Having a wedding is a costly venture. From designer dresses to professional decor, it can really put a strain on the pockets. Fortunately, there are a lot of options that can help you to have your dream wedding on a tight budget. Jennifer Borgh, expert Wedding Planner and Founder of Borghinvilla Wedding Venue, gives insightful tips on how to budget for your dream wedding.
1. Local flowers vs Imported flowers: Flowers are very important to a wedding as they add style, beauty, and colour. In almost every country, there is a wide variety of flowers to choose from. If you are comfortable with the flowers grown locally, then it will save you a lot of money. However, if you want some Acacias from Australia or some roses from Italy, and willing to spend some extra money, then go ahead. It is your big day!
2. Local Bar vs. Imported Bar: Using local liquors/champagnes/wines is often cheaper than using imported ones, and can significantly reduce your bar bill. Local liquors can be as good as imported ones and you won’t have to spend extra money on shipping.
3. Dj vs. Band: There is nothing more romantic than having a band with live music at your wedding, and it is highly recommended. However, if you have a tight budget, you can save some by reducing the amount of members in the band, or you can hire your local DJ and let him turn the music up!
4. Venue with already beautiful environs vs. Venue that needs decoration: You might think you are saving money by booking a cheaper venue that needs tons of decorations, but you can save a lot more money by booking a venue that is beautiful just the way it is: one already decorated by flora, fauna, or a cliffside view of the beach. Your guests will be happy surrounded by nature, and you will save on decorations.
5. 3 layer vs. 2 layer cake: Even though it is one extra layer, a 3 layer cake is a lot more expensive than a 2 layer one. Do you think do you really need a 3 layer cake? It would be way less expensive to get a bigger cake than to get an extra layer of cake.
6. Buffet vs. Plated dinner: An all you can buffet or a plated dinner? You can let your guests choose how much to eat, or you can give them how much you can afford. A plated dinner is usually more expensive than a buffet dinner as you will require more staff to serve all of your guests at the same time! Some brides have a preference regardless of budget. Buffet’s can provide seconds and give guests the option to choose what they like and don’t like.
7. All day wedding vs. Half day wedding: Your wedding day is extremely important, and we do understand if you want to dedicate a whole day to it. If you are planning on having an all day wedding, well plan to give your guests up to three meals or the minimum two, pay more money for the venue, and for entertainment. An evening or morning wedding is short, but can prove to be cost effective. You would only have to provide on meal for your guests, and booking hours for entertainers will be less.
8. Destination weddings vs. Local ones: Destination weddings have been proven to be more affordable than local ones. The guest list is shorter, which is a big factor in your costs. Local weddings can draw at least double the amount of guests.
9. Make use of what is included in the wedding destination packages. Some resorts offer welcome drinks at the bar, free of cost. Utilize these opportunities and you can save yourself some cash.
Now you have a list of how to save money on your weddings. You can use these tips to save money or you can choose the more expensive routes, if you have some cash to spare.

About Borghinvilla: With breathtaking views of the Caribbean sea, Borghinvilla is the perfect spot for couples looking for a unique, private and personalized wedding and event venue.  Located on the border of St.Ann and Trelawny Jamaica, Borghinvilla is centrally located to many of the hotels and resorts in the Montego Bay, Trelawny, Runaway Bay and Ocho  Rios areas.   This wedding and event venue is available year round to  host celebrations, vow renewals and other special events.   Boasting 2  acres of lush Jamaican flowers, plants and a stunning seaside cliff view of the Caribbean sea, this location is sure to impress!  You will love our mix of North American service standards mixed with the warm,  friendly service of Jamaicans.  

 

http://www.borghinvilla.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/borghinvilla

Photo by Geoffrey Berry

 

You have decided to have a destination wedding, and you are super excited, but wait! So much things to do, so little time, and you have no idea where to begin! Don’t worry we are here for you.  Here is the Borghinvilla checklist for your destination wedding.

