Design tips and tricks to SAVE money!
At House of Luxe, we are big on designing with intention. We know how to allocate your budget to make the biggest impact. Here are some of our top Do’s and Don’ts when deciding where to save!
Do’s:
Prioritize your budget based on how long guests will be in one certain area. If your budget is tight, consider cutting back on signage, florals, decor, and lighting in low traffic areas. Entry ways, cocktail hour, after parties, guest book/gift table areas, etc. These areas don’t need to be a focal point for your budget because they aren’t getting as much attention as say your reception space, or altar.
Keep your design simple! When done correctly, simple and sophisticated designs far outshine a cheaply done extravagant look. When your budget is a top priority, less is more is often the way to go. With this concept, your vendor selection is SO important. Experienced vendors know how to make the biggest impact when working with a simple design.
Cut your guest list. We know you have heard this before. And you will continue to hear it throughout your wedding planning process. If you are looking to stretch your dollar, the guest list should be the very first place you look to cut back on. This helps you save money across the board. Less guests mean fewer tables, place settings, centerpieces, chairs, and a smaller catering/bar cost.
Cut your signage budget. Right after you cut your guest list, jump over to cutting signage. “Pick a side” signs, Guest book signs, “Unplugged ceremony” signs, bar signs…are all unnecessary in our opinion! Not only can it cheapen the look of your overall design; your officiant, bartenders, and event staff are there to ensure your guests know where to be and what to do throughout the entire day.
Don’t:
Repurpose your bridesmaid’s bouquets. This may be controversial…but in our opinion, not many things look less put together or planned then putting your bridesmaid’s bouquet in a vase and calling it a centerpiece. Bridesmaids’ bouquets are not designed to sit in a vase, and having your florist hang around to make a centerpiece from the flowers will actually cost you more money. Alternatively, have your bridesmaids carry a single stemmed bouquet and make your centerpiece the priority.
Spend the majority of your budget on one element. While it is important to pinpoint what’s most important to you on your wedding day, spending all of your budget on that one thing will have your event feeling very under planned and cheap. Don’t have a 5-course dinner on plastic plates! Instead opt for a 2 to 3 courses of amazing food on simple dinnerware. Venue selection is also important here, choosing a venue that provides essentials (like tables, chairs, and dinnerware) can help you use your budget from more priority items!
