Dani Nicole Photography, The Mint Museum, Lovely by Lindsey
We know weddings are expensive events, which is why we do our best to share our favorite budgeting tips and tricks with you all. Every couple deserves the wedding day of their dreams - one that reflects their individual tastes and unique story. We understand that it's difficult to stick to a budget, but no couple should have to sacrifice peace of mind for the wedding they want. We love creating fresh ideas to maximize a wedding budget so our couples can focus on the important things, instead of stressing about finances. Your wedding day can still stand out without breaking the bank, and here's how: we've rounded up our top 10 ideas that will leave a lasting impact on your guests, but not on your wallet ;)
This goes without saying, but no couple should feel obligated to incorporate a certain amount of personalized "extras" into their day. Here's your encouragement to do what feels right for you (and your budget) - choosing a few simple extras for your day shows intentionality and purpose.
1. Custom Cocktail Napkins
Yah Photography, Kristen Privette Photography, Olive Paper
Personalize your bar experience with custom napkins - choose a special photo or message to share that guests will love. For simplicity, feature your names and wedding date. For character, work with a custom designer to feature a sketch of you and your love, your fur baby, or something of sentiment. Either way, this is an inexpensive way to share a glimpse of your love story with guests - TIP: try to save one for your wedding memory box/scrapbook!
2. A Signature Cocktail That Stuns
Morgan Amanda Photography, Party Reflections, Krista Stevens Photography
If you're offering a signature cocktail menu, consider leveling up the experience with a cocktail display that wows. Work with your bartending/catering service to create a drink that tastes (and looks) amazing. Incorporate colors, textures, and florals from your wedding design into your signature cocktail - think about adding a fun garnish, umbrella, straw, or floral element for that extra oomph.
3. Light Up The Dance Floor
The Mint Museum, Kristen Privette Photography, Byron's South End, Beca Hale Photography
Everyone who's ever been to a wedding knows that the dance floor is where it's at! Enhance the experience with fun props for guests: have your planner pass out LED light-up foam wands, inflatable instruments, or wearables (think fun wigs & sunglasses!) for a dance floor your friends will never forget. Not only are these props inexpensive, guests can take them home or you can reuse them for future events & parties!
4. Gift With Practicality
The Stewarts Roam, George Street Photography, Party Reflections
The classic tradition of guest favors has evolved over the past few years to near-obsolescence. Recent events in our economy and a shift in values has caused many couples to rethink their approach. If you still wish to show your guests appreciation, a practical favor may be the way to go: we'd suggest choosing something that reflects your shared interests. Some crowd favorites include: a custom dessert or pastry, custom koozies, donation coins (guests choose a charity for couple to donate), and culturally significant treats. Remember: you don't have to offer favors. Your guests are blessed to witness your love and celebrate with you (and enjoy a free meal)! They will be grateful regardless, so don't feel pressured to offer favors if they don't spark joy - thank you, Marie Kondo!
5. Seating In Style
Allure Photography, Anchor & Veil Photography
We've all been there - scrolling through endless seating chart ideas on Pinterest, desperate for inspiration. The hardest aspect is piecing together your tables: who will Uncle Frank and Cousin Eleanor sit with? While you're busy with names, we'll try to take away some of the work for you. Sometimes overthinking your decor will send you into a spiral that ends right back where you started: with your first idea, which is usually the best one. Consider an interactive chart, like a champagne wall with attached table # cards or a spin on the classic Polaroid guestbook: guests replace their table number cards with a Polaroid photo of themselves (candidly taken on the spot)! These are simple touches, but they create a memorable experience that doesn't cost much to execute.
6. Take Your Welcome To The Next Level
Morgan Amanda Photography, Megan Oliveri Beauty, Amanda Somerville Photography, Best Impressions Catering
Upon guests' arrival to your ceremony, consider offering passed cocktails or champagne. A welcome like this exudes elegance, class and invites guests to pass the time with a sophisticated sip while waiting for your entrance. This idea also translates well to a reception greeting, so guests don't immediately flock to the bar. For an extra special welcome, consider passing appetizers as well, so guests will stay happy and full while waiting for dinner.
7. Giant Games
Amanda Somerville Photography, Rustic Charm Event Co., Creative Solutions
Whether your guest list is strictly adults or you're including some younger family and friends, everyone loves playing games! Giant games are quickly becoming a reception staple for weddings: encourage guests to channel their inner kid by including games like giant Jenga, corn hole, and Connect 4. When in doubt, think interactive: guest involvement is key. Not only are rental games fun, they also break up the monotony of mingling and meeting others. Experiences like this encourage guests to unwind, relax, and maybe even take their heels off to have a little fun!
8. Who Knows You The Best?
Stefanie Haviv Photography, Ribald Events, Party Reflections, Evermore Event Rentals
For an upscale spin on the classic "how well do you know ____ ?", consider offering guests a custom version about you and your spouse. Create personalized mad libs, crosswords, or word searches to see who can do the best. These would make a fun cocktail hour activity or the perfect place setting feature for guests to try. We'd recommend cluing in your DJ, so they can announce the deadline to hand in answers. After your planner tallies the scores, consider gifting your winner with a special prize for knowing you and your love the best!
9. Capture Me Candid
Click Away Photography, Byron's South End, Jennifer Abercrombie Beauty
Much like other old-fashioned phenomenons, film photography is back and better (and it might be here to stay). Some wedding photographers offer a film & digital photography package to capture your day through both mediums, buuuuut this can cost a little extra sometimes. To stay in your budget, consider offering disposable cameras for guests to use throughout the night. After you develop the film, you'll find tons of new memories from your celebration, in addition to your professional photographs!
10. Song Requests
Essense Designs, Dani Nicole Photography, Lovely by Lindsey, The Mint Museum
If you've been involved in a wedding before, then you're probably well-versed in navigating the numerous opinions from friends and family. Guests love to get involved, so why not give them a little task of their own? When creating your dance floor playlist, include your guests' song requests! Consider featuring a space in your invitation for them to include their song selection with their RSVP. There's bound to be some repeats, but your DJ will have plenty to work with to create the perfect playlist.