Wedding Tips Spotlight Series
Planning a wedding inevitably comes with financial considerations. A common question we often hear is, “How much do couples usually spend on their weddings?” The truth is, each couple and wedding is unique, and so are the budgets. Having hosted celebrations across a broad spectrum of budgets, we’ve gained insights into the delicate balance of splurging and saving when planning a wedding. While the decision of where to allocate your budget is entirely yours, we’re here with some practical tips to help you craft a day that’s exactly what you envision, whether you’re inclined to splurge or looking for smart ways to save.
Florals:Florals can add a breathtaking touch to your wedding, but they can also be a significant expense. One savvy way to make the most of your floral budget is to repurpose ceremony arrangements at the reception– we’ve seen them in the welcome area, at sweetheart tables, and even adorning the dance floor. Former Overlook Barn bride Jen Adams shared that her ceremony and cocktail hour arrangements seamlessly transitioned into the reception, saving on additional floral costs.
Savings Tip : Focus your flower budget where you’ll capture the most photos. Deck out your ceremony arbor or create a stunning head table, and opt for smaller arrangements elsewhere.
Venue:Choosing a non-peak wedding day can significantly impact your budget when booking a venue. Being flexible with your date, especially considering Fridays, Sundays, or weekdays, might get you the venue of your dreams at a fraction of the cost. At Overlook, we offer discounted rates for the beginning and end of our season (April, early May, and November). Booking during these times on a non-Saturday could mean substantial savings (like 50%!) without compromising access and amenities.
Alcohol:Managing alcohol expenses can be crucial, especially with an open bar. Creative approaches like limiting the selection to beer and wine or featuring a couple of signature drinks rather than a full open bar can help. Importantly, ask your venue if there are any alcohol minimums and consider bringing your own alcohol if your venue allows. At Overlook Barn, we permit couples to bring their own alcohol, allowing them to enjoy a fully stocked bar at a fraction of the cost.
Savings Tip : Bringing your own alcohol not only allows you to target what you know your guests love but can also be a significant cost-saving strategy.
Photography:If there’s one area where we recommend splurging, it’s on your photographer. Your wedding photos will be cherished long after the big day, serving as timeless reminders of the moments that made it special. Professional wedding photographers capture both the grand and subtle moments, ensuring every detail is preserved for years to come and it’s important that you really like your photographer’s style.
Savings Tip : Olson Design Photography suggests that if you’ve found your dream photographer but their price point is out of reach, inquire about a smaller package for the key moments of the day like ceremony, portraits, first dances, and toasts rather than a package that includes the entire reception and dancing portion of the night.
Table Settings and Other Decor:Decor and tablescapes vary widely in cost, but a simple tip to save in this category is to choose a venue you love even without elaborate decorations. If your venue has a natural appeal, you may feel less pressure to spend extensively on decor, knowing it will be beautiful without much embellishment. For example, we’ve had couples who loved the natural look of our custom-made farm tables, so they opt not to rent or buy linens and instead leave them uncovered. As you can see, they look great either way:
Savings Tip : Consider renting place settings and decor instead of buying. Professional assistance and guidance can help you curate the perfect tablescape without the hassle of purchasing and storing items.
Wedding Guest Favors:While the gesture of wedding favors is sweet, it’s worth considering that they add an additional cost to your budget. More and more couples are opting to skip favors, and it’s absolutely okay! Your guests are there to celebrate your love, and many will appreciate the heartfelt moments and experiences of the day over a small token. If you’re looking to trim your budget, skipping favors can be a practical choice.
Savings Tip : Consider arranging a station where guests can create their own floral arrangements at the end of the night. Provide kraft paper, ribbon, and scissors, giving your guests something to take home while allowing your wedding florals to be cherished a little longer — a win-win!
No matter where you choose to splurge or save, trust that your wedding day will be special and unique to you as a couple. We’ve yet to host a wedding that wasn’t a beautiful celebration, regardless of the budget.
Photography Credit (in order):
- Floral Photos:Michelle Lyerly Photography
- Bar Photo: Brett and Jessica Photography
- Photography: Olson Design Photography
- Tablescape Photos: Megan Sheppard Photography & Mark Federighi
- Floral Station: Boonetown Story Photography