Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/619218
realweddings.ca 17 invite – based on the kind of wedding you want. "Take the number of people you intend hosting, multiply that by your food and drink portions at your venue and that number should comprise 60 per cent of your budget," McNally says. e remaining 40 per cent will be absorbed by invitations, flowers, dresses, favours, hair, makeup, the cake, photography, videography, transportation and the myriad other details involved. Your top three If the numbers you calculate look unfeasible, well, it's time to start trimming. Re-prioritize by either eliminating certain items or reducing the number of guests, McNally suggests. But first, sit down with your beloved and make a list of the top three things that are most important to each of you, both individually and as a couple. "Keep those things a priority, so they don't get lost within the budget-crunching," says McNally. "is way you'll get what you really want in the wedding." TRIMMING TIPS • Time of year and time of day make a big difference to the budget, wedding planners agree. Avoid nuptials on a Saturday night and opt for a wedding out- side of the peak season (October to April). • Reduce the time allotment for your wedding. For example, cutting an eight-hour span to six will reduce the costs associated with your music vendor, photographer, videogra- pher, catering and reception venue. • Host a breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea reception instead of dinner, which is consid- erably more expensive. • Instead of ordering a large, expensive wedding cake, choose a smaller one for display and serve guests slices from a far less pricey sheet cake stored in the kitchen. • Printing costs for stationery can mount up quickly. Consider writing or designing your own table numbers, programs and menus. There are many innovative ways to communicate information to guests. Consider chalkboards, attractive mirrors or handwritten signs instead. • Wedding favours are extras that don't always justify their expense. If favours are a must at your wedding, give one per couple instead of one per person. And consider making them yourself instead of purchasing them. rw CascadesCasino.indd 1 15-04-08 12:50 PM