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Considering an elopement, or sizing down your wedding budget due to the nationwide financial and supply uncertainties that may come to pass in the months ahead? You're not alone! Many couples are opting for an elopement now, and a larger reception party later... Or downsizing to a more intimate wedding celebration altogether. But what are your options? How can you sort priorities? In what ways can you realistically trim down expenses, yet not compromise what matters most?
First, Identify Your Top Priorities. Visualize as grandiose as you like, you can scale them back later. Brainstorming at the outset, to realize just what really matters most for Your Special Day, is important so that you don't skimp on what's truly meaningful for you & your partner.
Consider brainstorming methods of all kinds: a notebook, a whiteboard with bubbles, a felt board where ideas can overlap easily, a pinterest-style digital program... whatever best works for you!
Examples of Top Priority Items may be:
- A breathtaking venue
- A live band or DJ
- An unforgettable meal
- A professional photographer or videographer
- Customized apparel
- Handcrafted wedding rings
- Theme-specific decor
- Dream honeymoon
Once you've settled on top priorities, make a Second List of things that are of less importance to you. These second-tier items will be where you'll focus first on trimming your budget.
Now it's time to Get Honest! Not every aspect of your celebration needs to be elaborate. Ask yourself several questions to help focus in on the details surrounding your second-tier items. ...Again, we suggest keeping a wedding planner, notebook or special document: keep tabs of these answers - they may really help you organize and even re-organize your final budget!
Can we downsize the Guest List?
This is the single most effective way to reduce costs across the board: less food, fewer chairs, fewer invites, and a smaller venue. Focus on the people you most want to spend Your Special Day with in celebration. And remember, allowing out-of-towners to participate via a live feed is absolutely an option!
Can we Find a Venue that serves both as Ceremony Site & our Reception Facility?
This simple choice can eliminate transportation costs, reduce rental fees, and simplify logistics for everyone involved. Frequently, venues' preferred vendors will offer discounts since your event will be hosted at their favorite facility! -Just be sure to research the preferred vendors first, to be sure they are LGBTQ+ friendly. Many venues also offer some coordination services. This can be an incredible stress-reliever and is often included complimentary, with your package.
Is there a local chamber of commerce or tourism board that might be helpful? These organizations often have an outreach program specifically for the LGBTQ+ market. They sometimes offer referrals with discounts to LGBTQ+ welcoming venues, accommodations, destination wedding sites and more. A few even offer officiant and event coordination referrals.
Remember that organizations like PFLAG and Free Mom Hugs sometimes offer support for your wedding in various ways. They will often join you when your biological family members refuse, but they also sometimes offer officate services and other help free of charge. Check out your local LGBTQ+ community center for other similar resources!
How do we feel about an Off-Peak Date for our Wedding?
Saturdays and summer dates are premium-priced, but that leaves Friday evenings, Sunday brunches, or even weeknights available! Because these days are not always booked, they are quite often offered at a lower rate. Winter and early Springtime months can also yield big savings.
Are there Ways to Re-think the Menu & Beverages?
Skip the Full Meal—Do a Cocktail Reception or Brunch. Instead of a multi-course dinner, consider passed appetizers, grazing stations, or a daytime brunch buffet. It’s stylish, social, and far more budget-friendly.
Limit the Bar Options: An open bar with top-shelf liquor can be a huge expense. Consider serving just beer, wine, and a signature cocktail (or two! -one named in honor of each of the newlyweds!) Also, capping bar service a few hours before the end of the event can save staffing costs as well as limit overall consumption.
Is a 4-tier cake necessary, or will smaller portions do? Ever considered the Cookie Table tradition? Invite guests to bring a couple dozen of their family-favorite sweet treat, along with a recipe card: later you & your new spouse can combine these to create a keepsake treasure box of recipes for future reference! It's a symbolic way to blend your cherished family delectables. ...This culinary addition will easily take the place of any need for a secondary dessert option, and might allow you to choose a smaller sized cake.
Is Renting, or re-Using, a viable option for us?
