5 minute read
Cut costs
We know, we know … weddings cost a lot, often thousands of dollars, if not more. It’s important for couples to prioritize what they’re willing to invest in (the perfect venue or photographer) and where they can save (personal playlists over live music).
Look for all-in-one venues
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All-in-one venues continue to rise in popularity. Staying onsite for your wedding and reception — and even your overnight accommodations — cuts down on transportation costs and saves valuable time between wedding prep, photos, the ceremony and reception. Reception venues often supply tables and chairs, and their preferred vendors list may get you additional services at a lesser price than if you contracted them yourself.
Be smart with florals
Go for silk flowers versus fresh. Not only is the selection vastly larger — you won’t run into outof-season blooms with silk flowers — but their longevity far outweighs fresh flowers, allowing them to be displayed as keepsakes or passed onto future generations of betrothed couples. For fresh flowers at a reasonable price, stick with in-season varieties, and accent them with greenery, which often costs less than blooms and yet gives bouquets a fuller look.
Rent instead of buy
Nearly everything, from dinnerware to dresses, tablecloths to decorations, silverware to sound systems, can be rented for your big day. Men’s attire has long been temporarily procured for the day of, but dresses can be, too. Renting can be a way to ease the costs associated with bridesmaids and flower girl dresses, which are usually worn once and then discarded. For brides, don’t feel that you have to unload four to six figures for your perfect dress; often, sites such as Rent the Runway can supply a gorgeous gown at a reasonable price. Event rental stores are a one-stop shop for rentals pertaining to dinnerware, decor and accents — think a chalkboard to display your dinner menu, a lantern to hold your gift envelopes, or a trellis to stage the backdrop for your “I do’s”. Rentals almost always require a deposit, and some stores may require cleaning of tablecloths, napkins or dresses before their return. If you plan to leave for your honeymoon soon after your wedding, be sure someone is available to return your rented items by their due date.
Honeymoon travel takes a big bite out of the overall wedding budget, but it can be trimmed with smart planning. The biggest solution is to stay nearby, or within driving distance or a direct flight. The further you go, the more travel costs increase. Big cities also command a higher price for overnight accommodations and parking, so consider staying in the outer metro area and taking public transportation into the city. Most international travel requires passports, visas, currency exchanges, and — in some countries — health screenings prior to your arrival. Each of those requirements has certain costs associated with it; if you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget to add them to your budget. Lots of simple maneuvers to cut costs are within reach: Check into your credit card reward points or airline miles, and see if they can be applied to an area of your honeymoon. Arrange your flights and accommodations on weekdays, which often cost less than weekends. Research your destination to see if any big events are taking place during your desired dates; that is almost certain to drive travel and hotel costs higher. If you belong to a travel club such as AAA, contact your local agency about travel arrangements and guidebooks that may be discounted or already are part of your membership. Like all-inclusive resorts, look for accommodations that offer stayand-play deals, such as tickets to a sporting event or concert, dinner at a well-established restaurant, or personal tours of the area.
Another big cost-saving option is to time your honeymoon during your destination’s off-peak season; accommodations and transportation are often much cheaper then.
See more on planning your honeymoon on page 18.
Keep the menu as simple as possible with one-to-two entrees, two-to-three sides, and up to three drinks. On your invitations, poll your guests to find out exactly how many have food sensitivities or dietary preferences, then order slightly more of that amount in food that meets their needs. Stay basic with most of your drinks — many guests enjoy water, iced tea and lemonade — but consider a custom drink or cocktail to add a personalized touch. And since alcohol will usually cost the most of anything on your drink list, invite your guests to BYOB. In lieu of a formal dessert or cake for all, consider a dessert table, cupcake tree or cookie bar, where guests can load up on small, inexpensive treats that cost significantly less than a three-tiered, fondant-laden cake. Many bakeries offer custom cookies and cupcakes in designs of the couple’s choice, so wedding treats can still be personalized. If you have your heart set on cutting a cake, opt for a small one with 4-6 servings, so you can share a bit and save the rest for your first-year anniversary. Opt for fuss-free music
DJs and live bands have been a fun, traditional way to celebrate at a wedding reception, but they also can pile up the costs. Create your own playlists on Spotify — one for getting ready, one for the reception, even one for the drive to the venue! All you need is a laptop, phone or tablet connected to a sound system pulled from your own living room (and maybe a friend to hit “play!)
Rethink wedding favors
Take-home favors have long been a wedding reception staple, but they also can inflate your budget. If you want to cut costs in this area, opt for something small, functional and more fun than ho-hum bubbles: personalized seed packets of your favorite flower, miniature monogrammed photo frames, or heart-shaped magnets. Look for items that can be bought in bulk, and hunt for a local artisan or supplier to avoid shipping costs.