Smart Wedding Spending: Where to Splurge and Save for Your Wedding
Let’s be real, planning a wedding is an adventure in itself filled with love, joy, and anticipation. However, it’s no secret that weddings in Alaska can also come with a hefty price tag. From the venue and catering to flowers and decor, the average cost of a wedding can quickly add up. In this blog, we'll delve into wedding spending and where you should consider splurging vs, money-saving hacks that can help you navigate the financial aspects of planning your big day.
At AKhappenings, we understand the importance of making every dollar count and firmly believe that planning a wedding with a budget in mind doesn't mean you have to compromise on style or quality. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can find numerous money-saving hacks that will help you cut costs without sacrificing the overall experience. So, whether you're a budget-conscious couple or just want to make the most of your wedding funds, read on for savvy spending tips to ensure your special day is everything you want it to be without breaking the bank.
Photo by: Megan Rai Freeman
Save: Invitations and Stationery
When it comes to wedding invitations and stationery, sure, the custom designed suites are gorgeous, but they can quickly rack up the cost of your wedding budget signigicantly. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save without sacrificing style or personalization. Online sites such as Minted, Zola and Etsy offer great options for wedding invitations on a budget. Another option is digital invitations. Digital invitations not only save on paper and postage costs (which add up) but also offer a more eco-friendly option. Many online platforms provide customizable wedding invitation templates at a fraction of the cost of custom-designed printed invitations. Additionally, look for sales or discounts from stationery vendors, or consider DIY options if you're feeling crafty. With a little creativity, you can still create beautiful invitations that set the tone for your wedding day without breaking the bank.
Splurge: Venue
Your wedding venue is not just a location; it sets the tone, theme, and style for your entire wedding day. From the moment your guests arrive at your Alaska wedding location, whether it's a cozy lodge, a rustic barn with a beautiful mountain backdrop, a grand ballroom with chandeliers, or an outdoor setting with extensive views, every detail contributes to the overall feel and story of your wedding day. Splurging on a wedding venue that offers an inclusive package with essentials like chairs, and tables can simplify the planning process and prove beneficial for your wedding budget in the long run.
Save: Wedding Dress
You want to look and feel your best on your big day so obviously your wedding dress is one of the important elements, but it doesn't have to come with a designer price tag. Consider shopping for your dress during sales events or trunk shows where you can find significant discounts gowns. Bateau Bridal Boutique offers these events a couple times per year. Another option is to look at sample dresses that are are marked down. One major pro to purchasing a sample gown is that you usually get to take it home the same day. Recently more brides have chosen to rent their wedding dresses, especially if they're looking for a high-end designer look or wanting more than one gown without the hefty price tag. With a little patience and flexibility, you can find a beautiful wedding dress that fits your style and budget.
Splurge: Florals
When it comes to creating a beautiful wedding atmosphere, few elements have the transformative power that flowers have. From grand ceremony aisles to statement hanging arrangements, the possibilities are endless when it comes to floral design, especially with the variety of local blooms grown in Alaska. Splurging on flowers can turn even the simplest of spaces into a beautiful wedding venue. And don't forget to consider donating your wedding flowers to a local nursing home or hospital after the celebration to reduce waste and spread joy!
Save: Drinks
Alcohol costs can quickly add up at weddings, but there are several ways to save on this expense. Consider offering a selection of your favorite local beer and wine instead of a full bar, or opt for a signature cocktail(s) that can be made in bulk using affordable ingredients. Another option is to purchase alcohol in bulk from wholesale retailers or consider hiring a bartending service that provides alcohol at a discounted rate. If your venue is providing the alcohol and charging per drink consider setting a specific budget for alcohol and stick to it by closely monitoring consumption throughout the reception. By being strategic about your drink options and purchasing methods, you can significantly reduce your overall beverage costs and still have a super fun wedding!
