Today is all about budget savvy couples and how they struggle to plan a cost-effective event without professional help. Saving money is always trending, and we are here to offer suggestions which will work within each budget. A dream wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. As an Orlando Wedding Coordinator, Jaclyn Adair is on the front lines when it comes to helping couples save costs.
Dream weddings on a budget:
Choices are infinite and there are options available which will respect the wedding budget. Contact our planner as early in the process as possible for best results.
We know you have been dreaming of your big day since childhood, and we are always honored when chosen to assist you. From purchasing the wedding ring to planning the honeymoon, each service should be chosen with care and only after researching several options.
Once you meet with our wedding planner and present your wedding budget, we will take that into consideration with every service chosen. When we are finished wedding planning, you will have a dream wedding. It will be complete with a “wow” factor.
Ideas to create that “wow” factor:
- Choose a venue with amazing scenery
- Choose a unique bridal gown (different color)
- Get marry abroad and vaca with family & friends
- Choose exciting transportation (a vintage auto or a horse-drawn carriage)
- Release doves after the ceremony or butterflies
- Make a bold entrance (with your favorite pet carrying the rings)
- Go barefoot down the aisle (for outdoor locations)
- As a couple, create a new drink for the reception
- The two of you can choreograph the first dance
- Include fireworks for the reception exit
Planning a surprise wedding to save money:
The sky is the limit when the two of you get together and come up with events for the ceremony and for the reception that can amaze your guests and family. A popular way to save money this year is to plan a surprise wedding. It is a great way to keep the guest count smaller which will save on food costs. A surprise wedding can still have the feeling of a grand event, while you treat your family and guests to a “big reveal.”
First, you should determine if a surprise wedding is right for both of you. Keep in mind, people attending a surprise wedding will not be expecting a real wedding and will most likely not come bearing any gifts. If you plan on surprising even your siblings and friends, you may also be giving up the bachelorette party, bridal shower, and every other normal get-together that happens with traditional wedding planning.
However, for those couples who are not wanting a lot of pressure and just don’t need the attention a big wedding will bring, a low-key wedding may be the perfect choice for you.
Surprising your guests:
You might tell your guests that you are having an engagement party. Decorations could include a beautiful candlelit backyard area with tables for guest seating. After the dinner, the two of you could simply rise and walk in front of the guests and the officiant can come from the crowd and start the nuptials. How you announce that it is really a wedding ceremony is up to you, and that is the fun part.
Having it all go smoothly:
A surprise wedding must be kept secret until the day and hour of the event. We suggest you hire a team of professionals to help with the planning. It would be your choice to share with a parent but in the end, it might be best for them to know if they are sensitive and could be hurt not being involved. They might also be happy to help with the preparations.
Keeping the costs down:
First, look at your total budget and decide on the guest list. Fewer guests mean saving heaps on food and beverage costs, so spend time considering the guest list and keep it to a minimum to ensure the surprise is a success. However, ignore the guest limit if you have an unlimited budget unless your venue has a maximum capacity. Most couples are different when you ask them what is most important for their big day.
Some brides want all of the bells and whistles from the ring to the honeymoon getaway. Others want a simple, quiet event in which they can speak to each any every one of their guests. Some say the DJ entertainment and food is most important and want their guests to dance and enjoy themselves for four hours or more. Some just want a simple ceremony with family and a few friends to meet and share a small dinner in a private room at their favorite restaurant.
No matter how small the event is, the costs can be daunting for young couples who are not expecting the many items needed for a wedding. To begin, the wedding attire (gown, tux, and accessories) the cost starts to amount quickly. Just a few needs for a large wedding day will include music, parking, transportation, photography, a cake, catering, event decor, florals, an officiant or notary, the venue, and this is only a shortlist. Each couple must decide on what items are more important and where can they save money.
The wedding decor ,if done by the bride and assistants, can offer big savings. A backyard wedding can save on the venue cost. Choosing a wedding venue which allows family members to cook the food is somewhat rare but quite helpful and budget friendly. Search online for DIY projects to save money as you plan for the big day. You can get married on a budget if you plan wisely and have enough time to prepare.
Don’t forget to contact us to assist with your wedding planning to stay in budget. Browse our wedding services page to learn more. We specialize in wedding day coordination, and this offers huge savings for those couples on a budget that cannot afford full wedding planning. Thanks for stopping by and hurry back for more!
Staff Writer
