Wedding Budget Tips For Fighting Inflation
Inflation…it’s everywhere. From the grocery store to the pumpkin patch, prices are sky-high. At the same time, the post-covid wedding surge is here to stay. Per The Wedding Report via CNBC, couples in the U.S. are expected to host roughly 2.5 million weddings this year, a 30% increase from the prior year and a number not seen in four decades. The unprecedented demand for available wedding dates, plus lingering supply chain problems and inflation, has created a noticeable uptick in wedding costs. Fear not - there are ways to save significant cash and still celebrate your day in style.
Get Creative with the day of the week.
Weddings have traditionally been on Saturdays, for obvious reasons. Due to the massive rescheduling of 2020 weddings, Fridays, Sundays, and even Thursdays have become “normal” days to tie the knot! Send a Save the Date out early enough to allow your family and friends to take the day off work and make travel plans. The best part? Most venues (including The Venues at Langtree in Mooresville, North Carolina) offer cheaper wedding rental rates for off-peak days.
Avoid expensive hotel bridal suites.
A bridal suite is an unexpected cost that most people don’t budget for. It doesn’t matter if you have three bridesmaids or 10. You’ll need a place for the ladies to get their hair and makeup done, eat lunch, and have a Mimosa or two. A bridal suite at a hotel that is large enough for a typical wedding party can run you anywhere from $750-$2,000 per night. Luckily, you can find local wedding venues with a getting-ready location onsite.
Langtree’s Mott House has more than enough room for any size wedding party (including an area for grooms to hang out before the wedding). The historic home contains a kitchen on the first floor and an upstairs space for getting your dress on, makeup done, and spending quality time with your bridal party. The Venues at Langtree invites you to be there as early as needed on your big day, leaving no reason to rush from one location to another! The Mott House makes a stunning backdrop for picture-perfect moments.
Be smart about all-inclusive wedding venues.
Couples are easily swayed by a low-cost venue rental but don’t realize that typically means the venue doesn’t come with much-needed amenities. Don’t assume a venue includes tables, chairs, and other basics. All-inclusive or semi-all-inclusive venues will save you money in the long run and help avoid costly rental fees. The Venues at Langtree offer ceremony chairs and reception chairs, saving you at least $10/per chair, plus delivery costs! Not to mention enough tables for all of your wedding guests and the staff to set it all up! Check those items off the list!
Easily repurpose floral from your ceremony to your reception.
The floral industry was hit especially hard by the pandemic. From flower farms and wholesalers closing to supply chain problems and increased freight costs, bouquets and centerpiece costs have gone up significantly. If your ceremony and reception are at the same location, repurposing flowers is almost effortless if you’re strategic!
· Large ceremony arrangements can be costly, so repurposing them as part of your reception décor is the best bang for your buck.
· Bridesmaid bouquets can double as a centerpiece without any of your guests knowing.
· These repurposing hacks can save hundreds, if not thousands, on costly flowers and avoid unnecessary waste.
Make transportation safe, charming, and fun.
Fluctuating gas costs have been a constant struggle in everyday life, making bus transportation for wedding guests an incredibly hefty expense. Look for a venue that provides transportation, like the Trolley at Langtree. With several hotels nearby, the Trolley can shuttle guests to and from hotels at an affordable rate – plus, it creates an instant photo opportunity! Enhance the wedding guest experience by making it easy and safe to get to all the festivities!
Planning a wedding is overwhelming, and the costs can add up. Choosing a venue that will give you the most bang for your buck in these trying economic times will help your bank account and your stress level. Happy planning!