Will You Marry Me?

By Kate Parker

Photo by Douglas Levy

Wedding planner extraordinaire Kate Parker (preparetowed.com) pulled together a remarkable group of Seacoast-area wedding vendors for a daylong session showcasing the details that impact cost for six different weddings all at the same site.

“The most essential factor to whether you spend more or less,” says Kate, “is to add or subtract guests.” Depending on your choices, every 10 guests have a substantial impact on the things that contribute to fluctuations in the overall cost—more tables, more settings, more food.

Also key, says Kate, is not only to prioritize your budget but to be clear about that budget with your planner and vendors right from the start. “Unless you have an endless budget, you can’t have the most expensive band, flowers, food, table décor, paper products, gown, and venue. Know where you want to compromise.”