Where to Spend the Money
Great wedding have great linens, candles, alternating centerpieces, and one great specialty item (lighting, draping, amazing favors, one amazing floral, etc.). One specialty item will set your wedding apart from everyone else’s. A bunch of specialty items on a tight budget will make each item seem small. Linens can transform a room to a specific style and take the reception above “standard”. Picking one table size, one cloth, and one centerpiece that’s repeated is very basic. Alternating centerpieces, rounds and rectangles, and cloths will ensure a variation throughout the room that is pleasing to the eye. A professional planner can control the budget and ensure the biggest bang for your buck so you’ll have that “wow” effect.
Deborah Simmons – Signature Occasions – Ridgeland, MS – www.signatureoccasions.com
Choosing Your Flowers
When choosing your wedding flowers it is best to choose a color, or colors, and a style instead of a particular flower. While most flowers are available throughout the year, they can get pricey and lack quality when they are out of season. If instead you choose a color or style, for example a wispy, wildflower look or a full, massed look, there will always be flowers in season to fit the bill. Do not feel intimidated if you are unfamiliar with flowers and their names. That is the job of the floral designer. It is helpful if you can bring pictures (clippings from a magazine are fine) and a fabric swatch of the bridesmaids dresses to your floral consultation. This will help to give your designer a good idea of what you like, and it is also a good reference for them to refer to when creating the designs. All you have to know are the colors and style you would like your wedding to have, and we will help you create a look that is perfect for your special day!
Rachel Cuevas Bond – Pine Hills Floral Designs – Pass Christian, MS – www.pinehillsfloral.com
Focus on the Most Important Elements
My number one tip for the bride and groom who want an elegant wedding without the large budget is to select two elements that are most important. You don’t have to spend over your budget to have a wonderful reception. It’s about creating moments and memories. The best way to do that is to concentrate on a few “WOW” aspects.
Wendi Frazier O’Neill – Manship Wood Fired Kitchen – Jackson, MS – www.themanshipjackson.com
Think of Your Guests
Hotels with large banquet rooms or attached conference centers offer a great convenience to you and your guests. Everything can be in one location so there’s no fear of guest’s getting lost and missing part of the festivities. Most hotels offer a special room rate and will block a certain number of rooms. Many will also package everything together, from the bridesmaids’ luncheon to the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony and reception. With the reception being the biggest part of your expense, this helps your budget tremendously. Finally, having all the guests and all the celebration under one roof greatly reduces your stress level. And, if they have a great pastry chef, they can provide your wedding cake too.
Shari Long Neely – Hilton Garden Inn – Tupelo, MS – www.tupelo.hgi.com
For more tips, visit www.premierbridems.com and pick up your free copy of Premier Bride of Mississippi.