Finding the perfect venue is one of the most important decisions you will make about your wedding day. While wedding venues can be expensive, looking for savings doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your personal preferences. Here, we take a look at wedding venues on a shoestring which offer an alternative to those excessively priced options.
SEE ALSO: Wedding Venues for Hire
Consider the day
Saturday tends to be the day that most couples get married, meaning that it’s the most expensive. Some wedding venues may offer discounts if you choose to get married on a different day of the week. Though a Saturday may be the most convenient time for you to marry, you might be able to make a decent saving by opting for another day.
Consider the season
Most weddings occur during the spring and summer months. This is when wedding costs tend to be higher. Opting for an autumn or winter wedding can save you money on your wedding venue and your honeymoon. If you are worried about the weather then look for an under cover or indoor venue.
Choose one wedding venue
Having just one venue for the ceremony and reception can keep your costs down. Many venues may offer a discount if you choose to have both at the same establishment. Having just one venue can also cut the stress of having to transport your guests from one venue to another.
Keep your guest list down
It’s easy to get caught up in wedding preparations by inviting as many guests as possible to your big day. However, keeping your guest list down will help you stick to a budget and keep your stress levels under control. An intimate wedding can help you to focus on the finer details too.
Cater for yourself
Many wedding venues may factor in the cost of food, so opting for your own catering might not be a possibility. However, doing your own catering or getting a cheaper caterer to provide your food can cut down your expenses. Similarly, you might want to provide your own alcohol and beverages to cut down on costs.
Opt for a different choice of venue
Certain venues may be cheaper than others. For example, hotels can work out to be cheaper than an estate.
Choose a different location
Weddings in large cities, such as London, are generally more expensive than those in smaller towns. While a city may have more traditional wedding venues, choosing somewhere a little different can also help you to stick to a budget.
Focus on one standout feature
Decide what you want that one standout feature at your wedding to be. You might want your venue to have a large garden, beautiful scenery or be extra spacious. Knowing exactly what you want your venue to have will help you to save money elsewhere.
Look around
If you don’t have a preference as to what wedding venue you want, explore your options. Different venues offer varying prices, and prices differ from season to season, month to month and depending on whether you want catering, a reception or other facilities. While it may be cheaper for you to just hire the venue and find your catering and music elsewhere, some venues will offer an all-inclusive package. This may work out cheaper in the long run. It also means there is less for you to organise as the venue will take care of everything.
Don’t be afraid to haggle
Many people lack the confidence to negotiate what’s on offer. Knowing how to haggle can really work. Even if you only save 10%, it’s still a saving. Some venues won’t offer discounts so don’t be deterred if this occurs. If you want to make a decent saving then look elsewhere. Many wedding venues are fully prepared to offer you a discount as they want to make a booking, especially during quieter periods.
It’s unlikely that you are going to receive a massive saving, so keep it small. You might want to ask for a 5% or 10% discount at first. Alternatively, you might want to ask for changes in a wedding package which will help you to cut costs. Ensure that you have taken a good look at the price list beforehand. Knowing the exact pricing will help you during the negotiation process. Also, try asking for a larger discount first, rather than going in too low. That way, if the venue says no, you can then ask for a smaller discount. If you’re not feeling too confident negotiate over the phone.
SEE ALSO: Wedding Venues for Hire