Once you start planning a wedding, you’ll figure out pretty quickly just how hard it is to stop spending money.
It’s your big day, and it’s just really easy to get wrapped up in it all. You’ve got high expectations, and you want it to be everything you imagined, down to every little detail.
Plus, not to throw you in a frenzy of anxiety or anything, but there are no do-overs here.
So then we wind up forking over tons of cash for just one single day, in an effort to make it special and impress all the guests. You absolutely need top-of-the-line tablecloths, top-shelf liquor, and monogrammed everything, right?
Look, there are some wedding details that just aren’t worth the stress and debt. There’s just no need to splurge on the extras that’ll go relatively unnoticed by your wedding guests.
So, if you’re trying to save a little extra cash on your wedding budget — and who isn’t? — here are a few details to scale back on. Your friends and family won’t even know the difference.
Extravagant Escort Cards and Seating Displays
Instagram, Pinterest, and even Martha Stewart herself are full of amazing over-the-top escort card displays. I know they’re extremely fancy and they’d make an incredible photo op, but if you’re trying to save some cash, is the high price tag on these really worth a silly photo? Besides, it’s debatable whether your guests will even remember it.
Skip the extravagant display. Opt for simple tent cards and basic seating charts, which will work just fine and be a lot easier on your budget.
Aisle Decor
When you get wrapped up in decorations for the ceremony, it’s easy to go overboard. After all, why wouldn’t you want to deck out the entire space?
Before you go overboard, remember that everything adds up. Besides, your guests should be spending most of their time during the ceremony looking at you, not your aisle. And if you’re tying the knot in an already-beautiful house of worship, or at an outdoor site, aisle decor is just over kill anyway.
Aisle decor is another one of those things that you can do, but don’t necessarily need to do. Your guests aren’t going to remember it. And to be honest, it’s likely not even going to be in any photos from the big day. Instead, focus on decking out the focal point: the altar or arch. After all, it’ll be in the background of your wedding day photos.
Top-Shelf Alcohol
If you’ve never had to stock a full bar before, you’ll soon be shocked at how quickly the cost of alcohol adds up. Trying to stock up enough top-shelf booze for all of your guests is a really quick way to blow your budget.
Wedding guests usually care that there’s alcohol at a wedding. They’ll be doubly excited if it’s free. And for crying out loud, make sure it’s plentiful. Trust me on this one — I ran out of drinks at my own reception.
However, it’s very unlikely that your wedding guests are going to be picky on the exact types of alcohol available. Especially if you’re already giving them an open bar. If possible, skip the top-shelf package, and opt for more affordable options. Many caterers will offer a beer and wine only package, that can save you some serious cash, too.
Upgraded Linens
Yeah, it’s probably best that your tablecloths, chair covers, napkins, and even runners look pretty and fit your color palette. But when it comes down to it, it’s okay to get the cheap options.
I actually ordered cheap polyester tablecloths, and then spent a little extra time on centerpieces and other decorations instead.
Your family and friends won’t judge you for not splurging on luxe gathered chiffon table skirts layered over silk. They likely won’t even notice — not enough to justify the huge jump in cost, anyway.
Curated Extra Amenities
Sure, smaller details like monogrammed drink stirrers and personalized napkins are really fancy. But again, everything adds up, so let’s not go overboard here. Besides, guests aren’t expecting these little details, so they won’t even notice that they aren’t there.
