Got stacks of money you don’t know what to do with? This article isn’t for you! But if you’re like most brides without unlimited euros, here are 7 wedding budget breakers you could easily avoid.
Silly tchotchkes
We have to confess, we love those really detailed photos on Pinterest. Those perfectly arranged tables, the accessories, the charming little accents everywhere, the quirky figurines and objects placed just so… it all cost a lot of money. It’s not a big deal when you’re getting just one of something, but as soon as they start multiplying… that’s a true wedding budget breaker. Honest to goodness truth – people won’t miss what isn’t there. Nobody will say ‘this wedding would have been so much better if there were more figurines on tables’. Don’t waste your money on things that only look good in photos, but in no way contribute to the day itself.
Favours
If you really want to have favours, give it some good thought beforehand. This is one of the biggest changes in weddings in recent years – the shift from favours to shareable things like candy buffets. There’s no need to stress yourself with original ideas. Nobody comes to a wedding wondering what the favours will be – and you may find yourself disappointed when half of them are left behind at the end of the night. If you can keep it to €1 each, then that’s alright – lottery tickets are an excellent bet here, and it will be super exciting if anyone wins money on your wedding day.
Champagne toast
The good ol’ bubbly comes in many price ranges – but it’s one of the most surprising wedding budget breakers. The truth is, unless royalty is invited, people will be happy to lift a glass of anything in your honour. The usual champagne alternatives are Prosecco and sparkling wine… or you could get a little more creative? How about Guinness, elegant fruit punch, or cava? Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, ask the venue if the head bartender could create a unique drink and name it after you – and use that for your toast.
Photo from Chris & Anne’s real wedding by Emma Russell Photography
Invitation extras and postage
We’re not in any way suggesting you shouldn’t send out invitations (we love our invites and it’s an exciting milestone in the wedding planning process!). However, a paper upgrade to a higher GSM will cost you extra, but will be noticed by exactly no-one. And, of course, it will make the envelope heavier, so you may have to buy more postage stamps. Not a big problem for a small wedding, but a big one – WHOAH. Likewise, subtleties like super-fancy calligraphy by a famous artist, or envelopes edged in real gold will simply be missed by most of the recipients. It’s best to focus on giving your invitations personality.
Too many guestbooks
Don’t do this: a guestbook, a photo booth, a poster to sign, one of those giant puzzles, fingerprint tree, and love advice questionnaire, all at once. You’ll end up with just a few of each, and when you put them together, they’ll make a truly odd bunch. Pick maximum two things, and make sure to tell the guests where they are, so they actually go and do that thing.
Photo from Elma & Michael’s real wedding by Couple Photography
Seventeen candelabras
The first question you ask after your wedding day should be ‘have I packed everything for the honeymoon?’, and not ‘what will I do with 17 candelabras?’ And the candelabras are just one thing. What will you do with 30 tealight holders, 22 fishbowls, 87 mismatched vintage cups and saucers, and maybe even 11 birdcages? These are all red-alert wedding budget breakers. Don’t buy decor you could obtain by other means – because it’s a real pain to get rid of afterwards. First, ask the venue if they have decor options you can use. Second, hiring! That means no eBay, no Etsy, no endless trips to the post office. Your third option is to ask your wedding planner for suggestions on where you could get that stuff with minimal amount of hassle. Don’t be surprised to hear something awesome you haven’t thought of before!
Too much food
Could you really have too much food? Of course! There’s a reason why professional caterers recommend buying food for about 85% of the guests – because some of it will usually go to waste. Also, people can only eat so much – so think like a normal human being and plan for about four hours’ break in between indulgences, if you’re having a long wedding day. Also, it’s better to have less food of fantastic quality, then more dishes that are just mediocre. Food is one of those things guests truly remember about weddings.
Main image from Sharon & Tadhg’s real wedding by Tanya Colclough, Eden Photography
