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The soon-to-be betrothed, wild-hearted couples of today can dream big about their nuptials, despite the staggering economy.
It’s often said that weddings and the industry that caters to them are recession-proof because people will fall in love and choose to wed for perpetuity. Wedding budgets, however, are not recession-proof.
It’s no surprise then that couples across the country are increasingly scaling back the amount of moolah spent across-the-board on floral arrangements, invitations and the almighty wedding venue.
So, cut the cash bar, splurge selectively and read on.
Be Creative
What is the number one thing to remember while planning a wow wedding in the recession?
According to Suzanne Court, of Suzanne Court Catering & Events, the key to a dazzling wedding is creativity. Creativity with flowers and place settings! All things creative!
“Instead of breaking the bank on lavish floral arrangements, try incorporating innovative touches such as crystals, feathers and candles into the décor and tablescapes,” she says. “These things add drama to the ambiance without increasing the budget too much.”
Court says that as wedding expenditures are reduced, a surge in innovation was inevitable.
Gina Greenspan, lead wedding coordinator at 2 Dine 4 Fine Catering, urges a sense of humor when it comes to wedding planning. Greenspan, who has recently announced her own engagement, is gleefully burning the wedding-planning candle at both ends. She believes keenly in DIY details that add pizzazz and personality.
“One imaginative couple incorporated a mad-lib onto their table settings in place of formal menu cards or table numbers,” she says.
LuAnn Dickson, owner of Verbena Floral Design, suggests mixing submerged flowers with candlelight for a romantic look.
“Exceptional flowers don’t have to be expensive,” she says.
Some other ideas she offers?
“Collect baby food and other glass jars to utilize as candle holders and vases for a homespun twist,” she says.
Reduce Headcount
Weddingwire, The Knot and The Weddingbee Blog are three websites with innumerable tips and budgeting tools. But, hands down, whittling your guest count is the easiest way to nip costs.
“You don’t want to hurt feelings,” Greenspan says, “but it’s important to sit down to think about who you really want to include versus who you’re inviting just because you feel obligated.”
Planners admit that when it finally comes to slashing names off your wedding list, it can get sticky. But, they urge couples to stay strong and think of their budget. Plus, can’t an intimate affair with your closest friends and family be just divine?
Bride-to-be Sheri Johnson admits how stressed-out she was when she kept reading that the average wedding in Austin was about $25,000.00.
“It was so hard at the beginning to face that number,” she says. “We had no idea where we would come up with that money.”
Johnson, 27, who works as a research assistant at a biotech company, agrees that she could have waited longer to get married. Instead, she decided to cut things like headcount and the number of bridesmaids. Currently, she is at 75 guests and two bridesmaids.
Wedding producer Victoria Hentrich urges couples to keep a budget in mind every step of the way and says they need to be realistic. Hentrich and her daughter, Jennifer, own Creative Consultants, which is known for its one-of-a-kind weddings.
“Do not invite 300 people to your wedding with a $5,000 budget,” she says. “It does not work.”
Sunday is your Friend
A Sunday wedding brunch could be a classic and inexpensive option.
“Save money with weddings on weekdays and on Sunday,” Hentrich says.
Greenspan agrees, adding that some of Austin’s best venues have a discounted Sunday rate.
“A Sunday wedding may create a ‘wedding weekend’ feel and perhaps open up with a rehearsal dinner Saturday night or more casual activities leading up to Sunday,” she says. “The same goes for off-season dates and months. Don’t be afraid of June, July and August!
There are other inexpensive options, including Chapel Dulcinea, which touts itself as the free wedding chapel. Overlooking the gaping and gorgeous Texas Hill Country, the small open-air chapel sits in all its glory. Make sure to read the small print though – there is a $100 cancellation fee, which is collected at registration and refunded at your wedding.
Dickson, who insists that the character and ambiance of a venue speaks for itself, says couples must consider all the aspects of a venue before booking it.
“A naturally beautiful setting will be less expensive to decorate overall,” she reiterates. “Covering objects, draping walls or trying to mask an unsightly fixture with flowers or fabric can be costly!”
See Wedding Tips on page 86