Anika and Jean
It’s been said that a woman’s wedding is the one time that cost should not be a factor. After all (if all goes well) you’ll have one wedding in your lifetime, why not throw caution to the wind? While we do agree that you should have specific items you allow yourself to splurge on (the honeymoon, the rings), setting a wedding budget is not only smart but also great practice for the long-term budgeting practices necessary to establish a home with your new spouse! So how do you determine your wedding budget? According to brides.com there are a few things to consider.
How many people are you inviting to the wedding? Of course the more guests you have the more you spend. (the going rate per head for a wedding reception is around $125 in NYC) You will be surprised at how many people you “know” once you start creating your invite list. If you invite your uncle, his wife has to be invited as well. Do they have children? Does your mom plan to invite all her girlfriends that she has been bragging to about your wedding? Typically about 10-20% of invited guests decline for one reason or another so keep that in mind.
What are you must haves? Are fresh flowers on every table important to you or are you ok with candle centerpieces? Red-bottom Louboutin wedding shoes mandatory or glittery Toms more your style? Whatever you decide is non negotiable, be sure to factor that into your cost in the beginning of the process.
Who is helping to pay for the wedding? You know that great aunt who said if you ever need something don’t hesitate to call.. ..Well it might be time to take Auntie up on her offer! Traditionally parents have assisted with paying for weddings, but with people living longer and longer (and declining social security benefits), a lot of Baby Boomers are just as strapped for cash as their kids! BUT there is hope, ask Mom and Dad to foot the bill for the photography and video. With out affordable packages starting at $2199 (photo/video and edited video for 6 hours) they will be happy to contribute!
This beautiful brown Bride, Anika contacted our studio seeking an affordable photography package with a flexible payment plan (she knew how to put those budgeting skills to work!) and we were happy to help! She and her groom Jean, planned to marry at My Moon. A wedding venue and restaurant in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn that offers all-inclusive wedding packages.
We started with the Bride and her wedding party as they got ready at The Hampton Inn on Flatbush. Anika was stunning in a strapless wedding gown with full flirty skirt. The couple had their first look in Brooklyn Bridge Park in front of Jane’s Carousel before heading over the venue for their ceremony. They exchanged vows in the garden and headed inside for a fun reception. The venue was decorated with accents of lace and fresh flowers and the couple gave out S’more favors for everyone!
All in all their big day turned out perfect (and affordable) and we are so happy to have been a part of it.
