Wedding Planning NJ
Wedding Planning NJ: Ways to Save Money on Weddings
We all know weddings are expensive, but isn’t there a way to have the beautiful wedding you have always dreamed of without going breaking the bank.
Whether you’ve just been engaged or are deep into wedding planning, you’ve probably realized one simple truth: weddings are expensive.The most challenging aspect of wedding planning may be pulling off a gorgeous, personalized celebration while staying within your allocated spending limit.
What can you do, then, to cut costs on a wedding without compromising style?
Turns out you don’t have to go broke while planning your dream wedding because there are several ways to cut down on wedding expenses.
Trim your guest list
Each guest you invite makes your wedding more expensive. Bigger guest lists mean larger venues, more food, drinks, more… everything. Try creating lists of guests you need to invite and those you want to invite. This might help you make those tough decisions.
Choose an affordable wedding venue
Wedding venues are one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, so it’s crucial to pick wisely when deciding where you want to be married. Make sure to read the fine print and add up all of the expenses that come along with the venue. Usually a venue that is all inclusive and has catering and rentals in house will be cheaper than a venue that requires you to bring in all of the furniture, food and staff.
Choose an off-peak season
Depending on the season, wedding venues can have varying rates. Due to the strong demand during peak season (in New Jersey that is May - October), the venues charge higher costs, which may enable you to receive a discount during the off-peak season (November - April).
Keep your wedding menu simple.
Choosing a buffet over a sit down dinner can help save catering costs. Try to also keep your menu simple and focused on seasonal ingredients; your wedding coordinator can point you in the right direction to help keep things reasonable.
Hire a wedding planner
The idea that hiring a wedding planner might help you save money may seem contradictory. But it’s true!
One of your wedding planner’s essential duties is to make sure you stick to your set budget.
NJ wedding planners can also leverage their connections in the wedding industry and expertise to quickly find you the best vendors in your style and price range, which is a significant plus.
What’s better than getting the best vendors for a wedding? Getting them in your budget !
Our wedding planners at Well-Dressed Events always go above and beyond to find you the best vendors that you desire, that meet your budget.
Set a budget and stick to it!
Setting your budget is a very crucial step in ensuring you actually stick to it!
Before you start getting anything for your wedding, it’s a a must that you sit down with your partner and decide on what is essential to both of you.
Using a budget planner is important. It will help you and your partner keep track of your budget and stay organized which in effect, will help both of you save.
Ways to Reduce the Cost of a Wedding
Being selective with plus ones is crucial if you want to keep prices down. Relatedly, plus ones can significantly increase the guest list. Think about the criteria you want to apply when deciding who gets a plus-one invitation: Is marriage or engagement a requirement for the couple? What about long-term romantic relationships?
Choose a naturally stunning location.
Choose a location for your wedding ceremony that is naturally stunning. So that you do not have to spend a fortune on extra décor, choose a public park, a flower garden, or an already elaborate place of worship or venue.
Order a smaller cake
An essential American wedding custom is cutting the cake. But wedding cakes can be very expensive, and you are not required to serve one cake to the entire gathering. Select a smaller cake for the photo opportunity, slice off a piece for the cameras, and then offer the guests a more reasonably priced sheet cake.
If you prefer, you can simply forego the cake and go for another dessert instead.
Find flowers that are in season.
If you enjoy flowers, you’ll want the most exquisite floral arrangements, and New Jersey wedding planners can assist you in calculating the cost of your flowers. Flowers turn out to be an unexpectedly expensive cost, if you’re unsure of seasonality. Selecting flowers that are in season for your wedding or that are always in season may be cheaper.
Use other greenery.
Greenery is traditionally more cost effective than blooms: think eucalyptus, ferns, sage, ruscus, and so on.
Opting for more greenery than florals can make your floral bill much more affordable. You can also opt for potted plants during the reception which can double as favors for guests.
Select digital stationary.
Certain printing techniques, like engraving, letterpress, and foil stamping, are beautiful but expensive. Plus, it requires a good amount of postage to mail them. Choose digital stationary instead for a less expensive option (we like Paperless Post or Greenvelope).
Hire a local photographer and videographer.
If a photographer or videographer needs to go further than a set distance to your event, they frequently charge an extra cost. Focus your search on local photographers and videographers for your wedding.
The amount you spend is not what makes a wedding beautiful; it’s the meaning and intention you put towards the celebration that matters.
Remember, all you actually need to get married is you, your partner, a marriage license, and typically an officiant. Yet, these suggestions will undoubtedly help you save money if you want to host an event that feels more celebratory and includes all your loved ones.
If you are a bride on budget, you’re likely looking for ways to save costs on your wedding. Be sure to contact our wedding planners at Well-Dressed Events to help you with your wedding planning. We will assist you in reducing the cost as much as possible while having a fabulous wedding.
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Here's what you can really expect to spend on your New Jersey Wedding.
To help you on your budgeting journey, we put together a free guide to understanding the cost of New Jersey weddings and wedding vendors, straight from real-life experience with our wedding couples!
