Rainy Day Wedding: Saving Money, Enjoying Sunshine

Planning a wedding can be an expensive affair, and saving for a rainy day is an important part of financial planning. A rainy-day fund is a way to prepare for unexpected expenses, and it can be a safety net to fall back on. When it comes to weddings, there are many ways to save money, from budgeting and cutting costs to DIY projects and creative solutions. Whether you're dealing with rain on your wedding day or saving for a future event, being budget-savvy is crucial. This involves setting clear goals, prioritising expenses, and finding ways to stretch your dollar without compromising on your dream wedding.

Opt for an indoor venue or a marquee

If you're looking to save money on your wedding, opting for an indoor venue or a marquee is a great way to go. Here's why:

Firstly, consider the timing of your wedding. Peak wedding season, typically late spring through fall, is when venues and vendors increase their pricing due to high demand. By choosing an indoor venue for your wedding during the off-season, usually in winter, you can take advantage of more affordable rates. The same goes for the day of the week; Saturdays are the most popular and therefore the most expensive. Opting for a weekday wedding, or even a Friday evening or Sunday brunch, can result in significant savings as venues often offer lower rates during these less busy times.

Next, think about the location of your indoor venue. If you choose a venue that is within walking distance of your ceremony location, you can eliminate the need for guest transportation, saving you up to $4,000. Additionally, some venues will allow or require you to bring your own alcohol, which can be a great way to save money on the bar tab. You can stock the bar with affordable mid-range drinks, saving you between $1 and $4 per drink. If you're looking to cut costs further, you can opt for just beer and wine, or even forgo the champagne toast.

When it comes to the venue package, keep things simple. Stick with the basics for tableware, linens, chairs, and glassware, and avoid the temptation to upgrade. An all-inclusive package with your venue or using a single rental company can also help you negotiate better rates and save on delivery fees. If you're set on an indoor venue but still want to incorporate the outdoors, consider a venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces. This way, you can host part of your wedding outside, such as the ceremony or cocktail hour, while still having the comfort and convenience of an indoor space.

Lastly, don't be afraid to negotiate with your venue. Most things in life are negotiable, including wedding expenses. You can challenge prices and make lower offers, especially if you're flexible with your date and location. Just remember to have a backup plan in case your first choice doesn't work out. With these tips in mind, you can save money on your indoor wedding venue or marquee while still creating a memorable and special day.

Choose a non-traditional venue

Choosing a non-traditional venue is a great way to save money on your wedding day. While most wedding venues are firm in their pricing, there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing style. Firstly, consider a weekday wedding as opposed to the weekend. Vendors are often willing to offer lower rates during the week as they would rather provide their services at a discount than have no customers at all. January, February, and March are also considered the wedding off-season, so getting married during these months can result in significant savings on venues and other expenses.

Another way to save on venue costs is to opt for an all-inclusive package or use just one rental company for all your needs. This way, you can negotiate better rates and delivery fees. If you're open to a non-traditional venue, consider hosting your wedding outdoors in a park or garden, which can be a more affordable option. Alternatively, choose a venue that suits your guest list. The number of guests will determine the size of the venue, so a smaller guest list can lead to savings on venue space.

If you're set on a particular venue, ask about potential upgrades or inclusions to add more value to your package. Sometimes, venues will throw in a complimentary champagne toast or an extra hour for your reception to make their location work with your budget. Finally, consider the location of your ceremony and reception. If they are within walking distance of each other, you can save up to $4,000 by eliminating the need for guest and wedding party transportation.

Repurpose flowers and decor

Flowers and decor are a huge part of creating your dream wedding setting. It is a way to express who you are as a couple and impress your guests. However, it can be one of the most expensive aspects of your wedding, with costs spiralling out of control if you don't set a spending ceiling. Repurposing flowers and decor is a great way to save money and create a sustainable wedding.

Firstly, consider whether your arrangements can serve a dual purpose. If you are having a floral arch, for example, you can transport it to the reception venue and use it as a beautiful backdrop for photos. You could also place it behind the sweetheart table to highlight the newlyweds. Alternatively, you could remove specific flowers from the arch and place them around the reception in a different arrangement. Unity floral arrangements, known as a 'long and low', can be easily repurposed from the ceremony altar to the top table at the reception.

If you are having a bridal bouquet, you could place it as the centrepiece at the sweetheart table or on the welcome table, allowing guests to admire it as they sign your guest book. Bridesmaids' bouquets can be used to adorn the reception tables, adding pops of colour and freshness. It is important to put the bouquets in vases of fresh water after the ceremony so that they don't wilt and can be displayed proudly.

If your ceremony and reception are in the same venue, it will be much easier to repurpose your flowers and decor. You can simply move the arrangements to the reception space while your guests are enjoying drinks. If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, you will need to enlist the help of your wedding party, florist, or family members to transport and rearrange the flowers and decor.

Cut the guest list

Cutting down your guest list is one of the most effective ways to save money on your wedding. While it may not be the most enjoyable part of planning, it is necessary if your guest list is getting out of hand. Wedding planner Oniki Hardtman shares that "splurging for upgraded table settings [...] can really add up when you have a guest list of a few hundred people, but for 30 or so guests, providing everyone with an upgraded experience is a lot more tolerable."

• Only invite those you have had very recent and regular communication with. This can include family, best friends, and the bridal party.
• If you have a large number of families on your guest list, consider making your wedding adults-only. This can help reduce your guest count.
• You can also choose to eliminate the option for guests to bring a plus-one.
• If you have children, you can opt to have a separate kids-only party to include them in the celebrations.
• If you are inviting colleagues, it is best to make this a blanket policy to avoid any potential hurt feelings.

Remember, it is your wedding day, and you should invite those who are most important to you. Most guests will understand your decision to narrow down your guest list.

Choose mid-range drinks options

When it comes to choosing drinks for your wedding, there are a few ways to save money without compromising on quality or selection.

Firstly, consider opting for mid-range drink options instead of top-shelf liquor. Guests are unlikely to notice or care about the specific brand of alcohol served, especially when it is used in a mixed drink. "Rail" versions are typically unrecognizable brands but are significantly cheaper. Big-box grocers like Walmart, Costco, or Trader Joe's offer high-quality spirits and wines at more affordable prices.

Another way to save money is to choose a venue that allows you to bring your own liquor. This way, you can shop around for the best prices and buy in bulk, which can result in significant savings. You can also return any unopened bottles after the wedding to recoup some of your expenses.

To further reduce costs, consider offering a limited selection of drinks. A full open bar can be expensive, but you can still offer an elegant cocktail by creating a signature drink with a limited number of ingredients. Opt for recipes with four ingredients or fewer, and choose garnishes that are in season and easily accessible. This will simplify the shopping list and reduce costs.

Additionally, you can supplement your signature cocktails with wine and beer. Individual requests for mixed drinks like vodka sodas or whiskey sours can quickly increase the cost. By offering a few select options, you can better estimate the quantities needed and reduce waste.

Finally, don't forget about non-alcoholic alternatives. Mocktails, fresh juices, canned sodas, or on-tap kombucha can be offered at a lower cost than alcoholic drinks, and they provide a unique and memorable experience for your guests.

By following these suggestions, you can offer a variety of mid-range drink options that will impress your guests and keep your budget in check.

Frequently asked questions