7 Ways to Stretch Your Wedding Budget
To help couples navigate the planning process, McHale’s Events & Catering has created a list of expert advice from our own planners full of practical tips to help you save money on your wedding without sacrificing your vision.
1. Explore Alternative Wedding Days
Who says your wedding has to be on a Saturday? Experts agree that tying the knot on any day of the week is perfectly acceptable. If you’re set on a weekend celebration, consider a Friday wedding. Opting for a Friday can save you thousands on venue costs, especially with a weekday rehearsal dinner. Another great option is a Sunday wedding. Venue fees can be considerably lower, and food and beverage minimums are also reduced, making it ideal for small or large gatherings.
2. Streamline Information with a Wedding Website
While including multiple cards in your invitation suite can be elegant, it often comes with a hefty price tag. Instead, simplify your suite by including a single insert that directs guests to your wedding website for additional details. You can save hundreds by opting for one insert that guides guests online, where they can find information about other events—like the rehearsal dinner, welcome party, or day-after brunch—as well as logistics such as transportation and the hotel room block you’ve arranged.
3. Make Your Ceremony Florals Work Overtime
The flowers you choose for your wedding day are both beautiful and costly, so maximizing their use across different parts of your celebration is a smart way to stretch your budget. “There are so many ways to repurpose your wedding flowers,” says Lindsay Morris, McHales Event Manager. “For example, decorative florals from your ceremony can be used to dress up the escort card table or the bar, and bridesmaids’ bouquets can be repurposed as centerpieces for reception tables.” Ask your florist or venue manager if they can assist with moving the arrangements.
4. Reduce Transportation Expenses
Transportation might not be top of mind during wedding planning, but the cost of shuttling guests between a ceremony site and the reception can quickly add up. “By planning your wedding so that the ceremony and reception are held at the same venue you can save up to $4,000 by cutting out the need for guest and wedding party transportation,” says Megan Cassiere of McHale’s. We manage several venues that offer ceremony & receptions in one location and work with more throughout the area to make us your one stop wedding day shop.
5. Work with your Event Planner on the Menu
Chuck McHale of McHale’s Catering suggests thinking outside the box when it comes to pricier items on the menu. “For many weddings, people think filet on the menu is a must,” he says. Chuck encourages couples who are looking to reduced food costs to consider other cuts of beef, like brisket or prime rib, which may offer a lower cost. “Also, consider proteins such as chicken, salmon, shrimp or pork, because when prepared correctly they can be elegant.”
6. Feature Specialty Cocktails
Instead of going all out with a full bar, consider offering a selection of specialty cocktails alongside beer and wine. Morris suggests this approach, noting that “serving a few well-crafted specialty cocktails in addition to beer and wine throughout the night will ensure your guests are well taken care of without the need for a full bar.” This strategy can be a stylish and cost-effective way to please your guests.
Photo by Lindsey Zitzke Photography
7. Embrace Vintage Items
If you’re looking to save on certain style elements for your wedding day, reach out to family and friends for décor items. Think about borrowing vintage pieces from close relatives to use or wear for your wedding. For example, you could wear your mother’s veil or a family member’s earrings or cufflinks. After all, finding your “something borrowed” is part of the tradition!
If you’re interested in learning more or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way, ensuring your special day is everything you’ve dreamed of—without breaking the bank. Contact us today for more information!
