Here are FIVE steps to help along the journey:

Step 1: Create a System

Set up a wedding fund separate from your personal accounts, so you can easily determine what’s being spent on the wedding. Also look into the possibility of opening a simple,free checking account. Keep an up to date spreadsheet of your expenses.

Step 2: Prepare to Go Over

Set aside at least five percent of your budget for a just-in-case fund.  If you absolutely cannot exceed $25,000, aim to spend $23,000.  Inevitably there will be last minute costs, by budgeting less your reserve funds will save you from debt.  Some common overlooked costs you may not have considered when setting your initial budget:
·   Postage for invitations and stamps for RSVPs; the cost depends not only on the weight of the invitation, but also the odd shape or “oversize” adds addtional surcharges to the cost and once again, the quantity being sent 
·   Trial runs - make-up and hairstyling – about $50-$100 each
·   Accessories/gifts –whether it is personal jewelry for the ladies or other gifts to the wedding party
·   Tips for your vendors – 15-25% is customary for certain services

Step 3: Cut Back

The biggest way to reduce expenses in every category is invite 150 guests vs. 200;serve three courses instead of five (save on catering); serve beer, wine, soft drinks or specific signature drink instead of an open bar with liquor; and think about drawing the line with four bridesmaids and groomsmen instead of 10 on each side - which amounts to big savings on on bouquets and gifts.

Step 4: The Best is Going to Cost

If the gorgeous designer dress, premium liquor, surf and turf sounds like a good thing at the time, all these “best of the best” is going to cost. Prioritize categories based on your vison before making any selections and realize that to have the best in one category you may need to sacrifice in another category. 

Step 5: Tighten Your Personal Budget

In the event  you and your groom are responsible for paying a portion of the overall expenses with your parents, here’s a simple way to tighten you personal budget to be able to afford some “extravagance” into your wedding budget. The goal is try to save 20% of your income for your wedding expenses.   All you need to do is make some simple lifestyle changes like brewing your own coffee, eat out less by cooking meals at home – even have an all day cooking affair, then label and freeze the food for quick meals after work,  renting a DVD instead of expensive trips to the theatre, plus on “movie nights”  invite your friends over instead of going “clubbing” which adds up to enormous savings.  The best part of this new discipline is after you get married it makes it easier to save for other big ticket items like a new home, furniture, or vacations.

Not only are weddings a joyous and special event for the bride and groom, it truly is an event that brings family and friends together to celebrate this momentous occasion. The invitation you send to your guests will set the tone for the entire celebration and is a true reflection of your style and personality.

Which route should I go? Do I order via mail order, online or in-person?

There are numerous catalog request post card forms available in virtually every wedding magazine publication. You fill it out and check the desired invitation catalogs and within days you will receive a lot of catalogs to view. The same holds true with an online search and viewing the invitations online. You browse the catalogs…and browse….and then…. you ask yourself, will it be the right color? Is the paper good quality?  Most often, couples are disappointed with the outcome. Meeting with an experienced and qualified wedding consultant is always the best and practical choice.

Things to Consider when Ordering Invitations

• It is customary to send invitations six to eight weeks prior to the wedding. Even some credible sources are recommending mailing them eight to ten weeks prior to the wedding. Consider ordering your invitation ensemble four to six months prior to the date so you have adequate time to assemble, address and affix postage.
• Unless you have done a lot of research including selection, have all the necessary wording and information typed (including the name and addresses of the ceremony, reception site, and hotels, map directions, etc.), it is not something that can be completed in 15 minutes while on your lunch break. Plan at least 2 hours.  (Of course, if you have all the necessary info for ordering, it will take less time, but definitely more than 15 minutes).
• Your invitations will generally include: The outer invitation envelope, an invitation, a reception card, a response card, an envelope for the response card, hotel information for guests, detailed directions and addresses for the church and reception. It is also a good time to order additional items such as personalized napkins, thank you cards, etc.
• How many wedding invitations you order has nothing to do with how many guests you intend on inviting.  Many guests are couples or families and receive only one invitation. It is acceptable to offer an invitation to a single friend addressed as “Miss Jennifer Lewis and Guest”. However, if no children are invited, do not include the general “and family” or issue the name of the children on the invitation. Always order extra invitation envelopes and response card envelopes. There will inevitably be a few mistakes when addressing these and you'll want to have a few extras on hand. Reordering can be very expensive after the initial order has been placed.
• Helpful hint!! On the respond cards: number the back of each card to correspond to your list to make it easier to check off. This also helps determine the “owner” of response in the event they accidently omit their name, add more people than invited or believe it or not, jokingly put a fake name – because “you will know it is me” (forgetting you have three other friends who love to prank you, too).
• With technology, it is acceptable to utilize a computer to generate a calligraphy style addressed envelope. Be sure to order extra envelopes and run a few through to ensure they do not crinkle. An alternative is to hire a professional calligrapher. The rates vary but can run approximately $2.50-$4.00 per set (outside and inner envelope). While some resources recommended your bridal party addressing the envelopes, unless they have extraordinary handwriting, why waste money on such beautiful invitations to convey “cheap” with the look of a sloppy envelope?  
• Postage.  It is what it is. Be prepared to pay extra – quality paper is just that – quality. Quality weighs more. Plus, most invitations do not meet the postal service rate sheet on dimensions, so you will pay a surcharge for a square or oversized invitation.

Weck Events & Weddings offers several different styles of wedding invitations (as well as other party invites) from traditional, contemporary, pocket folds, including Save-the-Dates. Discounts range from 15% to 25% of the listed price depending on the line - a savings which truly can add up quickly! Plus, you get personalized service-something a catalog doesn’t offer.