Having the Wedding You Want at a Price You Can Afford

Dessert Receptions are a great way to save money

Saving money in today’s world is tough and getting tougher by the gas tank. Saving money on your wedding is no small challenge, but it can be done. Early in the game decide what is important to you and just where you want to spend your hard earned dollars. Make a plan and stick to it. Too many brides and grooms get distracted with the “bling” as they start their planning. If you have a firm budget in mind and an eye on your priorities it will certainly make things easier for you.


Keep in mind that your reception alone will probably account for 50% of your budget (at least) with the other 50% covering your flowers, dress, invitation and everything else that is not food or alcohol. So remember your guest list is the key factor in saving money.  More guests means more money going out the door.  The more guests, not only the more food and alcohol but the more tables, chairs, linens, centerpieces and favors.  So keep the guest list manageable.

When meeting with vendors, never be afraid to start the conversation, with “this is what I hope to spend” and give them a dollar amount. You will save you and your vendor a lot of time and effort if you are upfront and straight with them about your budget. Contrary to what a lot of magazines and forums would have you believe the majority of vendors (at least in my experience) are not out to “get you”. They want to work with you and provided an event that works budget wise for both you and them. Most vendors will have excellent ideas for giving you the most for your dollars or if your budget won’t work with them, they will tell you and you can move on.

Flexibility is another money saving advantage. Can you get married on a Friday or Sunday, instead of Saturday? Most event sites offer discounts for weddings not on Saturday. Same goes for the time of day. If you can go with a morning or afternoon wedding, there are savings available not only for your event space, but in your menu. A midmorning brunch or late afternoon cake and dessert reception can be very elegant but cost a great deal less.

Be flexible with your dates too. Weddings held April through September, in the upstate area, are going to be popular dates causing vendors to be less eager to do any negotiation. Pick a date September through March and you will have a much better selection of vendors at more affordable prices. That being said, avoid your holidays such as Christmas and Valentines, since some vendors charge premiums for holidays.

I know you have heard this before but, your alcohol bill will eat up a large portion of your budget, so be flexible here too. Offer your guests beer and wine, one or two signature cocktails and skip the open bar. No one will be offended and you will save a lot. I’m not a fan of the cash bar; you do not invite guests to your home and then charge them for a drink. The same should be true of your wedding. Offer the guests what you can afford. If you have to, go with hosting beer and wine, and making alcohol only cash. Just make sure your guests are aware ahead of time, so they bring money with them. Be sure to place a sign on the bar stating what you are doing. And skip the champagne toast; it is nothing but wasted money. We have seen it over and over again, full glasses or half empty bottles left on the tables. Let your guests toast with whatever they are drinking. No one will complain.

Save money on your flower budget. There is always the option of doing the flowers yourself, but unless you are a florist or work for a florist, this is a recipe for disaster. I’ve seen it go wrong too many times. Instead, hire the florist but do things like skip the pew markers in the church, or mark only the family section. Reuse bridesmaids’ bouquets on guest tables or cocktail tables. Bring your arrangements from the church to the reception (if your church approves). They can easily be slipped into the reception area during the cocktail hour without guests even being aware. You may have to pay a small delivery fee to your florist, but it’s a lot less than a buying a new arrangement. Again, be upfront with your florist about what you want to spend and let him tell you what will give you the most bang for your buck. Be flexible.

Candles can be affordable alternatives to large floral centerpieces.

Candles can make great centerpieces, just check with the rules of your site and see what they allow. Simple flowers in a glass vase can give a very modern vibe to your event but at the same time be very cost effective. And speaking of sites, see what your reception venue has to offer in the way of centerpieces. Your florist can take the simple hurricane lamp your site may include for free, add a few flowers and turn it into something amazing.

Save on invitations, find dealers who offer discounts or buy the kits available in stores and print them yourselves. Search online for printable invitations or make your own from scratch. Do your own addressing or print with a calligraphy font on your computer (straight on to the envelope, not onto a label). Be creative, something your guests will appreciate more than expensive typeset and heavy papers. If you are just not the creative type, shop around and order the traditional invitation without all the bells and whistles. I hate to say it, but they are eventually going to end up in the trash anyway. No one but you and your Mom are going to save them.

Print programs and menus yourself. There are tons of ideas and templates available on the web. Pick a nice paper stock and do it yourself. It’s cheaper and adds your personal touch to the items.

Skip the costly picture frame and key chain favors and go with something to eat. Candy or cookies are inexpensive and guest will not leave them behind.

Candy favors are always a good way to go

 These are only a few of the money saving ideas, you and your planner can use to make your dream wedding affordable. I know its tough having to make hard decisions about your wedding. But if you are smart about the decisions you make, you can still have the wedding of your dreams or one close to it, even in this expensive world.