Some might initially laugh at his response; but to those actively involved in planning a wedding budget, its probably, uhnot so funny.
Preparing a wedding budget can be a difficult process. How do you set a budget when you have no experience or knowledge of what the various components costs? In my
Kansas City catering company office, we get at least one phone call a week, where the sweet, joy-filled voice on the line says, How much does a wedding cost?
Theres isnt an easy answer to that question. That question can only be answered with more questions concerning style, size, expectations, preferences, and..budget. Uggh! The B word again. While initially frustrating, the budget setting process can be tackled with systematic research and planning. The secret to successful wedding budgeting is PRIORITIES.
To establish a preliminary budget, you should allocate the most money to the things that are most important to you. Whether it is your dress or your honeymoon, there are a wide range of choices and prices. Allocate the most money to the items most important to you. For less significant aspects, make the most cost effective choice.
In my slightly biased but defendable honest opinion as a
Kansas City caterer and event planner, I, of course, encourage a healthy amount of the budget to be dedicated to the wedding reception. I often tell bridal clients to think about what their favorite memories are made of. Experience proves that memories are made of food, fellowship and fun which in wedding budgets translates to having a great reception. It doesnt mean that you have to implement the Trump plan and exceed an unlimited budget.
The best advice for wedding budgeting is to focus on whats important. The golden rule is If it is important to the bride, then its important! If its not important, then dont allocate much time, energy, or budget. With good choices and careful budgeting, your wedding budget wont require a visit to Trump towers for a loan!
Choosing the venue and a caterer are very much connected and cannot be made independently. Some venues require the client to use only their in-house caterer. Other venues require a choice from a selected preferred list. Other venues are involved in the rental process only, and clients are free to select the caterer of their choice. There are also vast differences in what services and amenities are included in venue rentals. Deposits and contract details such as rental times and cancellation penalties can also vary greatly within venues.
As with most wedding decisions, budget is an integral part of the venue and catering selection. Its not always a simple question, although its been asked many times, How much does a wedding reception cost? Most everyone seems looking for affordable catering and venues. Unfortunately, there just isnt a set answer to the question. There are almost limitless options and every bride is unique. Most venues and caterers have many different options. Most likely it will take personal meetings and proposals, along with careful comparison, to make a good decision.
