When planning your wedding, it can feel like every detail comes with a price tag. From florals and entertainment to place settings and guest favors, expenses can add up quickly. So, how do you decide where to invest a little extra and where you can save?
At Before the Vows, we believe the key to a successful wedding budget is knowing which details will make the biggest impact on your guest experience. Every couple has different priorities, and our recommendations may not look the same for everyone. However, these are the areas we often encourage our couples to consider when deciding where to splurge and where to save!
Where to Splurge
1. Staffing
Having enough staff to properly serve your guests can make a huge difference in how smoothly your wedding day runs. Additional bartenders help eliminate long bar lines, while enough catering servers ensure food is delivered efficiently (if doing a plated meal) and guests receive attentive service.
2. Entertainment
Your entertainment sets the tone for your reception and plays a huge role in keeping guests engaged. Whether you envision a live band or a DJ who knows how to keep the dance floor full, investing in experienced entertainment can make all the difference. Before booking you can watch performance videos and read reviews to find the right entertainment vendor that aligns with the atmosphere you want to create.
3. Florals
Florals are one of the most visually impactful elements of your wedding design. From ceremony installations to reception centerpieces, flowers help bring your vision to life. Focus your floral budget on a few statement pieces and ask your florist about repurposing ceremony arrangements for the reception.
4. Lighting
Never underestimate the power of good lighting! From bistro lights and chandeliers to uplighting and candlelight, thoughtful lighting can completely transform a space and create the perfect atmosphere for your reception. Layer different types of lighting to create a warm, inviting environment, especially once the sun goes down.
5. Day-Of Signage & Stationery
From welcome signs and seating charts to menus and place cards, stationery is a great way to carry your wedding aesthetic throughout the celebration. Custom details can help tie together your colors, fonts, and overall design. Prioritize the pieces guests will actually interact with rather than creating custom signage for every area of your venue.
Photographer: Hannah Cree
Where to Save
1. Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are a thoughtful way to thank your guests, but they are certainly not a necessity. Purchasing something for every guest can add up quickly, and many favors end up being left behind. If you do want to offer something, consider an edible treat or late-night snack!
2. A Fully Stocked Bar
You do not need to offer every type of liquor, wine, and beer to create a great bar experience. A curated selection of beer, wine, and a few signature cocktails can give guests plenty of options without the expense of a fully stocked premium bar.
3. Chargers
Charger plates can be a beautiful addition to your tablescape, but they are not always necessary to achieve an elevated look. Consider putting that portion of your budget toward specialty glassware, unique napkins, or statement centerpieces instead.
4. An Oversized Wedding Cake
If having a large, elaborate wedding cake is not a priority, consider opting for a smaller cake for your cake-cutting photos and offering alternative desserts for guests. A dessert table with mini cheesecakes, cookies, cupcakes, or other favorites can be just as beautiful and give guests more variety!
Photographer: Hannah Cree
At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding budgeting. What one couple considers a must-have may be something another couple is perfectly happy to skip.
Our biggest piece of advice is to prioritize the details that matter most to you while finding opportunities to save where you can. You do not have to splurge on every element to create a wedding that feels elevated, personal, and unforgettable.
Ready to start planning your wedding? At Before the Vows, we would love to help you bring your vision to life while making the most of your wedding budget. Whether you are looking for Full-Service Planning & Design or Wedding Coordination, we are here to help every step of the way!