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Planning a wedding is an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities and dreams of a perfect day. However, the reality of wedding costs can often be overwhelming. In recent years, the high cost of inflation has deflated many couples, who can often be led to believe that high costs have made their dream wedding simply unattainable. However, the good news is that with a little research, creativity and savvy planning, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we'll explore some practical tips on how to save money on your wedding without sacrificing style.
1. Set a Realistic Budget: The first step in planning a wedding (irrelevant if your budget is €10,000 or €100,000!) is to determine how much you can afford to spend. Sit down with your partner and any contributors to the wedding fund and decide on a realistic budget that works for everyone involved.
2. Research, research, research: Once you have determined a budget, take the time to research suppliers and vendors that fall into your category to line up exactly what you are looking for. From experience, we find a lot of couples simply make assumptions on the costs of wedding packages and are often pleasantly surprised when we discuss our packages and pricing structure in detail.
3. Prioritize Your Spending: Identify the aspects of your wedding that are most important to you and allocate a larger portion of your budget to those areas. Whether it's the venue, photography, or entertainment, focusing your spending on your priorities will ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
4. Shake off preconceived perceptions: Often we hear from couples who get stressed with the idea that there are “must haves” with regards their wedding. Items such as extra entertainment, alcoholic drinks and additional accommodation are often perceived to be necessary, when the truth is that such items should only be budgeted for if you wish to have them for your wedding day. Remember, the only part of the day that is an absolute necessary is saying “I Do” ... all the rest is up to you! Focus on the things that truly matter to you as a couple, and don't get caught up in trying to impress others with extravagant details.
5. All Inclusive Packages: We’ve spoken about this in past blog posts, but a great way to stretching your wedding budget is to look out for special venue or hotel “All Inclusive Packages”. These are typically packages that include a lot of added extras. Here at Lucan Spa Hotel, we offer our Sterling All Inclusive Package which includes a number of Dublin’s top wedding suppliers all at one price.
Separate to All Inclusive Packages, look at for complimentary extras that venues may provide in their packages. Such items such as centrepieces, overnight bedrooms or complimentary use of ceremony suites can help reduce costs and also save you on sourcing these yourself.
6. DIY Decor: Put your creative skills to use and tackle some DIY decor projects for your wedding. From centrepieces and bouquets to signage and table settings, there are countless ways to add personal touches to your wedding decor while saving money in the process.
7. Simplify Your Guest List: One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to trim your guest list. While it can be tempting to invite everyone you know, keeping your guest list small and intimate will not only save you money but also create a more meaningful experience for you and your guests. Choose a more intimate reception while expanding on your “afters” guestlist.
8. Opt for Smaller Bridal Party: Further to point 7, having a smaller bridal party means fewer expenses on gifts, flowers, and attire. Consider keeping your bridal party small and intimate to save money without sacrificing the people who mean the most to you.
9. Limit Alcohol Options: As mentioned above, the idea that you "must" include a number of drinks per guest is fading fast. Remember, as a guest, included drinks are appreciated, not expected.
10. Shop Off-Season for Attire: Wedding dresses and suits can be a significant expense, but shopping off-season or during sales can help you score major discounts. Keep an eye out for sample sales, trunk shows, and clearance events to find your dream attire at a fraction of the cost.
11. Opt for Digital Invitations: Save money on stationery and postage by sending digital invitations instead of traditional paper ones. There are plenty of websites and apps that offer beautifully designed digital invitations that you can customize to fit your wedding theme.
12. DIY Entertainment: Instead of hiring expensive entertainment, consider DIY options such as creating your own playlists or enlisting talented friends and family members to perform during your reception.
13. Choose a Weekday Wedding: Venues and vendors often offer discounted rates for weekday weddings, so consider tying the knot on a Friday or Sunday to save money on your overall wedding costs.
By implementing these budget-friendly wedding tips, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. With a little creativity and strategic planning, you can create a beautiful and memorable day that reflects your personal style and celebrates your love story.
Lucan Spa Hotel offers a wedding day of your dreams in Dublin no matter what your size and plans. For more details and to arrange your own private viewing, you can contact our wedding team by filling out the online form here.