Article by Pam Black, owner of Celebration House. First appeared in Die Beeld/Die Burger newspaper.
Photo: Jan Theron Photography
Weddings by their very nature are expensive affairs, and the recent downturn in the economy has meant that today more and more couples are looking for ways to reduce their wedding costs.
With clever planning it is still possible to have a beautiful and memorable day without spending a fortune using our 10-point plan:
1. Start planning early
This is a vital first step. With plenty of time on your side, it is possible to cut corners without compromising on quality. This way you can avoid having to make hasty decisions and bad choices, and also get to see all that is available.
2. Reduce the number of invited guests
The cost of your reception can account for up to 50% of your wedding budget and reducing the number of guests will have a ripple effect on all your costs. Fewer guests means fewer invitations, a reduction in the number of table settings and table gifts, as well as less in the way of flowers, food, alcohol etc. Remember that it is no longer considered impolite not to include ‘and partner’ on the invitation to single, unattached friends. Likewise, it is definitely no longer necessary to invite all Daddy’s business colleagues!
3. Limit the number of attendants
Think carefully before deciding to have numerous attendants. Instead, try and find other roles for good friends at your wedding, such as ushers, reading a verse at the ceremony, saying grace at the reception etc. Fewer attendants means you can cut down on outfits, make-up and hairdo’s, bouquets, buttonholes, gifts, suit hire, transport etc. You will also require a smaller main table, thereby reducing décor costs.
4. Day vs night
One of the best ways to reduce costs is to have a daytime wedding. Evening weddings usually start at 3.30/4pm and extend until midnight, and if you stop and think about it, that means you have to ‘feed and water’ (as I call it) your guests for up to 8 hours! By contrast, a breakfast, brunch or lunchtime wedding will cost much less per head and your bar bill will be significantly lower, as the amount of alcohol consumed at a morning or lunchtime wedding will be far less than for an evening affair. Daytime weddings are also less formal and your décor and music costs will be much lower as well.
5. A High Tea affair
Vintage weddings are very popular at the moment, and you could take a tip from the Fifties, when weddings were usually Saturday afternoon affairs. The service would be at about 2pm, followed by ‘tea and cake’ (which could include petit fours, delicate sandwiches and the like). Cocktails and dancing would then follow, and the bride and groom would depart at around 7pm.
6. Consider a winter wedding
Winter weddings have much to offer in the way of cost-cutting. A delightfully romantic ambience can easily be achieved at little cost, with the addition of roaring fires, candlelight, berries and attractive foliage. Many service providers, photographers, venues etc. offer winter specials, so always enquire if any discounts apply during this period. Honeymoons or first nights at 5-star hotels are often out of reach of newly-married couples, but during the winter months you are usually able to secure some interesting discounts on accommodation at these and other establishments.
7. Save on the tab
By limiting the drinks on offer to sparkling and table wines and having a cash bar for other drinks, you can reduce your bar bill dramatically.
8. Reduce the number of courses served
It has become quite acceptable for the snacks and canapés, which are usually served to guests on their arrival at the reception, to function as a first course. Another way to reduce the food bill is to have a wedding cake that can double up as a dessert, or combine the wedding cake with a chocolate fountain.
9. Choosing your flowers
Always try to choose flowers that are in season and available locally. Remember, too, that the cost of flowers rises dramatically around Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. If you are marrying in a church, enquire if there are any other weddings taking place on the same day as yours, as it may be possible to share the cost of the flower arrangements. Another clever way to reduce costs is to whisk the flowers away after the service, and transfer them to the reception venue. This can be done while photographs are being taken and guests will be none the wiser!
10. Don’t compromise on quality
When cutting back on costs, it is vital to ensure that you don’t also cut back on quality. Always ensure that you choose reputable service providers for your wedding. Members of The Wedding & Honeymoon Association of South Africa (WAHASA) have all agreed to abide by a stringent Code of Conduct (see wahasa.co.za).
