Planning a wedding can be the most stressful thing we do. We must choose so many things: reception site, church, dress, music, cake, who is going to be in the wedding party, etc. But the very first thing that you have to do is PLAN A BUDGET. This is going to determine how much you can spend.

So many people come into my office with elaborate designs, but when we sit down and start talking about money they realize they can’t afford that huge reception with an open bar, top-shelf liquor and top-of-the-line food for 300 people. They realize that they have to scale back tremendously.

Everyone has a different idea of a dream wedding. Some want a huge wedding with all the bells and whistles. Some want a small, intimate wedding in a backyard or garden. Whichever wedding is for you be sure to make it a wedding that you want and are happy with so that you can truly enjoy it. When planning your wedding you want to take into consideration what is important to you. Is it your dress, cake, reception, ceremony or food? Most people will spend the most money on what is most important to them.

To finish I’ll offer these key pieces of advice. Make sure that you:

1. PLAN A BUDGET
2. Make your budget realistic.
3. Stick to your budget.
4. Determine what is important to you before spending.

Do you have any ideas on how certified wedding and event planners can help brides create a budget and stick to it?

Be sure to visit Shafonne’s website, follow her on Twitter, and read more about her in this LWPI Instructor Spotlight.

Planning a wedding or an event can be the most stressful thing to do. From choosing the reception site, to the church, to the dress, to the music, to the cake, to who is going to be in the wedding party. But the very first thing that a bride HAS to do is: PLAN A BUDGET. This is going to determine how much she can spend on the reception, dress, music, cake and ultimately the number of guests.

I see so many people come into my office with such elaborate ideas and then we sit down and start talking about MONEY, and they soon realize that they can’t afford the huge reception with open bar, top-shelf liquor and top-of-the-line food for 300 people. They realize that they HAVE to scale back tremendously.

Everyone has a different idea of a dream wedding. Some want a huge lavish wedding with all the bells and whistles. Some want a small intimate wedding in a backyard or garden. Whichever wedding is for your bride, be sure to make it a wedding that she wants and is happy with. She has to be happy with the wedding or event to truly enjoy it. When planning an event you want to take into consideration what is important to your bride. Is it her dress, the cake, the reception, the ceremony, or the food?

People will spend the most money on what is the most important them. If it is the dress then she might validate spending a large amount on it because that is the most important part of her wedding. The same goes for the cake, the music or anything else. I will offer these key pieces of advice:

1. Plan a budget.
2. Make it realistic.
3. Stick to the budget.
4. Determine what is important to the bride.

Do you have any tips to offer couples planning a wedding on a budget?

Be sure to visit Shafonne’s website, follow her on Twitter, and read more about her in this LWPI Instructor Spotlight. Lovegevity is excited to welcome Shafonne to the blog! Check here for more exciting news about her partnership with LWPI.

According to The Wedding Report, and as expected, “the average cost of a wedding in 2009 dropped 10.2% over 2008.” 2009 was a rough year for everybody, and while 2010 is already starting off stronger brides are still finding that planning their wedding is a challenge with a small - or shrinking - budget. This is where certified wedding and event planners can step in and, in essence, save the day.

Spending was down the most in 2009 on jewelry, gifts and invitations. But couples were less likely to cut costs when it came to their music and photographer, and brides were still intent on finding the perfect gown no matter the cost. As certified wedding and event planners you are the person every bride should turn to simply because you’re In The Know when it comes to vendors. More couples are using certified wedding planners to help them get the most value for their wedding budget. In fact, statistics show that in regard to a-la-carte planners, getting-started coordinators, and day-of planners couples spent more in 2009 than 2008. A good planner is worth his or her weight in gold, and that’s what you need to let brides know. How can you do that? One way is to hit bridal shows.

According to eWedNews, “Bridal shows across the country are reporting a steady rise in both attendance and vendor participation over last year, signaling a better 2010 season.” Experts suggest that events that were put on hold in 2008 and 2009 are now in planning mode again because couples are putting job losses behind them. Couples are still being cautious about their spending, experts say, but in many cases they believe the worst is behind them, and they’re ready to move forward with planning the happiest day of their lives. As the economic climate improves, so will couples’ attitudes and with that will follow increased spending.

Any uptick in the economy is a positive right now. And as things improve more and more couples will go ahead with their engagement and weddings. It’s a great time for those interested in becoming wedding and event coordinators to pursue their dream. Getting certified through Lovegevity’s Wedding Planning Institute is a great way to get started, and it may even give you a leg up when it comes to being The Choice for brides in your area. Interested in a course? Check our listings to see if there is a class opening soon in your area, or give us a call if you’d like to take the course online. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by! Brides are SUPER ready for something bright and happy in their lives after the winter and economic doldrums!