If weddings didn’t already cost enough, the pandemic came along and cancelled a whole season of wedding plans, usually at the cost of soon-to-be-married couples who lost thousands in deposits and rearrangement fees.
While nobody could have seen the events of the past year and a half coming, the legacy of COVID-19 has only furthered the importance of careful, considered spending to those planning their big day.
For those looking to protect their wedding spending, here are three key tips to investing wisely.
Midweek makes more sense than ever
With a huge backlog of weddings still lingering from the largely cancelled 2020 season, you might not only find it tough to book yourself a weekend wedding, but also find it incredibly expensive to do so.
Increasingly, couples are looking to other days of the week and taking on midweek weddings. With better availability and cheaper prices for the same experience, it’s certainly something to consider – just make sure your guests know well in advance so they can book the appropriate time off work and arrange any childcare they may need.
If you don’t ask, you don’t get
Weddings have a lot of moving parts, be it the DJ/band, the catering or the venue itself. All are different businesses, all potentially flexible on price. Weddings cost a lot, but there’s plenty of competition out there for wedding suppliers. Use this to your advantage by not being afraid to haggle and get the best price on key services for the day.
You also have the option to put these sorts of spends on a credit card, then if anything goes wrong or the unexpected occurs, you’ll have increased spending protection from your provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. It will also allow you to spread the cost out over a time period that suits you and not leave you short on money for necessities in the months ahead.
Manage your guestlist
If you’re doing the full wedding breakfast and reception, it’ll cost you a pretty penny per head, and when you’ve got a guestlist of 200, that means a hefty bill. Of course, if you want a big wedding with absolutely everyone there, that’s the right decision for you. If, however, you’re looking for a wedding on a budget, consider shaping your guestlist a little more selectively to manage your costs.
That does mean some tough decisions, but you don’t need to cast people aside completely. Shift some numbers from the daytime event to the evening do and you’ll notice a considerable difference in what you owe.
Choose flowers wisely
Flowers are in almost every part of a wedding, from throwing petals down the aisle, to the bouquet toss and as decorations, so it’s easy to see how the cost can quickly add up. Consider choosing flowers that are in season as these will be readily available and minimize the risk of extra fees from your florist as they won’t be ordering in specifically for you.
Another great option is using faux flowers. Not only are they considerably cheaper but they can be kept long after the big day, meaning the bride can always cherish her bouquet in it’s full beauty. They also come in an array of colors meaning you’ll be sure to find some to perfectly match your wedding theme.
Is there such a thing as a “cheap” wedding? Today, when planning a wedding with all the usual trimmings, it might seem unlikely. Yet, if you’re smart about your spending, plan ahead and choose your suppliers carefully, you’ll certainly find your big day will cost less than you might fear, leaving you a little extra for the future.
