Spring is a magnificent time of year. Often, the season is associated with new beginnings, making it an excellent choice for weddings in the eyes of many couples. While a springtime wedding can certainly come with a high price tag, you can make it more affordable by making smart choices. If you’re getting married in the spring, here’s how to save money on your big day.
Get Married on a Less Popular Day
When you need to keep the cost of a wedding under control, timing matters. If you choose a less popular month – like March or April – it could work in your favor. Similarly, choosing a weekday for your event usually means saving a bit of money, as weekends are commonly more popular, making them more expensive in many cases.
While it’s true that February is one of the least popular wedding months – potentially leading to some great discount opportunities – Valentine’s Day can be an exception to that rule. Usually, it’s best to avoid getting married on the holiday regardless of what day of the week it falls on, as you may have to pay a bundle to get a great venue.
Limit Your Guest List
A classic way to save money on a wedding is to keep the guest list small. When there are fewer people, you can use a smaller venue, which may result in savings. Plus, you won’t need as much in the way of food or drinks, creating another chance to limit your spending.
Consider going with a more intimate affair. Not only will it cost less in many cases, but it could save enough that you can add a few luxury touches. Then, you can have your dream day without breaking the bank.
Choose a Venue That Limits Your Need for Décor
Certain venues don’t require as much décor as others, allowing you to potentially save on your big day. Gardens are often the best example. When they’re in full bloom, the landscape becomes a significant part of your décor. You can simply let the natural beauty of the setting play the biggest role aesthetically.
Garden settings aren’t just great for ceremonies; they can be amazing for receptions, too. By using an open-sided tent, you can let the landscape surround your gathering, ensuring you don’t have to worry about decorating sparse walls for your big day.
If you’re planning a church wedding, you may be able to save by scheduling the event near Easter. Many churches add flowers and other touches as Easter draws near. As long as you commit to ensuring they’ll remain in good shape, you may be able to have your wedding while that décor is in place, allowing you to save.
Select an All-Inclusive-Style Venue
Another excellent way to control the cost of your spring wedding is to go with a venue that can limit your need for other rentals. For instance, if the location can give you basic chairs, tables, dinnerware, and utensils, you don’t have to find separate sources for those items that’ll need to be delivered; what you require is already on-site. In most cases, that approach is far more cost-effective.
In some cases, all-inclusive venues can also provide other items, like linens in neutral colors or tents for outdoor receptions. At times, they may even have basic table décor, like flameless candles, vases, and more.
While you may want to ensure that the venue’s aesthetic matches yours, finding one that can give you more than a space might work in your favor financially. If you aren’t sure about their offerings, ask to see samples when touring the venue or photos of the pieces, making it easier to decide.
Consider Wildflower Bouquets, Boutonnieres, and Centerpieces
For couples that aren’t afraid to do a bit of the heavy lifting, you might be able to cut the cost of your flowers down by picking wildflowers yourself. Then, you can use them to create bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces.
Typically, this works best in areas known for striking wildflowers during the spring, as they may be more plentiful. However, even if they’re widely available, you need to make sure you’re picking them from the right places. A family member or friend’s property (with their permission) is usually best, though it may be allowed in some public areas, too. Just make sure to review any rules regarding the flowers, ensuring you’re not breaking any laws or regulations by grabbing the blooms.
Choose Lighter-Weight Attire for the Couple and Wedding Party
In many cases, lighter-weight attire costs less in the long run. For example, a sheath dress with less material will cost less than a ballgown of comparable quality in most cases. Even if you go a bit more extravagant for the gown, keeping the bridesmaid dresses simpler could benefit your attire budget.
Going with a lighter-weight approach for the groom or groomsmen can also make a difference. For instance, cotton or linen suits can be less expensive than wool. If you’re in an area where the temperature is also rising, they’re also cooler, though they are usually only a great fit if you’re wedding is a bit more casual. Fortunately, even if you go with a higher-cost material, skipping vests or cummerbunds and sticking with a classic suit may keep the price down.
Go with Lighter Options When Designing Your Menu
During the spring, there’s an inherent lightness in the air. If you want to keep your costs down, capture that feeling when you design your menu.
Usually, seasonal fruits and vegetables aren’t expensive to add to your menu, and they can feel incredibly apt. Whether you use them to create delectable appetizers, salads, side dishes, or deserts, it’s an easy way to control your costs.
You can also choose lower-cost, lighter proteins. Chicken isn’t as expensive as many other types of meat, and it’s pretty easy to elevate. Couple that with inexpensive warmer-weather drinks like iced tea and lemonade, and you can have a lovely meal without breaking the bank.
Do you have any other tips that can help someone save money on a getting married in the spring? Have you tried any of the tips above and want to tell others about how it turned out? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read More:
- 4 Affordable Ways to Remember Your Wedding Forever
- How to Find the Perfect Wedding Venue?
- 3 Reasons to Have a Small Wedding
