We all know that weddings or any other type of events, does cost a lot of money nowadays, so we have put together some good tips to save a penny or two while still having an expensive looking event.
These are some of our favorit:
TIP#1
Find the right service providers
If your caterer has a set price per head and will not consider any
other options, it’s probably not the right caterer for you. Find a
service provider who understands what a budget is and can work out a
fabulous menu within your budget! Not only you will end up creating your
very own personalised menu but you will save your pennies too!
TIP#2
Arrange your own flowers
They
look expensive and difficult to make but the price difference between
already made arrangements and buying loose flowers on the market is just
crazy... and the reality is, they are really not that difficult! Buy
the flowers (do not borrow from neighbor's garden!), borrow or buy glass
jars or cute containers, and get creative. An easy filler is also to
use a lot of candles (which you can also make yourself)
Some easy simple ideas for flower arrangements:
http://www.save-on-crafts.com/eigbasflowar.html
TIP#3
Have bigger tables so you need fewer centerpieces and tablecloths.
TIP#4
Make your own stationery - that way you save money and have something
very personal to treasure – the Confetti website offers a free print
download service
TIP#5
Light up the room
Reception decorations don't have to be elaborate to look Great. One
inexpensive but effective way to do that is to use candlelight. Buy
mirrors and candles at your local R5 store to use as the centerpiece for
each table. When the lit candles are placed on the mirrors, the
reflected light shines around the reception hall.
TIP#6
Getting a good planner can actually save you a lot of money in the long
run. Unlike just anyone, planners have valuable connections with
central names in the business that afford them discounts and special
advantages. Good planners also know how to work within your budget.
Your planner does not have to cost a lot of money.
TIP#7
Make a Meal Plan
Another unforeseen expense? Feeding your wedding day crew. Before you
sign the contracts, make sure you're not required to serve the same meal
to your vendors that guests will receive. Otherwise, you could be
paying for 20 additional lobster tails. Choose a less expensive (but
equally hearty) meal for them instead. You will have to let your wedding
caterer know a couple of days before the wedding exactly how many
vendors you need to feed (don't forget photography assistants and band
roadies) and what you want them to serve.
TIP#8
Skip the RSVP's cards and add a phone number or an email add instead or use an online RSVP tool such as www.event-rsvp.co.za
TIP#9
To stretch the food portion of the budget, look for small, reputable
catering companies. They often charge less than big-name businesses and
you’ll be supporting the local economy. If your event is in a hotel, you
probably won’t be able to bring in outside catering. However, you can
ask to piggyback on the menu of another group. Or, if you’re feeling
creative, you can offer stomach-filling, team-building activities such
as dessert or appetizer making sessions.
TIP#10
Instead of getting your heart set on a specific type of flower, ask
your florist to tell you what is the best bargain flower available in
your choices of colour. Flowers can be expensive so if you have a handy
friend or relative, ask them to help you arrange your own flowers. Looks
complicated but you can find many easy but pretty designs and how to
online
TIP
#11
The bar tab can mount up quickly and set you back. Make it easier by
supplying a signature cocktail, some chosen wine and cool drinks that
you purchase yourself and have a cash bar for anything else.
TIP#12
Try to avoid gifts that eventually become dust collectors. They tend
to be more expensive, plus they’ll probably just get thrown away. Gifts
with a personal touch, such as a small tin of sweets, a CD of your
favorite songs, or some of your favorite brownies along with the recipe
are great favors that are inexpensive, and always well appreciated! Make
it a bonding session by asking your bridesmaid to pitch in and help
putting them together!
TIP#13
Have an Autumn / Winter wedding!
While most rave about a summer wedding in high peak season, you should
know that most venues are more willing to negotiate their rates in
Autumn / Winter... and honestly... Winter in Cape Town is really not
that bad at all!
TIP#14
Shorten the wedding-planning timeline.
Don’t wait a year to get married and it will be easier to simplify the
wedding. “A recent trend I’ve seen is that couples are saving money by
planning a more last-minute wedding, rather than the traditional
11-month runup,” says Alan Fields, coauthor of Bridal Bargains: Secrets
to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget. “The shorter time
horizon will force you to streamline and keep you, by necessity, from
getting sucked into the vortex of elaborate weddings.”
Fix yourself a budget and get yourself a planner that will work with you to make sure you have a magical day on a shoe string
TIP#15
Avoid week ends events - Fridays, sundays or week days are usually less expensive in terms of venue hire.
Use an experienced venue finder who can negotiate competitive rates and
good add ons for you and your event. Remember, these professionals have
the best data base of venues as they work with them on a regular basis!
TIP#16
A cocktail affair is generally less expensive than a sit down dinner!
We can provide you with delicious cocktails menus as we work with some
of the best caterers in town, to choose from - please send us an email
for more information.
TIP#17
Instead of ordering a huge expensive wedding cake, ask your caterer to
serve dessert and order a small cake from professional cake decorator
only for cutting and making great photos.
TIP#18
Cut cost on one of your course. If you have a lot of cocktail snack
before dinner, then cut the starters. Otherwise skip desert and serve
your cake instead
TIP#19
Save money by spending it on a planner? It sounds counter-intuitive, but
wedding planners 1) are not shy when it comes to haggling, 2) can draw
from years of experience working on budgets, and 3) have working
relationships with vendors -- all of which can amount to big bucks
shaved off your final bill.
TIP#20
Buy shoes that you'll actually wear again after the wedding -- something you likely won't do with white heels.
TIP#21
Work out a schedule (or get your planner to do) for your big day &
try to stick to it - avoid paying for overtime fees for waiting limo,
photographer or waiters! Venues charge also if you stay later than
agreed
TIP#22
Instead of having all your waiters start and finish at the same time,
have a few start and finish at different times so that you have them all
at peak time but don't end up paying 20 staff who will have nothing to
do!
For example have a few for set up, welcome drinks until end of
dinner, another few starting at dinner time until the end and break
down. You will save yourself a little fortune!
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