1. Book the Venue Way in Advance
While there’s something to be said about just enjoying the engagement right after he pops the question, I think you’re doing yourself—and your budget—a disservice by not looking at and booking a venue within a month or two of receiving the ring. Think about the type of settings you want for the exchanging of vows and after party, set up appointments with site coordinators, and hit the ground running on the weekends. Once you have the place(s) picked out, choose the time of year you’d like to marry. This is where you can save big bucks. For instance, I wanted a wedding in late spring, but Saturdays from the first of May through the end of September cost $11,000 (mind you, this is for the venue alone). So I pounced on the last Saturday in April, which was marked at $7500—a common markdown employed by wedding sites to entice bookings during colder months. I was set on a Saturday wedding, but if the day doesn’t make a difference to you, think about booking a Sunday or Friday event—both which is typically significantly less.
2. BYOB
Depending on the venue and the caterer you’re working with, you may be allowed to supply the event with your own spirits. I was fortunate enough to have this option, which my husband and I took advantage of. We set about researching reds and whites with 90+ point ratings, found one of each we liked, and waited for BevMo’s 5-cent sale, where we purchased 12 cases of wine for approximately the cost of seven. For beer and the hard liquor required to make our signature cocktail, we used Costco coupons and stocked up on just enough to keep the party going—all at a deep discount.
3. Nix the Extra Reception Fixings
The chairs don’t have seat covers and each person only got one plate. It saved me more than $600. So far no one has complained about the break in tradition.
Sometimes less is more. While it may be tempting to cover dull walls with pretty linens, swath the room in colored lighting complimentary to your color scheme, and drape seats with luxurious chair covers, these extras can add thousands of dollars to your betrothal bottom line. Don’t fight the feel of your reception hall. For instance, my reception was set in a cross between a cabin and barn. I embraced the rustic ambiance of the room and added elegant touches in the form of beautiful flower arrangements set atop candelabras—that’s it. Despite the persistence of my caterer, I said no to chair covers (which saved me $525) and charger plates (a $150 savings). And at the end of the day, I was completely happy with how the reception room looked (priceless).
