Wedding budgeting: Splurging vs. saving

WeddingWire.com editor Kim Forrest, planner Trisha Cranor of Working Brides and Jamie Sears of Simply Chic Events share tips on how to save money and explain when a splurge can be worth it.

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Splurge

A venue can be worth spending a large share of the budget for multiple reasons. WeddingWire.com editor Kim Forrest says it is crucial to think about guests’ comfort and their experience, and to ensure there is plenty of space. Jamie Sears, owner of Simply Chic Events, notes that a nicer venue may require less decor, which can save money elsewhere in a budget. Sears also stresses lighting in a venue: “You could have less flowers, but if the room is lit well, it just looks amazing.”

Tracy A. Woodward / The Washington Post

Splurge

Before selecting a venue, Trisha Cranor of Working Brides recommends finding a wedding planner. In addition to cutting down stress levels and saving time, planners can often save couples money. “They are your negotiator,” Cranor says. “They make sure you are paying for what you need to pay and getting what you need to get.”

Dayna Smith / FTWP

Splurge

Food can have a huge impact on guests' experiences. “You want to make sure your caterer is someone you click with and the food is something you would be happy going to a restaurant and eating,” Forrest says. However, extras like a late-night snack, which Sears says many of her brides have been requesting, is unnecessary. Moderately priced liquor and wine, as opposed to top shelf, can also drastically reduce a catering budget.

Rebecca D'Angelo / For The Washington Post

Splurge

Sears and Forrest agree that splurging on a photographer can be well worth the investment. “If you pick an amazing photographer, their photos can make any event — even one that wasn’t over the top — look really beautiful,” Sears says. Cranor also recommends budgeting for a videographer. “Being able to see people moving and interacting, its like a mini time capsule. If my mom at her wedding had her mother on a video, I would cherish it. I could actually see her face and her expressions.”

Tracy A. Woodward / The Washington Post

Splurge

Sears also recommends budgeting for a professional makeup artist and hairstylist for bride. “It makes such a huge difference, not only in the way the bride feels, but also in the way she photographs,” Sears says. Have the makeup artist leave samples of the colors used or buy them in advance so friends or family can help with touch-ups later in the day.

Tracy A Woodward / The Washington Post

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An easy way to cut down a budget is by borrowing jewelry, Forrest says. She recommends raiding a grandmother’s or other relative’s jewelry box for items that can be re-purposed. Those items can also serve as something old or borrowed, giving them more meaning.

Rebecca D'Angelo / For The Washington Post

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Do-it-yourself projects have been big for years, but Forrest says when they are chosen intelligently, they can eliminate costs. If a family member or friend has a talent, such as graphic design or calligraphy, it can be worth enlisting their help.

Evy Mages / For The Washington Post

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If a bridal gown does not top the list of important details, brides should consider buying a used dress, Sears says. Most gowns are worn once and kept in great condition. With the help of a good tailor and dry cleaner, brides can get like-new, quality dresses for drastically reduced prices.

Dan and Corina Lecca

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Using seasonal flowers can help keep a budget in check. One of Forrest’s favorite trends is using baby’s breath for whole bouquets. The cheap flower often used as filler can make a big statement on its own, she says.

Rebecca D'Angelo / For The Washington Post

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Sears similarly suggests using flowers with large blooms, such as hydrangeas, which fill vases with less stems than other dainty and pricier flowers like calla lilies.

Ricky Carioti / The Washington Post

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If a large decorated cake is not on a couple's list of important details, a lot of money can be saved by featuring different types of deserts. Forrest suggests getting one smaller cake to cut — prices are typically based on amount of slices and time spent constructing — then either bringing out cheaper sheet cakes or having a bar of the couple’s favorite sweets. Individually wrapped cookies or brownies can also serve dual purpose as a favor.

Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

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Scrap the desserts entirely and make a candy bar, which can likewise serve as a favor. Ordering candy in bulk can be a cheap and easy way to cut costs. Sears and Forrest agree that favors and hotel welcome bags are optional. Making a charitable contribution instead can be more beneficial and cut costs. “You can decide how much and not necessarily tell your guests how much you donated. Then put a sign somewhere guests can see — in lieu of favors, you donated to a charity that is of meaning to you,” Forrest says.

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

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