How to Save on Budget Without Compromising Your Guest’s Experience

We always like to project positivity and inspire our readers to see the big picture when planning an event. Your planner should be your advocate in monitoring the budget without compromising the guest’s experience. We would like to to use this opportunity to inspire all couples to stay positive while offering tips on staying savvy throughout your venue and vendor search. 

My advice to any couple looking to get married soon- this is absolutely the best time to get married! Do not allow the uncertain economic future of the U.S. to discourage you from celebrating your joyous and blissful day. Our suggested tips on saving on a budget without compromising the guest’s experience may be beneficial when planning your special day. 

Follow these ten budget dos to save on your overall budget.

  1. HIRE A SAVVY PLANNER – The first step we recommend making is hiring a savvy planner, Jessica Jordan Events! We have worked with every budget and will be the smartest decision you make. We have experience on the venue side as well as the planner side and may make any budget work while keeping you organized.
  2. REDUCE YOUR GUEST LIST – A very quick way to cut your overall spend is by reducing your guest list. Reducing the per person pricing is surprisingly not as big of difference as reducing your guest list. For example, if you have one hundred guests and you try to reduce the per person price by $25.00 per person (plus tax and service charges) by removing items from the package or select your second choice venue which is the same amount less, it would be a $3,275 savings. If you reduced ten guests with a $360 per person price (plus tax and service charges) you would save $4,716.00.  The guests that do attend will have a more luxurious and enhanced experience.
  3. ATTEND A TRUNK SHOW – If you have your heart set on a particular well known designer, contact your nearby bridal salons and find out if the designer will be hosting a trunk show soon. Many times the dresses may be offered at a lower promotional price and/or the designer may have a similar dress at a lower price which may not be in the salon; however, you may have it shipped in. The designers know their inventory best so it’s always great to speak to the designer face to face.
  4. MARRY IN FIRST QUARTER OR ON A FRIDAY – Many venues are slower in the first three months of the year (first quarter), and there may be a special offer. Additionally, many venues have set minimum spends for Saturdays but are flexible for Fridays. If you are having a destination wedding the day of the week may not matter, in which we recommend getting married on a Friday so that it is still the weekend yet offered at a lower price. Venues love to host weddings on Fridays!
  5. SELECT A HOTEL VENUE – Hotels are a smart selection because they have many items on-site so that you do not need to rent as much as you would for a non-hotel venue. Additionally, you may negotiate waiving the site rental if your food and beverage minimum is a fair amount or a hard date for the venue to sell. The amenities alone are worth selecting a hotel, which enhance your overall experience and reduce stress.
  6. HOST CEREMONY IN SAME LOCATION AS RECEPTION/DINNER – Reduce your transportation cost and save money at the same time! You may save a little on entertainment as well.
  7. CUSTOMIZE YOUR MENU – Do you need everything that is included in your food and beverage package? Some venues may include items which you may not need and you may reduce or tailor the menu to work with your budget. Ask your venue catering contact how they may customize the menu to reduce price or increase value.
  8. HIRE A DJ – If you hire a band, go big or go home and hire an amazing DJ. There are very talented DJs that have experience in the luxury world and it will save you thousands of dollars.
  9. USE MORE CANDLES THAN FLOWERS- Flowers are very expensive (especially flowers that are not local or out of season). Adding more candles and low arrangements will give your overall ambiance a more elegant romantic appearance.
  10. SKIP THE FAVORS – Most guests won’t miss a favor and most guests forget them at the table.

Take the stress off your plate and contact Jessica Jordan Events to discuss how we may assist you with your wedding budget. Let us know what questions you have, and we would be happy to set up a consultation.