Planning with tight wedding budgets in mind often results in a combination of excitement and nerves. There is so much to do, and you want everything to be perfect. It can feel overwhelming at times. The last thing you want is to look back and wish you had made different choices on budget cuts.
I know how you feel! Maybe my hindsight can help relieve some of your stress. The goal for our wedding was to plan a simple but elegant event with very little money. Overall, it came together beautifully, but I learned a lot from the experience.
Below are some of my thoughts on where to SPLURGE and where to SKIMP.
My Number 1 Tip:
Finding a FLEXIBLE VENUE IS CRITICAL to keeping your budget minimal.
I wouldn’t call this a splurge or a skimp, because it could go either way. You may find a venue that costs a little bit more but ends up saving you money in the end. For example, there are a handful of gorgeous venues that will allow you to BYOB or have a family friend cater. The venue itself may not be the least expensive option, but, when working with tight wedding budgets, you could save thousands on food and beverages.
I spent many hours researching venues. I found that most of the popular choices in Charleston have restrictions on which vendors you can hire and there can be tons of hidden fees. In the end, we decided on Pepper Pavilion in Awendaw. We told our guests to BYOB, a family friend catered for us, and the venue was so beautiful it did not require much décor. It was exactly what we were looking for.
WHERE TO SKIMP
- Decorations – Try to find a venue that is beautiful and does not require as much in the decorating department. Set up a couple of evenings with the bridesmaids to create handmade decorations and put ideas together. Pinterest is a great way to brainstorm, but be careful not to get too caught up in keeping up with other brides that have larger budgets.
- Wedding Cake – If you want to follow some tradition just get a small cake to cut from Publix or another local bakery. Many guests will not care to have cake anyway, so it really will not be missed. Flowers and wedding cake are the two items that are most often in the trash at the end of the evening.
- BYOB! – This works so well for small weddings on tight wedding budgets, but some venues won’t allow it. If you choose a flexible venue, you can provide a couple of large tubs of ice or hide some coolers out of the way, so they aren’t too visible. Let everyone know to bring their own beverages, and you just saved thousands of dollars. 🙂
*If you’d rather try a different approach, consider a “Stock the Bar” party*
- Catering – Feeding your guests is important, but it does not have to break the bank. In the South, many brides and grooms choose BBQ because it is generally the most affordable (and filling) option. Just remember that your family and friends are not coming to your wedding to eat. They are coming to celebrate with you. They are not judging you based on your catering budget. Some couples allow their guests to go ahead and begin visiting the buffet stations while photos are being taken to save on having to supply finger foods during cocktail hour. Guests appreciate your thoughtfulness and you saved on the budget!
- Hair & Make-up – Do you know any family members or friends who are talented with their hair and make-up? If so, ask them if they would mind doing yours (the Bride and Bridesmaids) on the wedding day. Have a practice night in advance to see what you think! Then you have enough time to hire someone if you really need to.
- Party Favors – Some party favors can be inexpensive, but for 100-200 people they can really add up. I can’t remember any of the party favors I’ve gotten at weddings. I highly recommend skipping this one. We still have a box of Koozies left over from our wedding!
WHERE TO SPLURGE
- Weekend Wedding – This is the first change I would make if I could do it over again. We decided to get married on a Thursday because it was SO MUCH CHEAPER. With a tight budget, it is awfully tempting, but it changes the whole vibe of the event. I wanted our guests to have fun and let loose a bit. Unfortunately, most of them had to work the next day, which lead to some of them leaving early. I should have seen that coming…
- The dress you love – Every girl dreams of feeling beautiful on her wedding day. If you settle for less on the dress, it’s likely you will regret it. Remember, there will be TONS of photos.
- DJ/MC – This vendor will literally set the tone for your entire event. DON’T LET THIS BE AN AFTERTHOUGHT. Great wedding DJs book as much as 18 months in advance! If you wait to find one you may be left with the ones that are not so good. Your DJ/MC will be handling all of your announcements, introductions, your first dance, bouquet toss, and toasts. He or she will also be the one to read the crowd and keep your guests dancing and having fun! Club DJs cater to a specific demographic. They may not be concerned if their music has explicit language. They may not understand volume control during dinner so people can talk. Weddings are more difficult due to the diversity of the guest list. Your friends, your parents, your grandparents, nieces, nephews, cousins and everyone in between may be there. An experienced Wedding DJ/MC knows what and what not to play and can make an event amazing. Inexperience can ruin an otherwise beautiful wedding.
- Photography – Great photos are worth the investment. You will treasure them for years to come!
The average wedding in Charleston costs between $25K and $30K. At times, tight wedding budgets can feel impossible, especially if you are not looking to put together a casual event. If you have plenty of time to plan and get creative, it is absolutely doable. Take a deep breath and try not to worry about crazy expectations. Your family and friends know and love you. They are there to celebrate your happiness, not your budget. 🙂
With our wealth of experienced and knowledge, we’re here for you! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me directly at erindjackson92@gmail.com. I am happy to help in any way I can!
Erin Jackson, Office Manager
How do you have a good wedding on a tight budget?
Create of list of key necessities for your big day! Deciding where to splurge and where to skimp is vital for you to make the most magical wedding day!
What is the most important part of planning a wedding?
Having a good plan! There are several key elements that build your plan: choosing your vendors, defining your timeline, having a plan for the day, and finally- being willing to just enjoy the day when it arrives!
Is a DJ good for a wedding?
Absolutely! An experienced DJ, as you’ll find with Wedding Music Charleston, have a handle on the flow of the day, reading the room, and being sure to hit those key moments with the music. For years to come, the songs and fun from your day will be a wonderful memory.