Saving vs. Spending
OK, let’s be real here, most of us are planning a wedding on a budget; and if you’re not careful it can get out of hand very fast. So how do you know if what you’re spending is worth the money? How do you know if it will produce the impact you’re looking for? As a wedding planner I’ve learnt a few tips on saving vs. spending over the years. Here are a few key areas we recommend you keep your focus on:
Linens:
We recommend spending on your head table and on your guest tables. Having 20 tables covered in sequence or lace will definitely catch the eye of your guests. These areas are the focal points in the room and will provide the best visual impact for your buck. Skip areas like napkins. They end up dirty before you know it. Also, don’t over think the linens that aren’t center of attention. Stick to the basics when choosing table linens for your coffee station or cake table. Most venues provide basic linens with the rental price of the venue, so take advantage of these savings!
Bouquets:
Floral bouquets aren’t cheap, so be smart about where the money is going.
We suggest going for more filler flowers with the bridesmaid bouquet like baby’s breath or greenery and saving the pricey buds for the bride. Also, ask your florist about different bouquet styles. For the bridal party, opt for a hand tied or posey bouquet vs. the nosegay bouquet which is a denser and compact cluster of flowers. We recommend reading more about bouquet styles on “Style me Pretty” official guide.
Stationery:
There are many areas in this department where saving vs. spending is easier said than done. Stationery such as the “save the date” or the invitations are what set the tone for your event. So if you’re having a more upscale event, the invitation should reflect that. But that doesn’t mean you can’t skimp elsewhere. Here are a few examples: Only print enough programs for 50% of your guests. People can share one, and they are usually left behind in the end anyway. When it comes to menus, only have one per table vs. each seat. Lastly, opt for a seating chart instead of place cards. If you are looking for good quality print on a budget we’ve had great success using vistaprint and minted.
