MARK THE OCCASION: Forging Ahead
Still dealing with planning (and re-planning) due to the pandemic? While I am always honest with my clients about what costs you can cut - I decided to share a couple of my ‘go-to’ tricks that you can definitely get away with when planning the wedding of your dreams… on a budget.
For your stationery needs, use sites like Minted & Paperless post that can give you a custom look but without the pricing of creating something with a traditional stationer.
For the cake, instead of paying the per slice fee typically charged by wedding cake vendors - opt for a smaller ‘show’ cake to wow the guests and have sheet cakes in the back for serving (no one will even know).
Consider hiring a great DJ instead of a big band. I definitely love the vibe of a big band but by adding on some dynamic instruments like guitar or violin alongside the DJ - you can really amp up the cool factor.
Serve at least two signature cocktails - guests will likely select from them and you can cut some costs on the liquor.
Book a venue that has a comprehensive package, or negotiate with them to include add-ons for booking during the pandemic. Things like extra food selections, a wedding cake or lighting package, can all be added on.
Have your florist use only in season flowers, and ask whether you can purchase your own vessels at a wholesale price and send them to the florist to use.
Allow the photographer to leave two hours before the wedding ends. Typically, people want them to stay until the end - but towards the end of the party, people are drunk and definitely don’t look their best. The best pictures are captured within the first couple of hours.
Definitely do not choose a white space - meaning a blank venue. Bringing in all the aspects of a wedding from the ground up will cost more than selecting a more comprehensive package from certain venues.
If you are open to something a little less conventional, try weekdays.