A wedding is one of the most significant days in a person’s life; it can also turn out to be one of the most expensive. Most people dream of an opulent wedding that is full of splendor and elegance without thinking about the final cost. Planning a dream wedding should be a joy as opposed to an endeavor that places you in debt. Thankfully, with our money-saving tips below you can use when planning your wedding in Austin Texas.
Tips For Saving Money When Planning Your Wedding in Austin Texas
Dress & Tux Alterations
The wedding dress and the tuxedo are two of the items in a wedding that may cause the expenses to skyrocket. Most are very expensive due to the detailing and unique features intended for the big day. Most boutiques and dress stores offer to tailor when purchasing wedding attire, however, most fail to mention that there a new charge every time an alteration is made. Before buying your dress, ask about the alteration policies and don’t hesitate to find your own seamstress who generally will cost less than the department store option.
Wedding Photos
When it comes to weddings, photography is where at least a quarter of the budget is spent. Most wedding photographers will offer a set package that includes a number of venues and a set number of poses. Depending on how far out you schedule your event, you may be able to save money by booking your photosphere for the day as opposed to a pre-set wedding package. Most wedding shoots that are part of a package have a set time limit on the number of hours a photographer will spend at your venue. Any time over your limit will be billed hourly. You can take your wedding photos in advance of the social part of your event, or you can book your agent for the day to help save on expenses.
Wedding Invitations
Your wedding invitations will reflect the personality and style of you as a couple. Everyone desires tasteful and elegant invitations, but you don’t have to pay a premium to get them. Most invitations will be mailed and that means that you are paying for the weight. Instead of opting for heavy boxed invites, choose a lighter paper with elegant writing instead.
Bridal Shower
A bridal shower is almost a right of passage during the wedding season. While these events are the perfect time to bring your bridal party together, it is better to keep them small and intimate instead of hosting lavish affairs. This will help reduce the overall cost of your wedding while also making each event more personal to those who attend. Consider hosting a weekend event at your home or the home of a parent. A large garden party with homemade food will be much more memorable than a fancy dinner at a commercialized location.
Transportation For Rentals
Unless you are renting a venue that is specifically set up for weddings and other large events, you will need to use a rental company to obtain some of your decorations. This can range from a dais and chairs all the way to the dinnerware and dance floor. Aside from paying a per item rental fee, many companies also charge for transport, pick up and clean up. When choosing a rental company opt for one that has a slightly higher per item fee, but includes transportation and pick up as part of their total package.
Saving Money The Smart Way
These are a few of the hidden costs that can really add up in a wedding budget, there are a few other simple tips that can slash the budget even further without detracting from the beauty of the event. Try to avoid putting extra people on the guest list, unless your mailman or your doctor is really that close, drop them from your guest list to save on the invitation and catering cost. Choose any day but Saturday for your wedding, it is the most expensive day to host an event. While small tables are intimate, opting for large tables cut down on the number of extra decorations you will need. Use flowers that are in season as well as non-organic décors such as lamps and candles. All of these tips are great to help you plan your wedding on a budget that will allow you to splurge on your honeymoon.
Complete Weddings + Events in Austin, TX
If you’re planning a wedding in Austin, then you’ve landed at the right place! Now that you’ve said YES! to spending your life together, you have some exciting decisions ahead. At Complete Weddings + Events planning in Austin, wedding events are what we do best. Complete Weddings + Events, Austin’s leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, lighting, coordination, DJ services & photo booth rental.