StephenC, Photographer
Article written by Pam Black of Celebration House, Cape Town’s unique wedding information centre. First published on 16 May 2008, on www.iafrica.com.
While the economy worldwide may be taking a downturn, it is interesting to note that many couples are still prepared to spend lots of money on their weddings. They will often delay the event, and have a longer engagement, just to ensure that they have sufficient to splurge on their special day. No doubt this is because most people regard it as a once-in-a-lifetime event and something they will (hopefully) never repeat.
But what if you simply have to find ways to cut costs, yet still want to ensure that you don't start your married life by paying off the cost of one day's celebration? Is it possible to have a beautiful and memorable wedding day without spending a fortune?
Fortunately, the answer is yes! Here are some of the tips I've gleaned over the years on ways to cut costs when planning your wedding:
Start planning early. With time on your side and clever planning, it is possible to cut corners without compromising on quality. Without sufficient time, you could find yourself in the unenviable position of lacking choice, and having to take whatever is available.
Limit your guests. Your reception can account for up to 50 percent or more of the total cost of the wedding, so the best way to reduce costs is to start by limiting the number of guests you invite. This will have a ripple effect on all the costs: fewer invitations to be printed, fewer table settings, chair covers, floral arrangements and table gifts, reduced quantities of food and alcohol etc.
Bear in mind, too, that it is no longer necessary (and quite acceptable) not to add 'and partner' when sending invitations to single friends, unless they are in long-standing relationships.
By limiting the number of attendants you have, you can also cut costs. Apart from the obvious (fewer outfits, for example), it will mean that you can have a smaller main table (with a reduced number of flower arrangements), as well as fewer bouquets, buttonholes, gifts, and less in the way of transport, etc.
Day versus night. Consider having a day-time reception instead of an evening affair. Evening weddings can last for up to eight hours, and that's a long time to have to (what I term) 'feed and water' your guests, which is why, without a doubt, one of the best ways to reduce costs substantially is to host a breakfast, brunch or lunchtime event.
In addition to a dramatic reduction in the cost per head, your bar bill will be significantly lower, as much less alcohol will be consumed in the morning than at an evening wedding. Since a morning or luncheon wedding is generally less formal, your décor costs will be reduced as well, and you should be able to save on items like candles, lighting etc.
Save on the tab. Save on the bar bill by limiting the drinks on offer to sparkling and table wines, and having a cash bar for other drinks (state on the invitation that this will be available). Use local flowers. As far as possible, try to use flowers that are in season and available locally. And be aware that around Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day and Mothers' Day, the cost of flowers always increases dramatically.
Save on food. It is acceptable for the snacks and canapés which are usually served to guests on their arrival at the reception, to function as a first course. This will allow you to cut down on the number of courses, and ultimately on the cost.
Get hitched in winter. Winter weddings are far more cost effective as they offer the opportunity to use clever décor (roaring fires, candlelight, berries and green foliage etc.), all of which can create an instantly welcoming ambience, at very little cost. Service providers also often offer discounts during the winter months.
Save on honeymoon costs. There are wonderful savings to be made on honeymoon costs during the cooler months, as this is when many hotels offer winter specials. First nights or honeymoons at five-star hotels, often out of reach of newly-wed couples, may be more affordable during the winter season.
Don't compromise on quality. Always ensure that you choose reputable service providers for your wedding. When cutting back on costs, it is vital to ensure that you don't compromise in any way on quality. Members of the recently formed Wedding & Honeymoon Association of South Africa (Wahasa) have all agreed to abide by a stringent Code of Conduct. For more information on this Association, visit www.wahasa.co.za.
The above are excerpts from 'The Really Useful WEDDING BOOK for South Africa' by Pam Black
