Planning A Wedding: Avoiding The Ghetto Look

The term ghetto is often associated with a lack of sophistication or elegance, and this perception extends to weddings. A ghetto wedding might be described as one that is overly flashy, with bling, peekaboo gowns, and unconventional transportation choices. However, the definition of a ghetto wedding can vary depending on individual perspectives and cultural contexts. While some may view certain elements as ghetto, others may embrace them as unique expressions of their personalities and styles. Ultimately, the most important aspect of a wedding is that it reflects the couple's tastes and cultural backgrounds, creating a memorable experience for them and their guests.

Opt for understated elegance in your wedding attire and accessories

Opting for understated elegance in your wedding attire and accessories is a great way to ensure your wedding is not too over-the-top. This means choosing outfits and jewellery that are classic, refined, and subtle, rather than gaudy and attention-grabbing.

For the bride, this could mean choosing a simple, elegant wedding gown in a soft colour like blush or ivory, instead of a bright white gown with lots of sparkle. A dress with clean lines and a streamlined silhouette will always exude elegance. You could also opt for a dress made from luxurious fabrics such as silk or satin, which will drape beautifully and give an expensive look without being too flashy.

When it comes to accessories, less is more. A pair of delicate earrings, a simple necklace, and a dainty bracelet will add a touch of sparkle without being too much. If you want to make a statement, choose one standout piece, such as a pair of chandelier earrings or a statement bracelet, and keep the rest of your accessories minimal. As for your wedding band, a thin, classic design in yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum will always be elegant. Avoid large, flashy rings with lots of bling.

The groom can also opt for understated elegance with a classic tuxedo or suit in a dark colour like navy or charcoal. A well-tailored suit will always look elegant and sophisticated. For an extra touch of refinement, the groom can add a waistcoat or a pocket square in a complementary colour. When it comes to accessories, a pair of sleek cufflinks, a simple watch, and a classic wedding band will complete the look.

By choosing understated elegance for your wedding attire and accessories, you'll achieve a timeless and tasteful look that will make your special day elegant and refined.

Choose a weekday or off-season wedding date

Choosing a weekday or off-season date for your wedding can be a great way to make your special day elegant and classy. Here are some benefits of choosing a weekday or off-season wedding date:

More Affordable Options

Monday to Thursday are typically considered non-peak days in the wedding industry, so you'll often find discounts and incentives for both venues and vendors. Fridays and Sundays can also be more affordable than Saturdays, though this may vary depending on the venue and vendor. By choosing an off-peak day, you can save money on your venue, catering, and other wedding expenses. This is especially true if you opt for a winter wedding, which is considered the off-season for weddings.

Increased Vendor and Venue Availability

Since most weddings are held on Fridays and Saturdays, vendors and venues usually book up on those days first. By choosing a weekday or an off-season date, you significantly increase your odds of booking the vendor or venue of your dreams. This is especially beneficial if you're planning your wedding with short notice, as your dream venue may not have weekend availability.

Intimate and Relaxed Atmosphere

Weekday weddings are usually smaller in size, as it can be challenging for guests to take time off work to attend. However, this can be a positive if you prefer a more intimate wedding with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll have more time to spend with each guest, making your wedding a memorable experience for everyone.

Cheaper Travel Options

If you have guests coming from out of town or are planning a destination wedding, having your wedding on a weekday can significantly cut travel costs. Both airfare and hotel rates tend to be lower on weekdays compared to weekends.

Flexibility with Timing

With a weekday wedding, the ceremony usually starts later in the day, allowing guests to arrive after work. This gives you more flexibility with your timing and setup, especially if you're planning and executing the wedding yourself.

Unique Seasonal Touches

An off-season wedding allows you to incorporate unique seasonal touches that you might not be able to during the peak season. For example, details like candles, wedding string lights, and rich fabrics like velvet can create a romantic and intimate atmosphere during the winter months.

Less Competition for Venues and Vendors

By choosing an off-season date, you avoid competing with a slew of other couples for your dream venue and vendors. This can reduce the stress of planning your wedding and increase your chances of bringing your dream wedding to life.

Remember, when choosing your wedding date, consider your priorities and what is most important to you and your partner. Each wedding is unique, and by choosing a weekday or off-season date, you can create a classy and memorable celebration that reflects your style and vision.

Be mindful of invitation design and postage costs

When it comes to your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they are elegant and tasteful. Firstly, consider the type of paper you choose. Cotton fibre invitations will be the most expensive option, while a smooth matte paper card stock is a more affordable choice. If you want to further reduce costs, opt for the standard 5" x 7" sizing for your invitations, as this will save you money on postage.

