Crafting Wedding Packages: A Guide To Creating Memorable Nuptial Experiences

Creating wedding packages is a great way to help keep costs low and your clients happy. A wedding package can be an event, an offer, or a service. It is important for venues to know exactly what they are advertising with their wedding packages. They should make sure that the offers are personalised and tailored to the needs of their customers.

There are several types of wedding packages that can be offered, including the all-in wedding planner package, day-of coordinator wedding packages, partial wedding planner packages, and more. It is important to know what your clients want and to set different budget options to ensure that you stay within a reasonable budget for all of the wedding needs.

Budgeting

Determine Your Wedding Budget:

Firstly, figure out how much you can afford to spend on your wedding. Be realistic about your financial situation and what you can comfortably spend. Consider your savings, income, and any contributions from family or friends.

Prioritize Your Spending:

Not all aspects of a wedding are equally important. Identify your priorities and allocate funds accordingly. For example, you might want to splurge on catering and entertainment while saving on decorations or favours.

Create a Breakdown:

Divide your budget into categories such as venue, catering, attire, flowers, entertainment, etc. This will help you organize your spending and ensure that you don't overspend in certain areas.

Research and Compare Prices:

Research the average costs of wedding services and items in your area. Compare prices from different vendors to get the best value for your money. Remember that prices can vary depending on the location and season of your wedding.

Track Your Spending:

Create a spreadsheet or use a budget app to track your expenses. Stay organized by recording all payments, taxes, and fees. This will help you stay within your budget and identify areas where you may need to cut back or adjust.

Consider Hidden Costs:

Don't forget to include hidden costs in your budget, such as tips for vendors, transportation, and rehearsal dinners. These expenses can add up quickly, so it's important to plan for them in advance.

Be Flexible:

Your budget may need to be adjusted along the way. Be prepared to make compromises or find alternative options if certain costs exceed your expectations. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love, not breaking the bank.

Use Credit Cards Wisely:

Using credit cards can be beneficial for earning rewards or cashback, but be sure to pay off the balance within 30 days to avoid accruing interest.

Shop Around:

Don't settle for the first vendor you find. Take the time to compare prices and services from multiple vendors to get the best value.

Consider a Wedding Planner:

Hiring a wedding planner can help you stay within your budget. Planners have industry connections and can often negotiate better deals with vendors. They will also help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your special day runs smoothly.

Create an Emergency Fund:

Set aside a small portion of your budget (around 5-15%) as an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. This will give you peace of mind and help you deal with any last-minute surprises.

Venue

When it comes to wedding packages, the venue is a crucial component. Here are some ideas and considerations for creating venue packages that will impress couples and ensure their special day is memorable:

Firstly, it's essential to offer a variety of venue options to cater to different tastes and themes. Some popular choices include:

• Oceanfront rooftops
• Rustic barns with modern touches
• Historic mansions
• Sprawling green landscapes
• Winery

Customization and Flexibility:

Couples often seek a venue that allows them to infuse their unique style and personality into their wedding. Therefore, offering customizable venue packages can be a significant selling point. This can include:

• Neutral décor that serves as a blank canvas for the couple's preferred style
• Options to bring in their own suppliers, such as florists or caterers
• Flexibility in setting up the ceremony and reception spaces to accommodate the couple's vision

All-Inclusive Packages:

All-inclusive venue packages can be a great way to simplify the wedding planning process for couples. This can include:

• Tables, chairs, linens, silverware, and glassware
• Catering options or introductions to trusted caterers
• Bar services, with options for an open bar, cash bar, or complimentary beverages
• Entertainment, such as music or a photo booth
• Wedding cake or dessert options

Day-Of Coordination:

• A walkthrough of the venue and reception site before the event
• Management of the wedding day timeline, ensuring everything runs smoothly
• Assistance with the setup of the ceremony and reception sites
• Being a point of contact for guests, the wedding party, and vendors

Budget-Friendly Options:

Creating venue packages at different price points can cater to a range of budgets. Offer basic packages with essential venue features and allow couples to add on additional services. This flexibility will appeal to couples who want to personalize their wedding while staying within their budget.

Catering

Food and Beverage Options:

Firstly, decide on the type of food service you want to offer. You can choose between a plated dinner service or a buffet station. A plated dinner service is more elegant and suitable for a formal, black-tie event, while a buffet station offers more options for guests to choose from. If you opt for a plated dinner, ensure that you provide a variety of dietary options, such as gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian meals.

