DIY weddings and budget weddings have become hot topics of late. It seems that everyone is searching the web for ideas on how they can reduce their wedding costs. Well we’re here to help too and have compiled a list of ways to reduce the cost of your wedding venue.
1 Avoid the weekend
Saturday is the most common day for weddings. It’s traditional and more convenient for most. But by having your wedding mid-week you could cut costs by half.
2 Try a package deal
It might be cheaper to have the wedding and reception in one spot rather than paying for two separate venues.
3 Prioritise your wants and needs
Think about the most important aspects a venue should have. This might be a great view or a large space or easy access for guests etc. Choose a venue that might not be perfect on all fronts but at least covers some of your main priorities.
4 Think outside the box
Your venue doesn’t necessarily need to be a 5* hotel. There are lots of great places where you can get married in a beautiful yet non-traditional setting. Here are just a few:
- Pubs
- Local sports clubs
- Village Halls
- Local authority buildings (check your local council’s website)
- National Trust venues
- Village greens
- Art galleries
- Country cottages
- Smaller hotels
5 Go to wedding fayres
Some venues and suppliers offer discounts exclusively for shows. Either way you may get some fresh ideas from the fayre.
6 Choose a small town
Shop around your local area; you might be able to find a cheaper venue in a small town or village rather than in the city.
7 Avoid wedding season
Venues are bound to offer a reduced fee for out-of-season dates. So book between October and April.
8 Bargain with the owner
If you’ve got the skills you may just be able to haggle for a lower price.
9 Dress up a venue
Don’t judge a book by its cover. You can dress up any venue and hire anything you might need. Four Candles hires out furniture, catering equipment and more.
10 Pay in full
You might be able to get a discount if you offer to pay for the venue in full as opposed to providing a down payment and paying the rest later.
11 Don’t rush it
Make sure you shop around for the best prices. Don’t just settle for the first place you find, your dream (budget) venue could still be out there somewhere.
12 Have a small reception
Only invite your nearest and dearest to the reception. You can have a casual party for the rest of your friends later on.
13 Get wedding insurance
Obviously taking out insurance costs money, but you could save a whole lot of money if something doesn’t go to plan.
14 Find a new venue
Some brand new venues that are just opening will be cheaper than established venues.
15 Shorten your reception
If the venue charges by the hour then save money by cutting down on time. In all likelihood guests won’t even notice.
We hope that these tips will help you save some dough on your big day. Just start early and think things through and you won’t end up paying through the nose for a venue.
Image: Jason Sussberg
1 Avoid the weekend
Saturday is the most common day for weddings. It’s traditional and more convenient for most. But by having your wedding mid-week you could cut costs by half.
2 Try a package deal
It might be cheaper to have the wedding and reception in one spot rather than paying for two separate venues.
3 Prioritise your wants and needs
Think about the most important aspects a venue should have. This might be a great view or a large space or easy access for guests etc. Choose a venue that might not be perfect on all fronts but at least covers some of your main priorities.
4 Think outside the box
Your venue doesn’t necessarily need to be a 5* hotel. There are lots of great places where you can get married in a beautiful yet non-traditional setting. Here are just a few:
- Pubs
- Local sports clubs
- Village Halls
- Local authority buildings (check your local council’s website)
- National Trust venues
- Village greens
- Art galleries
- Country cottages
- Smaller hotels
5 Go to wedding fayres
Some venues and suppliers offer discounts exclusively for shows. Either way you may get some fresh ideas from the fayre.
6 Choose a small town
Shop around your local area; you might be able to find a cheaper venue in a small town or village rather than in the city.
7 Avoid wedding season
Venues are bound to offer a reduced fee for out-of-season dates. So book between October and April.
8 Bargain with the owner
If you’ve got the skills you may just be able to haggle for a lower price.
9 Dress up a venue
Don’t judge a book by its cover. You can dress up any venue and hire anything you might need. Four Candles hires out furniture, catering equipment and more.
10 Pay in full
You might be able to get a discount if you offer to pay for the venue in full as opposed to providing a down payment and paying the rest later.
11 Don’t rush it
Make sure you shop around for the best prices. Don’t just settle for the first place you find, your dream (budget) venue could still be out there somewhere.
12 Have a small reception
Only invite your nearest and dearest to the reception. You can have a casual party for the rest of your friends later on.
13 Get wedding insurance
Obviously taking out insurance costs money, but you could save a whole lot of money if something doesn’t go to plan.
14 Find a new venue
Some brand new venues that are just opening will be cheaper than established venues.
15 Shorten your reception
If the venue charges by the hour then save money by cutting down on time. In all likelihood guests won’t even notice.
We hope that these tips will help you save some dough on your big day. Just start early and think things through and you won’t end up paying through the nose for a venue.
Image: Jason Sussberg