Many couples boast amazing finds when they search for lightly used Apparel, Decor Items, Linens, Table Settings, Accessories, etc. There are endless places to search online, and of course locally-based thrift shops (think vintage plateware that may be mismatched, but follows a common theme... or vases and baskets for your centerpieces and decor plans) Many apparel companies offer discounts on lightly used, returned or mis-altered pieces, and don't be shy to ask your friends and family! You may be surprised at the treasures they have to offer... and more often than not, they'll be delighted that you incorporate their special item/s into your own celebration!
Can we go Digital with Invites & RSVPs?
Custom wedding websites offer a variety of helpful resources, including electronic invitations and tools to manage and track RSVPs. You can also consider a hybrid option such as printed invites for close family, digital for all other guests.
Check out RainbowWeddingNetwork's preferred sponsor Lovebird: A better way for engaged couples to communicate with their wedding guests. Make an exquisite first impression and manage every touchpoint all in one place!
Check out Lovebird!
Does our Photographer offer packages with select hours?
Instead of all-day coverage, book your favorite pro for just the key moments: ceremony, portraits, and first part of the reception. You’ll still get stunning memories without the full-day rate.
Remember to set up DIY signage to request that your guests take photos of their own and share them with you, or set out disposable cameras for classic, playful fun!
Is there a way to add FUN to the party without a high price tag?
Absolutely there are ways to entertain your guests and make your party unforgettable that are both wildly enjoyable and also budget-conscious! ...Karaoke, customized Trivia Games, DIY Conversation Starters... Click the article below for lots of great ideas!
Unique Interactive Wedding Activities
Can we Simplify the Decor?
First of all, remember that it's an option to let the beauty of the venue shine without too many added elements. Also, many venues offer basic decor items complimentary with your booking; certainly check in about their options!
Also consider: Repurpose the bouquets from your ceremony for reception centerpieces. Attendants or your wedding coordinator can easily help make this transition seamless!
Can you skip favors or go with something very simple, such as a copy of your engagement photo in a small magnetic frame: place these in a basket with an eye-catching sign 'Take One please to remember Our Special Day!' ...and you're all set! What about scrolls featuring one of the quotes read during your ceremony? -Print copies of the quote multiple times on specialty paper, then tear the edges to create a vintage look. Tie with a snip of ribbon to match your ceremony colors. Voila! - a memory your guests can take home to enjoy as a bookmark or small decoration.
DIY the necessities: check online for tutorials - you may be surprised how crafty you can get with a variety of decoratives and accessories!
How do we feel about Leaning on Talented Friends & Family?
Know someone who can bake, design invitations, officiate, style hair, craft decor items, play guitar, DJ, draws caricatures, or perhaps has a karaoke machine or owns a classic car? Don’t be afraid to ask for their help! Just be sure expectations and compensation (if any) are clearly discussed ahead of time.
Can we ask Guests to help out?
Absolutely wedding funds are an option... and with the uncertain economy more and more couples are using them. Search online for an option that is the best fit for you, and one that is LGBTQ+ friendly.
Honeymoon Registries are definitely continuing to trend with wedding guests. Your friends and family appreciate guidance about what it is they can offer as a gift that both of you will truly enjoy. Unforgettable experiences, dream destinations, luxurious escapades... consider indulging in a Honeymoon Registry as an extraordinary way to begin your new life together!
Check out RWNs Honeymoon Registry
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To sum it all up... Take time to trim and re-work those Second-tier items first... then take a look at your Top Priority List. Are there any updates you can agree on that will ease the budget but not compromise your overall vision? Being strategic with where you save helps you splurge where it matters most. And it is possible to create a realistic budget that allows you to celebrate and indulge, while also managing a streamlined financial set point.
Your wedding is a reflection of your love story, it's as simple as that! Focus on the joy and connection, and build from there. Whether you're planning a lavish affair or an intimate elopement, aligning your spending with your key priorities -in thoughtful and strategic ways- will make your celebration meaningful, memorable... and affordable.
BEST WISHES ON YOUR HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER!
