or look into food carts instead of formal Book one location to avoid multiple site fees, and skip tent and dance floor rentals. catering. Better yet, consider a family cooked buffet and avoid the extra cost of gratuity. To get around providing a meal at all, choose a morning or mid-afternoon wedding and offer appetizers. standard flavors for a less expensive cake. If you have any bakers in the family, ask them to do the honors Churches often waive fees for members, and city parks can be low or no cost. Or go really thrifty and get married in Uncle Mickey's backyard. in place of a gift. $11 $400 $800 GROOM TUXEDO RENTAL TRANSPORTATION GIFTS & FAVORS There's probably at least one classic vehicle hidden under the family tree you can borrow with a little sweet talking. Buy in bulk from a wholesaler or check out the endless ideas for DIY favors online. Or skip them altogether, because most are left behind or tossed out. Buy a nice pair of pants and shirt and rent the vest and tie. Or buy a nice suit you can use for the rest of your life. $70 $1.300 $130 MARRIAGE LICENSE MUSICIANS SALON & SPA There's no haggling with the city clerk. Build your own wedding playlist and let your iPod do the work for free. Enlist a skilled friend or do your own. EVERYTHING STILL TOO EXPENSIVE? THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH ELOPING AND JUST GETTING TO THE GOOD PART. USE THAT $30.000 ON A DOWN PAYMENT FOR A HOUSE INSTEAD. $800 $865 STATIONARY REHEARSAL DINNER Facebook, anyone? Status: Engaged. Done. Skip the save-the-date announcements, use single-page invites, and ask for RSVPS via email. No need for programs, and have faith your guests can seat themselves. Use plain or discount thank you notes or make your own. Host a family barbeque. Step 1: Rassle a pig. Step 2: Buy BBQ sauce. GÉO -HITCHED- BY ELVIS JUST MARRTED! brass MONEYSIDEOFLIFE.COM July 2014 © brassIMEDIA RESEARCH & WRITING: Missy Lacock DESIGN & LAYOUT: Hali Kaelin THE MONEY SIDE OF LIFE™M SOURCES: bridalguide.com, xogroupinc.com, statisticbrain.com, businessinsider.com, theknot.com el %24