It may sound impossible at first, but it is possible to cut costs in some ways in order to have more money for your life together after the wedding is over. There are some things in a wedding that of course, you should never cut costs on (photography, or food!) but there are some mall things you can do, to keep a little aside for later.
1. Have Your Ceremony & Reception At The Same Venue
This is a great way to save costs. Most hotel banquets now offer a gazebo or a quaint space in the back for the ceremony as well as most churches offer catering services. It has never been easier to keep your guests all in one place. Not only will you save on transportation costs, but you can also save on catering costs. Most venues will offer a you a discounted rate or save you a second rental fee if you are keeping everything at one location.
2. Set A Realistic Guest List And Stick To It!
Let's be real, no couple ever sticks with the exact number they say they will when they start out, but of course you will have to tighten the reigns somewhere. Most couples deal with the classic issue of their mother in laws or crazy aunts inviting all of the neighbours and their children to your wedding. Make sure you make it clear to each other that there is a line between the "ballpark guest count" and the "final limit guest count". This way when you calculate your estimated budget, you will have an accurate number.
3. Hire An Experienced Wedding Consultant
The question that every bride asks herself. Do I need a professional planner? The answer is yes! This may come as a surprise, but wedding planners can save you money in the long run. They understand the costs of the industry, they know where to look and what questions to ask. Most brides who plan the wedding themselves end up hiring a day of coordinator anyways, which is not always better. It is nearly impossible to have a planner swoop in last minute and know the exact details of everything. This can also be just as costly. Lastly, the planner wears many hats, your confidante when you're stressed, your optimistic boost when you need it, a backup in your corner when you're looking for confirmation, and an expert to know how it's been done before. Some things are best left to the professionals.
4. Share The Costs
Some brides just want their wedding day to be their day, and that's okay. But some brides don't mind having a shared day with another bride. It may seem strange, but if there is another wedding ceremony before or after yours, you can split the cost of the ceremony decor. You can end up saving a fortune on floral decor, chairs, aisle runners, chair covers and archways. It's a great way to save money, but just ensure the other bride has similar taste as you!
5. Club Memberships
If you (or someone you know) have a membership at a nearby country club, or is a frequent stayer at a certain hotel chain, you may have access to some great discounts. This can definitely be used to your advantage and it can save you quite a bit of money in the long run to be a member of the location of your wedding reception. Most of the time the locations will have specific vendors that they use and have their own deals with them. This means you can save on everything from staff, to food, to decor, and even rooms can be discounted to take a little more off of that final bill.
6. A Standing Ovation
Believe it or not, in some cultures the guests stand during the ceremony. This is a trend becoming more mainstream and widely used at beach, garden or any outdoor style weddings for a more casual and intimate feel. The chairs themselves can rack up quite a large bill and it is not uncommon. Of course it is always a good idea to have a couple of chairs for those elderly guests, but this is a great option and something to consider if you are wanting to save on the ceremony.
#weddinginspo #weddings #samantharoseweddings #weddingbudget #weddingtips