"We're on a budget" to which I reply
"Well, I certainly hope so" {with a wink of course}
...so with that said I found this nifty little list of ideas on the Knot that really all make perfect sense to incorporate into your event to save $$. Many and I repeat many people think hiring a wedding coordinator will actually cost you more money when planning your wedding but in all actuality we can SAVE you money.
THE RECEPTION
1. Cut the guest list. This will slash your catering costs and save on invitations and even the number of centerpieces. Just by cutting the guest from 175 to 120 can really make a difference.
2. Think off-peak season and save thousands!
3. Hold your ceremony and reception in one spot -- it will cut travel time for vendors you pay by the hour.
- This is a great idea, even if you are wanting a religious ceremony you can still find a priest to marry you outside all while still incorporating the sacredness of a church wedding.
5. Have bigger tables so you need fewer centerpieces and tablecloths.
6. Shop the off-season for extra decor -- get modern black vases on sale after Halloween and pretty pink ones after Valentine's Day.
- FANTASTIC IDEA! Make sure you are smart about your engagement planning as well. If you are getting married it is "FOREVER" so there is NO RUSH in marrying the very year your man proposes. If it's FOREVER, then it's FOREVER...There is NO HURRY! No wedding or ceremony will change that. Do yourself a favor, extend your engagement 1.5 -2 years out and shop for decor over the course of the engagement utilizing the holidays to snag those annual glitzy and glam items while they are on sale like Christmas and Valentines, Halloween, Spring Gardens decor etc.
7. Use more greenery than flowers.
8. Swap out costly flowers -- did you know peonies can be five times more expensive than roses?
9. Stick to just one or two kinds of flowers.
10. Buy flowers that are in season.
11. Include non-florals, like lanterns and other decorative notions.
- Non floral weddings are fun! And a very cost effective and unique way to decorate your event! Check out this post Flowerless Wedding
Photo from:: The Fairmount Bride
12. Serve entree duets.
13. Skip the main course -- apps and drinks are fine too.
14. Offer beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar.
15. Serve comfort foods like barbecue chicken, mac and cheese, and corn. It's fun and often cheaper.
16. Skip the champagne toast.
- Yes! Skip it! MANY people don't even drink it hence it being a waste cost buying enough bottles for everyone to have a glass PLUS the waste in cost to rent glasses for everyone to have one. SKIP IT!
THE CAKE
17. Order a small one or two-tiered cake and then supplement cake with a larger sheet cake (hidden back in the kitchen).
- Or just order an assortment of donuts and cookies, they are just as effective and more fun too. Just get a small cake so you can actually do the ceremonial cutting of the cake -those are some of the very best pictures!
18. Keep the add-ons simple.
19. Use fresh flowers, not sugar ones.
20. Reuse ceremony flowers for the cake table.
21. Skip exotic fillings like guava and mango.
STATIONARY AND FLOWERS
22. Get single-page invites to save on postage.
23. Give out one favor per couple.
24. Make your cake the favors.
25. Have favors double as escort cards.
- Cut out the favors all together, who needs them anyway? More and more these days brides are skipping this expense...besides there are many ways to say "thank you for coming" that cost next to nothing.
26. Email your save-the-dates.
27. Make your own menu cards, escort cards, and wedding favor packaging.
PHOTOS, VIDEO AND MUSIC
28. Have a photographer you love but can't afford the prices? Ask them if they have an associate shooter who will do your wedding for less.
- But, NO MATTER WHAT >>>DO NOT SKIP THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER! This is one cost you WANT to afford no matter what. Pros will make the most inexpensive wedding look like a million bucks. DON'T SKIP IT!
29. Opt for a smaller band.
30. Hire a band or DJ who can do both the ceremony and the reception.
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