Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding on Long Island can be expensive, with couples spending an average of $15,000 on their venue alone. However, there are ways to save money and have a cheap wedding on Long Island. One way is to choose an inexpensive venue, such as a restaurant with a private dining room or an outdoor space. Another way to save money is to have the ceremony and reception in one place, which can reduce costs associated with transportation and decor. Additionally, hosting the wedding during the off-season or on a day other than Saturday can result in lower prices. Couples can also save money by opting for alternative dessert options instead of a traditional wedding cake, creating their own decor, and using digital invitations.
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What You'll Learn
Choose an off-peak season date and day
Long Island is known for being an expensive place to get married, with couples spending an average of $15,000 on their venue alone. However, there are ways to save money on your wedding venue and date.
Firstly, consider getting married during the off-peak season. Peak season on Long Island is usually considered to be spring and fall, with weddings during this time costing around $130 per person for a Saturday night wedding. Therefore, choosing an off-peak season date, such as winter, can help you save money on your venue.
In addition to choosing an off-peak season, opting for a day other than Saturday can also reduce costs. Saturdays are typically the most expensive day to get married, so consider a Friday or Sunday wedding. Some venues may even offer lower prices for a Saturday morning wedding.
Another strategy is to book your venue closer to your desired date. While this may require some flexibility on your part, last-minute bookings can sometimes result in discounted rates. Additionally, planning your wedding in advance and choosing a fixed menu in a restaurant can also help keep costs down.
When considering venues, look for places that offer all-inclusive packages, as these can often be more affordable than paying for individual services. Venues like Captain Bill's Bayview House in Bay Shore, Sunset Harbour in Patchogue, and The Barn at Old Bethpage offer all-inclusive options at various price points.
By choosing an off-peak season date and day, as well as being flexible and choosing all-inclusive venues, you can significantly reduce the cost of your wedding venue on Long Island.
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Opt for a restaurant reception
Opting for a restaurant reception is a great way to save money on your Long Island wedding. Restaurants often have their own decor and ambiance, meaning you can save money on decorations. Additionally, restaurants usually have their own wait staff, so you won't need to hire extra servers.
There are several restaurant wedding venues in Long Island to choose from, including waterfront venues, steakhouses, and Italian restaurants. For example, The Southampton Inn is a hotel in historic Southampton Village on the East End of Long Island, where ceremonies and receptions can be held outdoors. Mavericks Montauk is another restaurant venue located in the heart of Montauk, offering a breathtaking waterfront backdrop for your wedding. If you're looking for a more intimate setting, Bluebird Kitchen in Bellmore, New York, is perfect for hosting small gatherings.
You can also consider having multiple, smaller receptions at restaurants to save money. One couple on Reddit shared that they had three separate parties after their town hall wedding: one at a restaurant with the bride's family, one at a local hall with the groom's larger family, and one at their house with friends. This allowed them to spend more intimate time with their guests and totaled only $6,000 after they got their deposits back.
To save even more money, consider having your ceremony and reception in one place. This will eliminate the need for transportation costs between venues. You can also skip the limo and opt for a more affordable option, or even provide your own transportation.
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Skip the limo
While a limo is a classic choice for wedding transportation, there are plenty of other options that can help you save money on your special day. Here are some tips for skipping the limo and still arriving in style:
Opt for a vintage car or classic convertible. This can add a unique and elegant touch to your wedding, and there are often packages available that include a chauffeur. Check out local rental companies or look for
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Save on invites by sharing details online
If you're looking to save money on your wedding invites, consider sharing the details of your Long Island wedding online. This is a more modern approach that can help you cut costs while still providing your guests with all the information they need.
- Create a wedding website: Build a simple website dedicated to your wedding. This can be a one-stop shop for all the information your guests will need, such as the date, time, location, and any other relevant details. You can also include fun extras like your story as a couple, wedding party bios, and a FAQ section.
- Send email invitations: Instead of printing and posting physical invitations, design digital invitations that can be emailed directly to your guests. This saves on printing and postage costs.
- Utilize social media: Create a private group or event page on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp. This can be a space to share updates, answer questions, and generate excitement among your guests.
- Online RSVP: Include an online RSVP option on your website or social media page. This will make it easier for guests to respond and help you keep track of attendance without the need for reply cards and envelopes.
- Share accommodation and travel tips: If you have guests travelling to Long Island for your wedding, you can share recommendations for accommodation options and travel tips online. This can be a section on your website or a pinned post in your social media group.
By sharing details online, you can save money on invitations and also create a central hub of information for your guests. This approach may not be for everyone, but it can be a cost-effective and convenient option for modern couples.
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Pick a venue with inclusive packages
Picking a venue with an all-inclusive package is a great way to save money on your Long Island wedding. By bundling services together, vendors can offer discounted rates. This option also saves you time spent researching and coordinating with vendors, and reduces the stress of planning.
Sunset Harbour, for example, was one of the first wedding venues on Long Island to offer an all-inclusive package. Their package includes catering, entertainment, decorations, photography, flowers, centrepieces, table arrangements, and transportation.
Other venues that offer all-inclusive packages include the View at Oakdale, the Mansion at Timber Point, the Country House in Stony Brook, and Harbor Mist.
If you're looking for a more intimate setting, consider eloping or having a small ceremony at a town hall or church, followed by separate celebrations with family and friends. This can be a more affordable option, and it allows you to spend more quality time with your guests.
When choosing a venue, consider the time of year and day of the week, as off-peak dates can significantly reduce costs. You should also think about whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding, as this may impact the venue's availability and pricing.
Remember, the key to a successful and memorable wedding is having seasoned professionals working together to bring your vision to life.
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Frequently asked questions
Restaurants are among the most inexpensive wedding venues on Long Island. Depending on the size of your party, you can rent out the main dining room or a private event space. You could also consider hosting your wedding during the off-season or on a day that’s not Saturday, as large weddings on Saturday nights during peak season (spring and fall) will inherently cost more.
Consider serving brunch over dinner. You can save money on alcohol by offering select beverages like mimosas and a coffee bar. You could also skip the fancy, tiered cake and offer unique dessert alternatives instead.
You can make your decor do double duty by moving it from the ceremony to the reception area. You can also skip the limo and opt for a local band, a university or music school musician, or a DJ instead of a live band.