Sample Menus:

Create sample menus for your catering packages to give couples an idea of what to expect. For a plated dinner, offer a choice of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. For example, you could suggest:

• Bacon-wrapped scallops (gluten-free)
• Ahi tuna sashimi wontons with wasabi cream (gluten-free)
• Pork belly BLT crostini
• Oven-roasted salmon with tarragon butter sauce (gluten-free)
• Five-cheese tortellini pesto parmesan (vegetarian)

For a buffet, provide a variety of hot and cold options, such as:

• Butler-passed premium hors d'oeuvres like lamb chops, steak bites, and mini waffles with duck
• Main course options such as braised short ribs, grilled chicken, or plant-based alternatives
• A selection of sides, including grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, and salad options

Beverage Service:

Beverage service is an important component of catering packages. Offer a range of beverage options, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. For alcoholic beverages, you can include wine, beer, and spirits. Consider providing a complimentary cocktail or champagne toast for the couple and their guests. For non-alcoholic options, offer a variety of soft drinks, tea, coffee, and juice.

Staff and Service:

Ensure that you have sufficient staff to provide a seamless dining experience. The staff should be professional, uniformed, and experienced in food and beverage service. They will be responsible for setting up, serving food, tending the bar, refilling drinks, clearing tables, and cleaning up.

Customization and Flexibility:

Recognize that each wedding is unique, and offer customization options within your catering packages. Couples may want to add or remove certain items, so provide a range of choices and be flexible to accommodate their requests. This could include substituting certain menu items, adding decorative elements to the tables, or providing ancillary services such as cake-cutting assistance.

Pricing:

Finally, determine the pricing for your catering packages based on the number of guests, the type of food and beverage options selected, and the level of service provided. Be transparent about the cost of each package and any additional charges for optional extras.

By following these instructions and tailoring your catering packages to meet the needs and preferences of the couple, you can create a memorable dining experience that contributes to a perfect wedding day.

Photography

When creating a wedding package, it's important to know what your clients want and how much they are willing to spend. Here are some ideas for the photography section of a wedding package:

The basic core of any wedding photography package is the coverage of the wedding day itself. This refers to the amount of time the photographer has arranged to photograph the various parts of the day. The duration of coverage will affect the price of the package. Most packages offer "up to 6 hours", "up to 8 hours", or "from the ceremony until the speeches".

Second Photographer

Some wedding photographers offer the option to hire a second photographer. This is particularly helpful for getting group photos, taking photos of small details, and capturing more candid shots.

Pre-Wedding Photo Session

Also known as an engagement photo shoot, this session takes place months before the wedding and allows the couple to get to know their photographer and vice versa.

Digital Photographs

The package should specify how many photographs the couple can expect to receive.

Prints

Traditionally, photographers would include a selection of prints, but this is less common nowadays.

Online Gallery

Most photographers will give the couple access to their own password-protected online gallery, where they can share photos with family and friends.

Wedding Album

This is difficult to compare as there are many album suppliers. However, it is an important part of the package as it is a family heirloom to be passed down through the generations.

Large Frame or Canvas

The package might include a framed wedding photo or canvas print for the couple's wall.

Preview Album

This is a photo book showing all edited photographs printed in an inexpensive book, not to be confused with the wedding album.

Video with Best Photos

The photographer might create a video with music showing the best photos of the wedding.

Price and Deposits

The package should detail all elements of the photographer's service, including the price and deposit information.

Decorations

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery are classic wedding decorations and can be used in a variety of ways. From bouquets and boutonnieres to centerpieces and backdrops, flowers can add a touch of elegance and romance to any wedding. Consider offering packages that include floral arrangements, such as a flower wall or floral arch for the ceremony, or a mix of bud vases and single stems for a minimalist look. Fresh flowers can be expensive, so you could also suggest using local greenery, baby's breath, or in-season wildflowers for a more budget-friendly option.

Lighting

Lighting is a great way to set the mood and ambiance for a wedding. Candles, string lights, fairy lights, and bistro lights can all be used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For a whimsical touch, consider hanging lights or lanterns from tree branches for an outdoor wedding. Oversized balloons with tassels or garlands can also double as fun photo backdrops while adding to the lighting decor.

Table Decor

Table decor is an important element of wedding decorations. Table runners, unique table linens, and colorful taper candles can make a stylish statement. For a budget-friendly option, suggest clustering bud vases or other glassware filled with single stems and greenery. For a more rustic look, wooden slices can be used as charger plates or centerpiece bases.

Signage and Stationery

Custom signage and stationery add a personalized touch to the wedding decor. From welcome signs and seating charts to menus and place cards, there are many opportunities for creative decorations. Neon signs with the couple's names or initials can also make for a fun and modern statement piece.

Lounge Areas

Creating lounge areas with comfortable seating, pillows, and rugs can give guests a place to relax and enhance the overall atmosphere of the venue. Boho rugs, especially, can add texture and a bohemian aesthetic to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Beverage and Food Displays

Beverage and food displays are both functional and decorative. Offer packages that include creative drink stations with glass dispensers or vintage cars displaying bottles on ice. For food, suggest a dessert bar with a variety of sweets presented in pretty glass jars or vintage-inspired vessels.

These ideas can be mixed and matched to create unique and personalized wedding decoration packages, catering to different styles, themes, and budgets.

Frequently asked questions