Another way to save money is to skip the envelope liner. While they add a beautiful touch, they can increase the cost of your invitations. Instead, you could choose a colourful or unique outer envelope that will surprise your guests when it arrives in their mailbox. You could also include a QR code on your invitation card that directs guests to your wedding website, where they can find additional information. This will save you money on extra cards and inserts, and you'll likely receive your RSVPs more quickly.

Finally, be mindful of the number of invitations you order. You only need one invitation per couple or household, so ordering half the number of invites will save you a significant amount of money.

Repurpose flowers and decor from the ceremony at the reception

Flowers and decor are key to creating your dream wedding setting. They can be used to wow your guests and express who you are as a couple. Repurposing flowers and decor from your ceremony at the reception is a great way to save money and be more sustainable. However, it requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some detailed and instructive tips to help you repurpose flowers and decor like a pro:

Plan Ahead:

If your ceremony and reception are in the same venue, repurposing flowers and decor becomes easier. During the cocktail hour, your florist or designated helpers can quickly move the decorations to the reception area with minimal hassle. However, if your ceremony and reception are in different locations, it can be more challenging. In this case, you may need to disassemble and reassemble certain pieces, and ensure that you have the necessary help and transportation to do so.

Choose Versatile Pieces:

Select ceremony decorations that can be easily repurposed. Floral pew and aisle ends are versatile and can be tied to chairs or hung with ribbons. These can be effortlessly transferred to decorate the top table or guest tables at the reception. Similarly, large floral arrangements from the ceremony can be placed in vases or on tall stands as centrepieces at guest tables, adding a wow factor to your reception decor.

Get Creative:

Think outside the box when repurposing flowers and decor. Lanterns and glass vases used at the ceremony can be mixed with flowers and placed on guest tables as centrepieces. A ceremony backdrop, such as a floral arch or flower wall, can be moved behind the top table at the reception, creating a perfect photo opportunity. Floral pillars can frame your wedding cake display, adding a touch of elegance to your dessert presentation.

Display Bridal Bouquets:

The bridal bouquet is often the most exquisite and expensive arrangement. To repurpose it, place it in a vase with fresh water immediately after the ceremony to prevent wilting. The size of the vase will depend on the length of the stems. Display the bouquet on tables such as the welcome table, memory table, or escort card table. Alternatively, place it in the centre of the head table for perfect photo opportunities throughout the reception.

Repurpose Bridesmaids' Bouquets:

Bridesmaids' bouquets are smaller and more affordable, but they can still add charm to your reception decor. Place them on bars, coffee tables, or dessert tables. Group them around the wedding cake or space them evenly along the head table, ensuring they don't obstruct guests' views. If you wish to use them as centrepieces, consider removing the ribbons and shortening the stems to fit better on standard-sized tables.

Repurposing flowers and decor from your ceremony to your reception is a fantastic way to create a cohesive and stunning wedding while being mindful of your budget and sustainability. With careful planning and creativity, you can make the most of every detail and transform your wedding venues into breathtaking spaces that reflect your unique style.

Offer a limited selection of affordable alcoholic drinks

When it comes to offering a limited selection of affordable alcoholic drinks at your wedding, there are several strategies you can employ to keep costs down while still providing a variety of options for your guests. Here are some detailed suggestions:

Firstly, consider the type of alcohol you will serve. A full open bar with multiple types of liquor and mixers can be expensive. Instead, opt for a limited selection of wine and beer, which should please most guests and is easier to manage. If you want to include harder liquor, a great way to limit costs is to offer a couple of signature cocktails. These can be tailored to your preferences and themed to match your wedding. For example, you could offer a signature cocktail with charcoal to match a black-and-white-themed wedding, or a Disney-inspired cocktail like a matcha cocoa bomb for a winter wedding.

Another way to save money is to supply your own alcohol. Choosing a venue that allows you to bring your own drinks can save you a significant amount, as event spaces often mark up alcohol prices by 40%. Shopping at stores that offer discounted alcohol or buying in bulk can also keep costs down. For example, Costco offers quality liquor at better prices, and their wine prices are generally 10-20% less than competitors. Similarly, Trader Joe's offers an extremely affordable wine option with their Charles Shaw wine, affectionately known as "Two Buck Chuck."

If you're looking for a convenient, all-in-one option, consider using a service like Drizly's White Glove Wedding Service. They will help you select the alcohol, coordinate delivery, and even take back any unopened bottles you don't use.

Finally, be mindful of the duration of your event and the timing of alcohol service. One way to limit costs is to shorten the window during which you serve liquor. For example, you could offer your signature cocktails and a full open bar during the cocktail hour, and then switch to beer and wine only for the reception. Similarly, you could close the bar an hour earlier than the end of the event to reduce costs.

By following these suggestions, you can offer a limited selection of affordable alcoholic drinks at your wedding while still ensuring your guests have a great time.

Frequently asked questions