So you’ve found the love of your life. Now you’re ready to spend the rest of your days together united in matrimony. The wedding will be one of the most exciting days of your lives! However, between the number of guests, the dress, venue and food, it could also be one of the most expensive. An occasion that should be a source of so much joy shouldn’t be met with dread over exorbitant price tags. With a bit of smart decision making and a lot of wisdom, I’ll show you how to make the most of your wedding budget and still have your dream day!
Timing is Everything
Talk to any number of women and you’re bound to find at least a few who have dreamed about what their wedding would be like since they were little girls. They pictured the dress, the location and sometimes even the mate. What they may not have thought about is the time of day they would be saying their vows. At first thought, that might not seem to matter very much. A closer look will prove otherwise.
You see, the time you choose to get married often determines the type of food you will serve at the reception. Typically, weddings that occur earlier in the day are accompanied by a lighter, less expensive fare. If you’re looking to stay within a strict wedding budget, consider having your ceremony during a time where you can serve your guests brunch or midday meal options. The food is tasty, and the prices won’t hurt your wallet as much as a formal plated dinner with multiple courses and white glove service.
Uncommon Confections
Wedding receptions usually conjure up images of tall, tiered cakes layered with fondant and immaculate and decorative designs. But, those cakes can really take a toll on a wedding budget! Don’t feel pressured to go the traditional route with your wedding day sweet treats. You can make a splash with unique desserts like cake pops, cupcakes, fondue fountains or donut walls. There are even DIY ideas like ice cream sundae and s’mores stations. These tend to be big hits with wedding goers. These types of desserts are fun and interactive, and you don’t sacrifice any of the decadence! Stay on budget and wow your guests with any of these alternative sweets.
Befitting Blooms
My business as an interior designer is largely based in the aesthetics of a space. I completely understand the importance of the “look” of all things bridal. For many couples, the floral element will play a significant role in attaining the appearance they want on their special day. Flowers are used for bouquets and boutonnieres, table settings, and even for adorning arches, chairs and the reception space. To put it plainly, the flowers are a major player on the wedding day! For this reason, purchasing florals can easily absorb a large portion of your wedding budget.
One of the best ways to offset the cost of all those flowers is to select ones that are in season at the time of your ceremony. If your heart is set on Lily of the Valley or tulips, you’ll find the best prices and most vibrant hues in the spring. Hydrangeas are recommended anytime from May to July. For a dreamy winter wedding consider Casablanca lilies or poinsettias. Matching your floral choices to the season of your wedding will often result in a greater variety of flowers, more availability, and less of a hit to your pocket.
Worry Free Wedlock
Wedding preparation can make even the calmest person a bit tense. With the myriad of details to be perfectly solidified before the big day, anything that can be simplified, should! I helped couples on my discovery+ show, The House My Wedding Bought, find wedding venues that made their hearts sing. Some preferred a traditional church setting. Others wanted a big backyard soiree. When you’re choosing the location for your wedding, it’s tough to picture it without thinking about how you’re going to decorate and beautify the space. Let me give you an easy workaround: the beach!
Keep it simple with your venue and choose one that has natural beauty. Getting married on the beach gives you gorgeous white sand, magnificent blue waves and uplifting sun rays as your backdrop. Even as an interior designer, I have to admit that it just doesn’t get better than that. If you select a scenic venue like a beach or hotel with its own organic allure, you don’t have to break the bank to make the area feel and look magical.
Your wedding day should be joyful and merry. You should be free to focus on the love you share and the happiness that lies before you. Stressing over your wedding budget can quickly strip those good vibes away from the planning of your big day if you’re not careful and calculated. Use these tips to minimize any financial strain related to your wedding, and enjoy the beginning of the best days of your life! Happy marrying!
replies (0)