When planning a
wedding, staying within budget can be a difficult task. Between the venue, the
flowers, the dress, the photographer, the videographer, the invitations, and a
host of additional elements—money hastily dwindles.
So how, you ask, is it possible to save?
There are always ways to save, big or small, that make a difference. Explore
the tips below and glean from the advice of savvy brides.
1. Ditch the Wedding Favors and Donate to
Charity
Instead of
spending money on wedding favors, make a donation in honor of your guests to a
charity or organization of choice. This will eliminate money spent on packaging
and ordering individual take-home favors.
Bride Laura
Johnson opted for the donation and says, “To me, saving money means giving to a
good cause instead of spending on favors that people don’t need.”
2. “Double Dip” on Décor
Order flower
arrangements that can be used at both your
ceremony and reception. Not only will consistent décor establish a steady theme
and exude an effortless ambiance throughout, it will also save you a hefty wad
of cash.
3. Cater Your Reception
Wedding food
options can be limited and pricey. Consider catering your reception! A
promising alternative, catering will expose you to greater food variety and
could save you money per person.
Recently wed
bride, Kate Edwards, catered In-N-Out at her wedding. Edwards says about her
and then fiancé, “We chose In-N-Out because we love it AND because it saved
money.”
In addition to
the burgers, “We got another place to do the sides for super cheap- like $2 a
person for really tasty salad and mac & cheese,” shares Edwards.
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| Photo Courtesy of Kate Edwards |
4. Go with Serving Stations
When deciding on
how much to budget for your reception, factor in the kind of meal and serving
method. Dinner will typically be most expensive next to lunch then breakfast
and a sit down meal will cost more than serving stations.
“I had a brunch
reception,” says recent bride Karley Kiker, “and the fact that we did serving stations
rather than a sit down dinner certainly saved some money!”
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| Photo Courtesy of Suggs Photography |
5. Redefine the Party: Offer a Refreshment
Reception
Substitute a
meal reception with a social party complete with sweets and drinks.
Ideal for
weddings with an extensive guest list, a refreshment reception will save you a
fortune on food.
With a grand total
of 450 guests in attendance, bride Rebecca Henry was happy she opted for the
refreshment reception. “We had a family dinner at my parents’ house after the
wedding,” Henry explains, “every little bit you save means more for your
honeymoon, house and future together.”
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| Photo Courtesy of Rebecca Henry |
6. Research Non-Traditional Locations
Banquet halls,
country clubs and resorts will not only be pricey, but could also be booked up
to years in advance. Consider planning your wedding at a public park or other
nonconventional locations where minimal fees apply. Think outside the box! It’s
your special day, make it memorable without breaking the bank.
7. Utilize Your Connections
Chances are you,
a family member or a friend know someone with exceptional handwriting or calligraphy
skills. Utilize their talent! It will save money on addressing envelopes—even
if they charge you, it won’t compare to professional costs.