 

Over 1 year before wedding 
• Book Wedding Venue (Borghinvilla Jamaica is great!)
• Book Wedding Planner
• Hire Travel Agent
• Talk budget and decide (who will pay for what?)
• Choose inspirational photos for décor/wedding ideas
• Decide on Resort/hotel to offer to guests

 

1 year before wedding
• Choose wedding party
• Finalize guest list
• Send Save the Dates
• Book Resort/hotel to offer to guests-Send out evites

 

6 months to 1 year before Wedding
• Book Vendors:Photographer, Videographer, Caterer, Decorator/florist, Band/musicians/Officiant/ Hair stylist, Make Up artist
• Engagement photos(great opportunity to try photographers!)
• Order wedding dress and accessories
• Create gift registries
• Plan/book Honeymoon
• Book Wedding cake/cupcakes
• Plan welcome gifts/guest favors
• Draft a wedding schedule

 

3 Months Before Wedding

• Plan ceremony and reception seating.
  Decide on make up and hair style
  Finalize ceremony(readings, vows)
  Book rehearsal dinner (at Borghinvilla or on resort?)
• Send documents to Jamaica to apply for marriage license
• Finalize Play/do not play list for DJ/Band
• Finalize wedding week time line
• Book any spa treatments at resort/hotel
• Finalize and book transportation from Resort to Borghinvilla
• Pay Final balance for Décor/Catering

 

2 weeks to 1 Month Before Wedding
• Send wedding timeline/directions/contact numbers to vendors(photographers/videographers etc)
• Check over etickets or any travel documents
• Print up any contracts(bring them with you to your destination)
• Make a list of vendors to be paid(put final payments and or TIPS in envelops)
• Pack for Jamaica☺ ( make a list of items you can’t pack yet but don’t want to forget-ie make up)
• Get haircut and color
• Print copies of the wedding week schedule for guests
• Print copies of readings
Days Before Wedding
• Deliver Welcome baskets
• Get Manicure, Pedicure, Massage
• Rehearse wedding ceremony
• Relax/Enjoy your guests company and let your wedding planner handle the details Pay any final payments
Wedding Day!
• Give rings to best man(let your wedding planner know who has the rings!) Relax

About Borghinvilla: With breathtaking views of the Caribbean sea, Borghinvilla is the perfect spot for couples looking for a unique, private and personalized wedding and event venue.  Located on the border of St.Ann and Trelawny Jamaica, Borghinvilla is centrally located to many of the hotels and resorts in the Montego Bay, Trelawny, Runaway Bay and Ocho  Rios areas.   This wedding and event venue is available year round to  host celebrations, vow renewals and other special events.   Boasting 2  acres of lush Jamaican flowers, plants and a stunning seaside cliff view of the Caribbean sea, this location is sure to impress!  You will love our mix of North American service standards mixed with the warm,  friendly service of Jamaicans.

http://www.borghinvilla.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/borghinvilla

The big question was popped, and you are getting married! It is time to plan for the biggest day of your life, and you are wondering whether you should hire a wedding planner, or plan your wedding yourself. Below is a list of the pros and cons of having a planner for your wedding.

PROS
1. They can help to reduce the cost of your wedding, by giving you budgetary restrictions. They can tell you what you absolutely need to have, and what you can pass out on. Planners are great at budgeting, and they will ensure that you have a hold on what you spend, how you spend, and when you spend.
2. They help you to relax and enjoy the wedding day. Wedding planners take on all the hard work. They create invitations, book flights and hotel rooms, ensure that all your guests are comfortable and accounted for, and plans your entire wedding day. You are able to enjoy your day without worrying about the hassle and details.
3. They suggest great vendors. Wedding planners know the wedding industry, and they know the best vendors that fit your budget and your style, who are reliable and offer superb quality of work. From the best floral decorator to cake designer, your wedding planner will find and contact them for you.
4. They help to create your dream wedding. A wedding planner knows exactly what to do, to make your dreams come true. From traditional to rock n roll weddings, they can have it done. By booking the right vendors, and the right venue, to arranging the perfect design, they will make you see your dream slowly turn into a reality.
5. They troubleshoot. If you are having a crisis, for example, family drama or problem with a guest, a wedding planner will know exactly what to do to get everything back to normal. You not only hire a planner, but also a mediator and problem solver.
Cons
1. Added cost: Wedding planners while efficient and creative, can be pretty expensive for a couple on a tight budget as some can cost thousands of dollars. To find the right wedding planner for you, research and compare prices, or if you feel you can plan your wedding all by yourself, then go right ahead.
2. You have to give up some control. It is your big day, and you will have to hand over all the planning details to your wedding planner. This can be hard for some brides, especially the ones who love to take control. You have to ensure that you trust your planner, so you will not have to worry about relinquishing all control to him or her.

