As you plan your wedding, you will find that around every corner lies another opportunity for a costly add-on or upgrade. Many brides are quick to nod yes to every seemingly fabulous idea and little extra presented to them. Hey - when youre spending upwards of $30,000 - whats another $300? Its an easy conclusion to make when swept up in the chaotic sea of wedding planning.
But if youre on a budget, the easiest way to stick to it is to just say no. For what seems now like an idea that you absolutely cannot forgo will eventually wind up as just another unnoticed wedding detail that buried you further into wedding-induced debt.
Here are some popular wedding details and extras that you can live without, and neither you nor your guests will be the wiser:
The Champagne Toast
Almost every reception site offers to pass a champagne toast to all of your guests for a $200-$400 fee. Dont do it - its a waste. Many of your guests will simply take a sip and set the glass down - or not take a sip at all. Its best to allow your guests to simply toast with the drink of their choice when the toasts are made.
The Champagne/Chocolate Fountain
Fountains, especially chocolate fountains, have been the rage for the last few years. If you have your heart set on one - fine. But if not - this is another extraneous wedding extra. Your guests arent going to search your reception site for the chocolate fountain. Really, they wont.
The Grooms Cake
The grooms cake is a southern tradition that has recently been spotted at wedding receptions throughout the country (we all remember the armadillo cake from Steel Magnolias). No one ever runs out of wedding cake at a reception, so why have two cakes? If youre on a tight budget, lose the grooms cake.
The Tossing Bouquet
Having your florist create an additional bridal bouquet for the bouquet toss has become the norm, but this can tack on an additional $50-$100 to your floral bill. Instead, have a friend or family member pick up some flowers from your local grocery store for a mere $5-$10.
The Extra Hour
Almost every reception site has an upfront overtime fee, and the venues event coordinator will casually mention that your reception can go an extra hour for, say, $200. Wedding guests are usually ready to call it a night after 4 hours - let them.
