This is a simple adjustment that couples don’t often think of. By starting your ceremony at noon, as opposed to 4pm, you can save on lighting costs and more.
“By starting your wedding earlier in the day, you’ll need less lighting, guests tend to drink less (thereby cutting beverage and booze costs), and you probably won’t go into overtime,” explains Weiss.
Booking during the week (Sundays through Thursdays) or during “off-season,” is also a way to typically cut down on costs, since venues often offer lower rates during these less-desirable times.
While wedding trends these days lean more towards couples choosing barns over banquet halls, the latter will save you some cash in the long run.
“An offsite venue is a lot more expensive than a venue that already has tables, chairs, and a kitchen. For a lot of these offsite venues, I have to build kitchens.
I have to bring in salt and pepper shakers. So, a venue that’s already beautiful and that has all of these items is a great way to save money,” advises Weiss.
Based on a survey of over 15,000 newlyweds who tied the knot in 2021, the average cost of wedding favors is $450.
That mini champagne bottle, trinket or taffeta baggie of sweet treats is costing you a pretty penny, and chances are, it’ll end up getting left on the table by a forgetful guest.
“Instead of giving favors that people do not end up taking home with them, write a beautiful thank you note for joining you on this memorable occasion.
This thank you note will be the gift that keeps on giving,” says Weiss.
If you’ve never heard of this, well then you’re missing out on one of the subtlest ways couples skimp at weddings. Open bars at weddings can range from $15 to a person — to a whopping $90.
“Instead of doing a full bar, do a soft bar. A soft bar is wine, beer, sodas, water and maybe one signature alcoholic drink. This will save a lot of money and people will still be satisfied with drinking,” explains Weiss.
Here’s another “tradition” that’ll add to your bill, without adding much else. “Did you know that a sip of champagne is much more expensive than a glass of wine?,” asks Weiss.
“Skip the champagne toast, most people won’t drink it anyway!,” she exclaims.