I LOVE the details, they are beautiful, make for amazing pictures and really tie everything together. But here is a dirty little secret that I hate to disclose because I don’t want to burst anyone’s bubble…but sometimes they are not worth the time, money or energy if you are trying to save your budget. And here is the dirty secret part, nobody will notice if they are missing! I hate to say that because I know we all think that your guests appreciate what attention to spent on details to make such an amazing event. And many of them will, but most of them will notice how beautiful the bride looks, if they had fun and if they were comfortable. Period.
So, if you have an unlimited or large-ish budget and lots of time, energy, patience and organizational skills then I say go for it, please have all of your paper goods match your invitation ( I love that!), have signature cocktails and DIY items galore. But if you are like the large majority of us, then you have a limited budget and here is what I think you can skip.
Programs, menus, thank you notes for the table, paper goods in general (sorry stationer friends)- Here is the thing, if it is going to get glanced at and then thrown away, then cut it. Unless you have a complicated multicultural ceremony with things happening that your guests might not understand you don’t need a program. Unless guests have not been given a choice of food prior to arriving and will have an option, then they don’t need a menu. The list goes on. This is a nice to have but by no means necessary. Savings: $600 for 3 pieces at a 100 person wedding
Signature cocktails – I’m pretty sure I have already detailed my thoughts on how this will up your bar tab this this blog post, but here is the basics idea…if you offer it, they will drink it even if they don’t like the main ingredient. If you don’t offer it, they won ‘t miss it. Your guests will be happy to have whatever free drinks it is you offer them, where it is just beer and wine or open bar. Savings: $2250 for 100 people
Favors – The number of people who have left a wedding and said “huh, we didn’t get a favor” is very very small if any, I promise. However, the number of people who throw away or leave behind their picture frame, candle, cork screw is around 80%. I pack them up and send them home with the bride and groom who do not want or need 100 mini picture frames. Savings: $300 for 100 people
Customization – Your monogram on napkins, DIY table numbers, cute straws to match your colors, monogrammed cake knife and server. I throwing anything in here that you can get for free. Cocktail napkins and straws are going to come with your bar, most venues or caterers have table numbers, and a cake knife and server. Just consider this, what will you do with these things after the wedding? Savings: $200 for 100 people
Calligraphy – This is another “you are going to throw it away” kind of item. Yes it looks beautiful, but it will be glanced at and tossed, so go ahead and print it on your computer. Savings: $600 for 100 people
Thus far we’ve saved almost $4,000! Here are a few more items that might not be missed but sure will add up
- Runner
- Inner envelopes
- Save the dates
- Maps
- Reception card
- Tissue in your invitations (save the environment!)
- Toasting goblets
- Upgraded linen
- Groom’s cake
- Dessert (besides cake)
- Late night snack
- Ceremony flowers (besides personals – bouquets, etc.)
