Wedding expenses have a way of creeping up on you and, no matter how big (or small) your budget is, there’s always “just one more little thing” to add. Before you know it, you can be hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars above your budget. The good news is: There are ways to cut your costs without sacrificing quality. We asked some respected local experts for tips on the easiest ways to save some dough on your big day.
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1. Cake
“Go for a buttercream/naked cake with fresh flowers and fruit. Using fresh flowers instead of sugar flowers lowers the cost of a cake. Buttercream is also a delicious and inexpensive way to keep the cost down when it comes to your filling! Always choose buttercream as the icing rather than a ganache or fondant, as that will make your wallet happy. As far as sizing, a small ‘display cake’ with a sheet cake for the kitchen to cut up, is another way most clients choose to go.”
— Maria Delgado Gambini
Owner/Cake Decorator
Chantilly Pâtisserie, Bronxville
2. Venues
“Ask venues which months are considered their off-peak months. For some venues, summer months, such as July and August, are considered off-peak and they will offer a discounted rate. Other months that are often off-peak are November through March. There are also certain days of the week for which the venue will offer a discounted rate. Fridays and Sundays are often less expensive than having your wedding on a Saturday. I have even seen weddings on Mondays and Thursdays. Your vendors may offer a discounted rate for one of these weekdays as well.”
— Lauren Malang Stanco, Owner/Event Planner
LCR Events, Cortlandt
3. Invitations
“The easiest way to cut down costs on invitations is to not send a direction card. Also, use small rectangle invites instead of square or larger envelopes. Less layers and no pockets as part of an invite also means lighter weight for postage.”
— Maria Solazzo, Owner
Always Impressive, Mamaroneck
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4. Entertainment
“When you are on a budget, opt for a DJ instead of a band. Bands can be very costly. If you choose a DJ company that also offers live musicians, they will often create a package deal for you which includes the DJ for the reception and a duo or trio for cocktail hour.”
— Lauren Malang Stanco, Owner/Event Planner
LCR Events, Cortlandt
5. Photography
“We recommend hiring a photographer that offers extra perks with their wedding packages, like a free engagement session. This gives you and the photographer an extra chance to get comfortable with each other before your event and a set of great images for free.”
— Joseph Mason Lingeman, Owner/Photographer
6. Guest List
“There are many ways couples can cut down on their actual wedding budget, but the most recommended option is managing the guest list. The number of guests invited not only increases the cost of the reception, but everything else, including invitations, favors/gifts, cake, and centerpieces.”
— Jacqueline Vazquez
Master Wedding Planner & Detail Designer
CEO, Lifetime Events by Jacqueline, Scarsdale
