I Do Vow To "Commit to My Budget"

Budgets are a very difficult and emotional component to wedding planning. Every bride has visions of her "perfect wedding" and she hates to hear she cannot afford XY or Z. One of the commitments I make to couples who hire Fete Perfection is to outline a reasonable budget and work as hard as possible to stay within that budget. I begin the process before our initial consultation by sending a copy of my "Budget Priorities Worksheet" and ask that couples take a serious look at their priorities and budget before we meet.

While I'm not trying to discourage couples with low budgets from hiring me, I do want to them to have realistic expectations when it comes to their vision. For example, about two years ago I met with a very nice couple who dreamed of an elaborate 350 person wedding at one of the finest country clubs in the area. They wanted a ten piece band, specialty linens, fully hosted bar and dozens of other details I won't mention because you get the point. The problem was they wanted all this for $5000.00 and they were hoping to pay for my services out of this same budget. Sorry not happening - This is what every couple receives from me before scheduling a consultation:


Newly Engaged Wedding Planning Questionnaire

Simple Questionnaire for the Newly Engaged
When starting to plan a wedding, it's important to know that you and your fiancé are on the same page. That way you will be able to make decisions independently, when necessary, knowing that it fits into the overall look and feel of the wedding. It will also help you avoid arguments with each other, and give you firm answers to tell those who will question your decisions.


Rate the following in order of importance (put a 1 next to the thing that is most important to you, through a 10 next to the thing that is least important to you):

___Food
___Liquor
___Apparel
___Aesthetics/Appearance (flowers, decorations, centerpieces, ambiance & venue)
___Music
___Convenience
___Spirituality
___Photography
___Family and Friends
___Videography

When I look back on our wedding, I want to most remember: (choose 1)
___How exciting everything was
___How romantic it was
___How beautiful it was
___How proper everything was
___How smoothly and easily everything went
___How happy my parents and family were

Circle two to three words that you think will describe your wedding:
Fun -- Romantic -- Classic -- Unique -- Loving -- Classy -- Tasteful -- Glamorous -- Elegant -- Funky -- Casual -- Relaxed -- Formal -- Themed -- Well-appointed -- Luxurious -- Decadent -- Old-fashioned -- Kitschy -- Preppy -- Sporty -- Morning -- Afternoon -- Evening -- Coordinated -- Cute -- Solemn -- Religious -- Secular -- Traditional -- Other _________________

Even though you may not yet have put together a budget, or know who is contributing to your wedding, select how much you think your wedding will cost: (choose 1)

___$5000-$10000
___$10,000-$15,000
___$15,000-$20,000
___$20,000-$25,000
___$25,000-$30,000
___$30,000-$35,000
___$35,000-$40,000
___$40,000-$50,000
___$50,000-$60,000
___$60,000-$75,000
___over $75,000

The following items are included in this budget: (check all that apply)

___ Ceremony Site Fee ___ Wedding Party Gifts
___ Reception Site Fee ___ Officiant
___ Airfare ___ Hair & Make-up
___ Accommodations ___ Ceremony Music or Musicians
___ Wedding Planner Fee ___ Reception Entertainment
___ Reception Food ___ Photographer
___ Reception Décor ___ Videographer
___ Reception Beverages ___ Wedding Day Transportation
___ Flowers & Décor ___ Other (Describe)
___Site Inspection Travel Expenses __________________________
___Bridal Gown & Accessories __________________________
___Wedding Rings
___Honeymoon
___Invitations & Stationery

Colors we may use for our overall wedding colors (choose 3 or 4)
Red -- Green -- Yellow -- Blue -- Purple -- Lilac -- Amethyst -- Eggplant -- Lavender -- Wine -- Bordeaux -- Burgundy -- Sky blue -- Teal -- Royal Blue -- Navy -- Midnight Blue -- Raspberry -- Light Pink -- Hot Pink -- Fuchsia -- Coral -- Magenta -- Peach -- Tangerine -- Apricot -- Pumpkin -- Orange -- Curry -- Mustard -- Brown -- Chocolate Brown -- Camel -- Tan -- Beige -- Apple Green -- Grass Green -- Kelly Green -- Mint Green -- Lime Green -- Moss -- Sapphire -- Deep Aqua -- Gold -- Silver -- White -- Black -- Bronze -- Copper -- Cream -- Champagne -- Vanilla -- Marigold -- Electric Blue -- Neon Yellow -- Blue Grey -- Grey -- Other _____________

What is your preliminary guest count ________ How many do expect to attend ________What percentage must fly to attend your wedding_________



The single most effective way to control your budget is to cut your guest list. Every line item of your budget is affected by guest count. Think about it this way - every guest table requires at a minimum linens, centerpieces, meals, beverages & chairs. So assuming 8 guests per table all having $40 entree's $35 rental linens, $100 centerpieces, 2 bottles of wine at $40/ea and chair covers averaging $10 each with installation we have increased our budget by $77 per person. Now add optional items such as place cards, menu cards, table numbers, favors, base plates and you are well over $100 per guest. Cut 10 guests and you save $1000.

I have many other budget saving tips so watch for them but in the meantime,think about the people on your guest list. If your wedding day will not be the same without their presence, then by all means they must be invited. If you are sending an invitation simply because you received one, you are under no obligation to reciprocate.