Colorado bankruptcy attorneys know that with wedding season coming up, many brides have visions of destination vows, mile-high wedding cakes and princess gowns.
But all of that can quickly lead to a Colorado Springs bankruptcy, if you’re not careful. Of course, parents want to give their children a memorable and special occasion. They reason that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event.
While there may be certain aspects upon which you can certainly splurge, it’s important not to get yourself into a pattern of debt for a one-day event, no matter how special. Consider that according to TheKnot.com, the average wedding cake costs a whopping $550. For a cake.
So the key is to spend smartly.
Here are some ideas for ways to keep your wedding costs down:
Cake
One trick to try is to have the first layer of your cake be a yummy sheet cake. But for aesthetic purposes, consider using a cardboard “fake cake,” or a decorated foam set that sits atop one layer of the real stuff. That way, you cut the bottom layer for pictures, then wheel it in the back for the bottom layer to be cut and served. No one is any wiser and you just saved several hundred dollars. Or, consider serving cupcakes instead.
Rehearsal Dinner
Consider hosting this event at a relative’s home and serving cheese and meat trays and salads from a local deli or supermarket. This could save you bundles.
Reception
Of course, it would be rude not to feed your wedding guests at all. But the time of day will determine what kind of food you should feed them. And if you have an earlier wedding (say, morning or early afternoon), you can opt for breakfast or lunch food, which can be a whole lot less expensive than a dinner. Think waffles, French toast and omelets versus salmon and braised beef.
Alcohol
You can curb your costs here by serving wine, beer and perhaps a “signature” drink, which can be less costly than stocking up on various kinds of high-end liquor. You may even want to consider skipping the champagne toast, or substituting sparkling cider instead.
