Budget Wedding Tips.
A Traditional Toastmaster's Tips For A Budget Wedding.
All weddings are to a budget, its just that some budgets are much higher than others. l have attended to weddings at which vast amounts have been spent, also at others where the outlay has clearly been very much smaller. To my mind, a great day can be had by the Happy couple & their guests, whichever option is chosen.
The main thing for me is that it should be a memorable day for the Bride & her Groom.
But whether you like it or not, a wedding isn't only about the bride and groom. It's also about providing a memorable experience to your friends, family, colleagues, and everyone else you hold close to your heart.
If you want a day with all the frills then do it. If you want something more simple again do it. Its your day , do it your way.
Don't over invite :-
The most important thing for couples to keep in mind where money is concerned is the guest list. The more guests you have, the more food, drink, invites, favours, etc. you need. So be sure that the people you ask, are who you would really like to be there.
Weekday Weddings :-
As most weddings are at the weekends, you may find that venues, & wedding suppliers that work on the day, such as your Toastmaster / Photographer / Cars / Caterers etc may have a better rate for weekdays. Can you make your day a Thursday or Friday?
The down side for this, is that you are asking people to maybe have a day off work to attend, but if they are close enough to you for you to invite, then most people, given enough notice, will always do their best to join you. l have found that most people seem to be happy with a Friday wedding, as it then extends their weekend very nicely !
Choose a non-peak date. Consider a winter wedding. Winter is considered the “off season” in most of the country, excluding Christmas and New Year's, often making it much cheaper on average, than spring / summer.
Wedding Planners :-
Most Planners are people with a vast number of contacts, in the Wedding business, & are able to take some of the pre-wedding stress away from you, which can be worth a lot in itself, but may also be able to help find value from suppliers.
Venues :-
There are venues to suit every pocket, from grand hotels to local function rooms. Most will do a great job for you. While a hotel or country pub is in an obvious choice for a reception, don't disregard church halls, village halls or local sports clubs.
Less obvious venues can cost a fraction of big hotels, which are in it to turn a hefty profit. They still look the business once they're decorated. If you consider a pub function room, imagine how it will look when dressed for the day. The suppliers for chair covers, balloons & so on can totally transform a venue. They also have some really outstanding 'backdrops' which when placed behind the top table will look absolutely stunning. Even with these decorating fees you may well make a saving.
It may be worth while going along this route.
Even top hotels, which may not be price flexible, may be able to add extras to your package, so ask what else is available for you.
The Decor :-
Bridesmaids' bouquets can double as modest centre-pieces for the reception or cocktail area.
Ditch the giant floral centre-piece. Ask family & friends if they can remember any centre-piece at any wedding they have ever been to. The answer is normally no. So are they really that important at all ?
Don’t limit yourself to flower types you’ve heard of. Some may not be in season, so could be more expensive. Ask advice from the experts (The Florists ) about current availability.
The Drink :-
Choose for a limited bar. To save on your alcohol bill, stick to serving beer, wine, and one specialty cocktail.
Or 'dry hire' & then you bring the booze yourself. If your venue allows it, buy your alcohol yourself, Just go to Costco or one of the major Supermarkets and you can get a huge discount on liquor, wine, and beer. But you will need someone willing to serve it.
You can get cheaper wines and prosecco instead of champagne, and save tons of money without a single guest knowing about it.
Just be sure to order more than you think you need, or else your bridal party may have to go on a beer run mid-reception.
Or just let everybody buy their own !
Suppliers:-
If your supplier is part of a chain or large store group, then you may find that they have fixed prices. A independent trader may be able to be more flexible, so don't be afraid to try your luck with pricing, but please remember that most are very nice people, who love the business, but they also have to make a living !
Book Early or Book Late:-
You have a preferred supplier, if so then its always best to confirm with them soonest. If not, & your nerves will stand the wait, you will find someone, even with only weeks to go, who is available & will discount for last minute bookings.
If you save money by having a Friday wedding, or a more affordable venue, then you may well find that your budget can stretch to adding some extras, that you may overwise had to overlook.
But whatever you do it's your special day - So enjoy it all !