Splurge: Catering
A great caterer goes beyond simply serving food – they craft a culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression on your guests. Food has the power to bring people together and create a sense of connection. A thoughtfully curated and locally sourced Alaskan menu that reflects your personal tastes and preferences adds a personal touch to your wedding day. From a gourmet multi-course plated meal to a casual buffet-style feast, a skilled caterer can elevate the dining experience, leaving your guests raving about the food long after the wedding day. Additionally, a great caterer can accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests, ensuring that every guest feels included and well taken care of. In Alaska, the average wedding catering cost ranges heavily, and couples should expect to see prices that are $50-$300+ per person.
Save: Cake
Wedding cakes are known as being a focal point of the reception, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune on one. Consider other options to the traditional tiered cake, such as icecream, cupcakes, dessert bars, or even a small cutting cake with less expensive dessert options for guests. Many bakeries offer budget-friendly options for couples looking to save on their wedding cake. You can also explore amateur or home bakers who may offer competitive pricing for equally delicious creations. Remember, it's the taste and presentation that matter most, so focus on finding a baker who can deliver on both fronts within your budget.
Splurge: Photography
Your wedding day is hundreds of memories waiting to be captured. From your vows to candid moments, these moments weave together your special day. While it may be tempting to cut corners in certain areas of your wedding budget, investing in quality photography should be considered a non-negotiable. There is no better way to preserve these special memories for generations to come than through the lens of a professional wedding photographer.
Save: Favors and Gifts
Wedding favors and gifts are thoughtful gestures to thank your guests for sharing and being part of your special day, but the reality is that they often get left at the wedding and are one of the most overlooked details by guests. If you do choose to give a favor/gift, food is always a big hit!
Splurge: Music
While it may be tempting to rely on a friend or family member to handle the music and MC duties, investing in a professional DJ can really MAKE the overall experience for you and your guests. A skilled DJ or band serves as more than just a music provider – in coordination with your Alaska wedding planner, they also guide the flow of your wedding reception and set the mood with grace and professionalism. From announcing key moments like the grand entrance and cake cutting to keeping the energy high and the party going, a seasoned MC can ensure that your wedding day unfolds smoothly and according to plan.
Photo by: The Hitched Hiker
Splurge: Wedding Planner
Hiring a wedding planner (hi, hello, it’s me!) is often seen as a luxury, but believe me, the investment is well worth it. Navigating the many logistics of wedding planning can quickly become overwhelming, leaving couples feeling stressed and anxious rather than excited for their big day. Splurging on a wedding planner is an investment in your time, sanity, and stress levels leading up to your big day.
My role as a wedding planner is to serve as your trusted partner and advocate throughout the entire process. From the initial stages of design to navigating family dynamics, I am by your side, offering guidance, solutions, and peace of mind every step of the way to ensure that your wedding reflects your unique vision, style, and personality, creating a celebration that is truly YOU.
One of the most significant benefits of working with an experienced wedding planner is our extensive network of industry contacts and resources. An experienced Alaska wedding planner can leverage their relationships and connections to secure the best deals, negotiate contracts, and ensure that every aspect of your wedding day is executed to your vision.
From creating wedding planning lists, timelines, and budgets to managing day-of logistics and troubleshooting unforeseen challenges, having a professional planner on hand to manage the logistics of your wedding day allows you to actually relax and enjoy the process. This means you can spend more time making memories with your loved ones, and you can’t put a price on that!
Photo by: Theresa McDonald Photographer
Whether you're investing in aspects like photography, beautiful florals, and hiring a planner or benefiting from strategic savings on invitations, cake, and favors, there are lots of ways to stay within budget while still having a beautiful celebration. Try to remember, it's the little details that make your day unique. By prioritizing what matters most to you and finding creative solutions for cost savings, you can plan a beautiful experience that reflects your personalities and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
P.S. these are just my opinions, there is no right or wrong way to plan your wedding!
Planning your own Alaska wedding?
Contact us today and let’s get started planning your wedding in Alaska. With almost a decade of experience planning weddings in Anchorage and around the state, I will execute your dream day! Interested in eloping? We offer elopement packages in Alaska as well!
