Saving Money on Your Wedding
It may seem as though on this special day, no expense can be spared. However, from big weddings to small, there are simple ways to trim the expenses and still keep things fabulous on your wedding day.
Ten Tried & True Ways to Trim Expenses
the ones which no one will notice
1. Budget
From $10,000 to well over $100,000, it is critical for you, your fiancée, and families to discuss how much each of you will contribute for the wedding. Once you have a ballpark figure, break down how you plan to spend it. The wedding budget calculator on Wedding Channel can help you immensely, because it breaks the budget into the typical percentages where money is spent.
Consider your values on this one as well. Would you rather have a heavy dinner of multiple courses, or spend more on your dress? Have a photographer you’re pinning after? Then consider where you’re willing to cut costs. For example, you may want to opt for a simple invitation and put the money saved towards that awesome reception band. Think about what you truly want to spend money on.
2. Cut the Guest List
Once you have a budget and a caterer selected, you’ll soon discover how much it cost per head to feed all your family and friends. The simplest way to trim expenses is to cut out the number of people you invite.
3. Off Peak Weddings
In Portland, most weddings are held in June, July, August, and September. If you plan a wedding in November, you’ll have a much easier time booking your favorite location, and may be able to negotiate better rates with vendors.
4. Off Saturday Weddings
Similar to above, Friday and Sunday weddings are gaining popularity. One particular advantage is gaining access to that popular photographer who is already booked on most Saturdays of the summer. For a Friday or Sunday wedding, you may still get many of the vendors you covet.
5. Skip the Favors
Although cute and trendy, favors are certainly not necessary, and guests will not miss them. Have you ever attended a wedding and thought, “I can’t believe they didn’t have favors!” Precisely my point.
6. Hold the Ceremony and Reception in the Same Location
I love these types of weddings, because they make it easy on you, your guests, and your vendors. Decreasing travel time for your vendors can save you money. Check into Portland’s many fine hotels such as the Governor Hotel, or private clubs such as the University Club of Portland.
7. Trunk Shows
Score a fabulous deal of a gorgeous dress at Trunk Shows held at a bridal salon. Look into purchasing a dress from Brides Against Breast Cancer, which sells gently used gowns at a fraction of the original cost, and support those battling breast cancer.
8. Don’t Get Carried Away with the Bridal Party
The larger your bridal party, the more people to invite, feed, entertain, and purchase gifts for. A good rule of thumb is one bridesmaid or groomsman for every 50 anticipated guests. Think of the people you truly want in your bridal party. If you really want eight on each side, go for it. But it’s by no means required.
9. Group Discount Rentals
This one is for the guys. Many stores have discount rentals where if four groomsmen (or father of bride or groom) rent their tuxedos from the same place, the groom will receive a complimentary rental.
10. Trust Your Gut
If it’s really important to you, then go for it. And if it seems too cheap, or too good to be true, then find another way. This is where Elizabeth Ann Events can help. We are happy to answer budget questions and help you save money where needed.
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