When you are trying to stay within your budget for your wedding, it helps to compare prices on everything, especially the venue. While you may be tempted to go with the cheapest option available, just keep in mind that the venue will set the tone for the wedding ceremony. While you may not want to spend every dollar that you have, you still want to have a great time at your wedding! Here are a few tips to help you find the best wedding venue for your budget.
Plan Your Wedding for an Off-Season Date
The most popular month to have a wedding is June. Therefore, if you want to spend less on the venue you should probably choose a month when the demand for the space is likely to be lower. You can also try choosing a date that is near a major holiday. This will increase the chances that the wedding venue will already be decorated for the season so that you don’t have to spend extra money on flowers and other details.
Get Quotes for Each Day of the Week
Wedding venues tend to be more expensive on the weekends since most people get married on Saturday. If you want to save money, request a quote from each of your wedding venue choices for Friday and Sunday, as well. You may find that the price is significantly cheaper on these two days.
Offer an Upfront Payment
Most wedding venues expect you to pay an initial deposit in order to book the venue for your date of choice. However, you can also ask if there are discounts for paying the entire cost upfront. While it may mean more money out of your pocket now, you’ll benefit later with a big discount.
Consider Non-Traditional Wedding Venues
While you might want a lavish wedding in a banquet hall, don’t hesitate to consider non-traditional wedding venues. Places such as a bed & breakfast, winery, or art gallery are perfect ideas that will still offer the same ambiance as a banquet hall but without the prices because they are not typically used as wedding venues. Wedding venues are always in high demand. If you want to get the best deals, start early and search thoroughly before you make a final decision.
Find a Smaller City
Prices for wedding venues are typically higher in major cities. If you want a better deal, it might be a good idea to go outside the city limits.
Look for All-Inclusive Deals
When you shop for wedding venues, focus on the ones that offer all-inclusive packages. While this won’t help you to save directly on the wedding venue, you’ll save money because you don’t have to get quotes for each of the individual services, such as decorations and food. The wedding venue will negotiate these prices on your behalf in order to offer you the best deal.
Get Married & Have the Reception in One Place
There are definitely pros and cons to this option. If you are looking for a change of ambiance between your wedding and your reception, this probably isn’t what you are looking for. However, a wedding venue that has both an indoor and outdoor option might be able to accommodate your needs. You’ll save money because you don’t have to worry about moving your entire wedding party to a second location.
Choose the Right Size Venue
Make sure that the space that you choose is appropriate for the number of guests that you plan to invite. Choosing a space that is too large for your party means that you will end up paying the cost of a venue that is designed for 200 guests when you are only expecting 100 guests. In contrast, if the venue is too small for your party, you may have to pay extra charges because the venue has to make special accommodations for your event.
Look for New Venues
Another way to save money on your wedding venue is to search for a place that has just opened. New event spaces are more likely to offer lower prices as they try to earn a good reputation and attract new business.
Have Your Wedding at a Hotel
Weddings in hotels are a good option so that guests won’t have to travel far in order to find overnight accommodations. In addition, the hotel staff is already experienced in weddings and receptions. However, make sure that you understand what will be included in the cost of the venue and ask about any hidden charges.
Go Casual With a Backyard Reception
If you don’t want to spend the money on a professional event space, you should consider having a backyard reception instead. Even after you purchase all of the things needed to make your big day special, you may find that having the reception in the backyard can save you a lot of money.
Keep It Short
If you shorten the event by an hour or more, you can cut your rental fees and save on the amount of food and beverages that people consume. There’s no reason that the party can’t continue. However, by ending things early, it will be up to guests to decide what they want to do next and you won’t have to foot the bill any longer.
Consider Doing a Smaller Menu
Instead of having a seated meal, consider doing appetizers instead so that guests can spend the entire evening catching up instead of eating. Find a venue that will limit the drink menu to a few cocktails instead of offering a fully stocked bar.
Finding the right venue for your wedding can be stressful and time-consuming. However, by giving yourself enough time to sort out all of your options, you can find a location that isn’t too far off from what you have always dreamed of and won’t break your budget.
