Knot Plan

Having a budget for a wedding is a very important and intelligent strategy. If your budget is small it is even more important to micromanage every detail. This does not mean that your wedding can’t be fun and meaningful to you and your guests. Let’s look at some possibilities. The wedding venue, food, and drink usually take the biggest chunk out of your budget. Aside from the obvious possibilities of where to hold a wedding, look into state, city or town parks.

Many have pavilions or buildings on site that can be rented for a nominal fee. Decorations can be as extensive or as limited as you would like to make them. Many historic sites can also be rented at reasonable rates. Many churches and other religious sites may also have halls that can be rented. Some require you to use their caterers, and there goes your savings. Look for places where you can provide your own food or caterer. As far as food is concerned, think outside of the box. Instead of a sit down dinner consider an extended cocktail hour with an emphasis on the food, whether it be hors’ doures or a buffet set-up for help yourself picking throughout the reception.

A fun wedding usually provides food, drink, dance and socializing. If you force people to get up for their food maybe they will socialize more. Food does not have to be exotic either, in fact many brides are going back to comfort food, such as mini hamburgers, pigs in a blanket, mini wedge slices, fried raviolis, burritos, chicken wings or pieces, different cheeses with crackers, and fruit. Instead of a traditional wedding cake perhaps a dessert bar with coffee would be more appealing and more reasonable. Again, people can help themselves, eliminating the need for waiters.

Liquor is a big expense for the bride and groom. Consider serving it at the cocktail hour only and then switching to wine and beer or just soda and ice tea. It is a big savings, and it is a decision for you to consider. Please do not opt for guests to purchase their own drinks; it is something that should not be done.

This is your day. Focus on what you would like at the reception. Set a budget, negotiate everything, shop around, and compare. Stay tuned for more shoestring tips.