About Borghinvilla: With breathtaking views of the Caribbean sea, Borghinvilla is the perfect spot for couples looking for a unique, private and personalized wedding and event venue.  Located on the border of St.Ann and Trelawny Jamaica, Borghinvilla is centrally located to many of the hotels and resorts in the Montego Bay, Trelawny, Runaway Bay and Ocho  Rios areas.   This wedding and event venue is available year round to  host celebrations, vow renewals and other special events.   Boasting 2  acres of lush Jamaican flowers, plants and a stunning seaside cliff view of the Caribbean sea, this location is sure to impress!  You will love our mix of North American service standards mixed with the warm,  friendly service of Jamaicans.

Website: http://www.borghinvilla.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/borghinvilla

So you just got invited to a destination wedding. A wedding+vacation, how exciting!
Couples that are planning a destination wedding are looking to have a fun getaway with their closest friends and family, and are also looking to avoid the stress of planning a large local wedding, which would most likely have a huge guest list. Here are a few suggestions on how to avoid stressing the couple and become a positive addition to their destination wedding.

1. Everyone loves a good deal and sometimes when you are flexible on dates/resort you can find a last minute deal. Unfortunately, for destination weddings, last minute guests just add last minute stress for the couple. They now need to try to get extra décor, extra seats and extra dinners ordered. Some other common issues that can arise with last minute guests are hotels and flights being sold out.
2. The best way to book a wedding group is about a year in advance so everyone can attend and pay the same price. Certain things can be included in a group booking such as a rehearsal dinner and even some wedding packages. When you are invited to a wedding and the couple has gone through the trouble of securing a group rate with inclusions book it! Don’t try and get a better deal, don’t try and book outside the group booking. Save the deal search for your next vacation.
3. When possible, stay at the same resort and book the same flight as the rest of the guests. With destination weddings, the fun starts when you arrive at the airport and it’s a great time to start meeting the other guests.
4. Don’t boggle down the couple with your issues. If your name was spelled wrong on the e-ticket then call the travel agent. There is no need to add extra stress to the couple (unless absolutely necessary). Simple issues arise with travel all the time. One email and the problem can often be solved.
5. Let the couple know of your dietary restrictions ahead of time. Are you vegetarian? Do you have a nut allergy? Even if you aren’t asked, a mention of this at the beginning can avoid issues.
6. Bring a gift or even a card! The monetary expectation isn’t the same for a destination wedding, bur you are still there to celebrate the occasion so make sure you come with a card.
7. If you are giving the couple a gift then have it shipped to their residence, or bring it when they return. Bringing gifts and expecting the couple to pack them up and bring them back home is a huge inconvenience (unless it’s something useful for the destination wedding!)
8. Don’t complain about the location. It’s their wedding, not yours. If the destination is not your first choice then there is no need to mention it to the couple or any of the guests.
9. Get excited about the wedding! Do some of your own research about the destination and find out about the amazing things to do.
10. Don’t complain once at the destination. If there are issue, then take it up with the resort manager, or put in a call to the travel agent who booked you. Unless it’s critical, there is no point in complaining to the couple or other guests. This can really put a damper on everyone’s stay.
11. Make sure you have all of your documents in order!

 

Website : http://www.borghinvilla.com

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/borghinvilla/

Photo by: Manuela Stefan Photography