Questions are being raised, whether napkin holders made from spent toilet tissue rolls offer the same personal touch to wedding affairs; or if what was originally deemed cute may have crossed the line, over to tacky. Are things really that bad that a few dollars spent to retain the services of a professional won’t maintain your standard of living? Probably not but it may avert the risk of people talking negatively about you for decades.
Thrifty is apparently nifty at the moment, or so say a rising number of sources including some very credible ones that wield a lot of say so in the real world; take a bow Martha Stewart. From the Internet to Intercontinental nuptials, a chance to trim costs is not being passed up by any income group, or so they say. From farmhouse weddings to the lavish luxury of ball room dancing, whether it's cutting back on the straw for the cows or the amount of gold inlay of the goblets used to toast the happy couple, costs are being closely watched.
According to Wedding Report Inc., the results of surveys published last year found the spending decline to $19,212 was down from $21,814 from the previous year— and down again from $26,450 the year prior. The drop continues to manifest patterns that may have now gone too far, say sources. While the nearly 30% drop in spending in three-year’s time is felt to be inline with the ongoing economic decline, fears are now drawn to the lasting effects on all wedding planning for the future.
As couples undoubtedly suffer the worst economic crunch in history, a survey by Brides.com at the beginning of the decline found 82% of the couples questioned had set a budget before they started planning their wedding. The number was reportedly up from 72% in their previous survey, directly showing the spending halt coincided with the 2008-into-2009 economic slide.
On Wedding Wire , vendor gripes involving DIY are growing, with some claiming brides have now taken on stamping their own napkins, raising questions of toxicity of the ink—beyond the unsightly bleeding factor of the finished product. Other sources feel, “There are limits to what can and shouldn’t be done to save money. The lasting effects and the impressions made in people’s minds will last a lifetime and someday, the couple will realize the savings really weren’t really worth it.”
In late 2008 when all of this was taking place, sources recall saying, "It wasn’t anything surprising; everyone knew it was going to really deteriorate rapidly the following year. What we’re witnessing at the moment will probably continue for a long time," said recent discussions with eWN readers.
Nearly all published reports say budget weddings remain in vogue during this recession. More couples are trimming their guest lists, bargaining with florists or doing away with expensive favors and even replacing wedding cakes with lower cost items. What began as a trend is feared to be settling into the new norm, even for couples who can afford pricier weddings but are cutting back because they don’t want to show off when times are hard.
While there is no doubt, cutbacks have occurred-- and appropriately so-- sources are now coming forward and agree brides could be taking things to the extreme. "Don't buy invitations. Invite all of your guests to your wedding by email. Think of the money you'd save on invitations AND postage. Don't buy a wedding dress. Wrap yourself in a white bed sheet. You can use the sheet on your bed after the reception if you don't vomit on it. Don't buy bridesmaid dresses. Wrap each bridesmaid in a different color bed sheet to create a rainbow wedding. The sheets are washable and reusable.
Don't buy special shoes for the bride or the maids for the wedding day. Everyone can make flowers from facial tissue and attach them to their feet with rubber bands. Nobody likes wearing shoes during the summer months -- and -- you can use the bows as extra napkins for your Value Meal.
Don't rent tuxedos. The groom and groomsmen can wear swim trunks and T-shirts. If someone gets sick from the Kool-Aid/Thunderbird wine drinks they can easily wash it off in the McDonalds restroom. People do it all the time," said one major publication editor in jest. But we all know there is always a little truth in jest.
Andy Ebon of Wedding Marketing quips, “Why doesn’t the bride just put on an apron and cook for the guests herself? Too many DIY possibilities are over-simplified by wedding media without mention of any downside. The bride doesn't consider colossal ramifications of failure in areas such as music and photography, when going DIY. Dare we mention food poisoning by the DIY Chef-Bride?”
Our buddy from “Da Bronx” knows good food from bad and tries to shy away from food poisoning, when ever possible. So, if you want him at your next event, hire a professional Chef. And have the bread and pastries from Arthur Avenue ready.
The story is expected to continue. Overreaction to the current economic conditions is of course going too far to the extreme. However, when things do rebound-- and they will-- the new normal approach may no longer include overspending. Wedding planning, spending and all facets of life are, however, are expected to include a more justifiable and appropriate approach, somewhere in the middle. What a concept.
What do you say? Should DIY, Do It Yourself, be renamed DYI, Do Yourself In? Post your feelings at the bottom of this story or feel free to contact us privately at 631-756-7981 or Paul@ewednews.com
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2010
Posted on 02/28/2010
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