Cut Some Corners Without Compromising on Style
Unless you’re one of the lucky few where budget is not a factor for your wedding, chances are you’re going to have to cut some corners at some point in the planning process. Considering your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, the key is to cut the right corners. The following tips are some creative ideas on how you can save money wisely without compromising your final goal, a beautiful wedding.
Wedding Favours:
You want to properly thank your guests for their gifts and for celebrating your special day with you but favours can get expensive, especially when you’re having a large wedding. Thankfully you can easily do some penny pinching here all without anyone being the wiser. Here are a couple of great ways to save yourself some money:
Package your own Favours. A lot of gift stores either charge extra for packaging or include it in the product markup. Although you’ll need a hand with this one, and that’s what bridesmaids and wedding planners are for, packaging your own favours will save you money and can be done well in advance, saving you last minute stress.
Have a Candy Buffet. A recently popular trend, more and more couples are going for this option and for good reason. A candy buffet not only looks great but it’s fun and who doesn’t love candy? And it’s as easy and budget friendly as a visit to your local Dollar Store and Walmart.
Prelude Tip: Don’t think you can make this one more formal? Of course you can! Consider chocolate instead of candy, raised glass stands instead of vases and decorate your favour bags with lace.
Décor Tips:
Décor is another area that can get pricey, but it’s also an important part of your day. The good news is there are some really easy ways you can save a few bucks without compromising on style or effect. Here are just a few:
A Centerpiece Spin. There’s no cardinal rule that says you have to have florals for your centerpieces. That’s not to say that flowers aren’t beautiful, but they can also get very expensive. Instead consider creative alternatives that match your theme, like vases filled with crystals and candles.
Double Up. Make your décor do double duty by having your centerpieces as your favours. Adorn each table with candleholders in varying heights. At the end of the night each couple takes home one holder. Not only is your gift practical but what's more romantic than a candlelight room!
Reception Setup:
As the most expensive part of your budget, taking up 40-50% of your available finances, this is a good place to look for some budget friendly options. That said, there’s good reason your reception venue takes up half of your budget. Your reception is the most important aspect of the day and not an area you want to cheap out on. But frugal and smart you can be! Consider some of these easy to implement tips.
A Toast to the Cocktail. Consider a cocktail reception for just your closest family and friends. Cutting down on the number of hours your celebration will last not only cuts the cost of the venue itself but will also save on other expensive aspects like food, hors d'oeuvres versus a 4 or 5 course meal, entertainment, just a few hours of solo guitarist is a beautiful touch and potentially less expensive than a DJ, and alcohol, the less time they have to consume the less they’ll consume!
Cash Bar Alternatives. As a professional wedding planner I would never recommend a couple to go with the cash bar option. You wouldn’t charge your friends for drinks if they came to your home for a celebration, you shouldn’t do so just because you’ve opted for a large venue. But you can consider a smart and money savvy alternative, a limited bar. This can be accomplished by serving only wine and beer or you can include one popular and versatile spirit like vodka. Create a signature cocktail to make it that much more appealing.
And then of course the obvious…
The easiest ways to save money across the board:
- Get married during the off season months including January, February, March and November
- Get married on any day other than Saturday
If you’re not dead set on a summer wedding or you’re ok with a Friday celebration, go for it. Many vendors provide off season rates.
I hope that you have found these tips useful. The best news is we’re just grazing the surface here. There are many more ways in which you can save yourself money. It's just a matter of getting creative.
All the Best!
Kasia
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