You may not associate money-saving with luxury, but we just happen to think there are secrets to having them go hand-in-hand.

Sure, you may have heard that to save money you should reduce your guest count or opt for a Friday or Sunday wedding, but what about when you are set on your list and a Saturday is a must?

Luxury weddings aren’t about spending every last dime on any detail possible.  We have actually found some great tricks to keeping some of that money while still having a most unbelievable event – and your guests will never know the difference.

Here are our 5 secrets to saving money on a luxury wedding:

1. Allow Your Floral Designer Flexibility.

If you aren’t absolutely tied to a certain Instagram or Pinterest picture for your wedding flowers, you can be in for a treat – and many times, a savings!

Finding a floral designer that you trust and that has the creative vision to take your preferences to the next level is key to allowing for flexibility with your wedding flowers and budget.

Why is this important?

One of Central Florida’s most coveted floral designers, Lana Faulkner, with Fairbanks Florist, says that trust and flexibility give her the ability to pick the freshest, most beautiful blooms at the flower market (think small, unopened peonies versus lush, blooming David Austen roses) as well as unique options that may not have been discussed (hello, hanging amaranthus!) – many of which are much less expensive than the original proposal.

Some of her most spectacular work has been due to couples allowing her the creative freedom to order and pick what she deems best.

Our advice?  Interview a variety of florists and ask them to show you examples of design flexibility they have been given and how it may soften costs for your own event.  

2. Choose Different Bar Options.

Your wedding package may include an open bar the entire evening, but not all caterers or venues require this nor is it best for many guest lists.

Depending on your attendees, you may want to consider having an open bar for the cocktail reception and then going with bill on consumption the rest of the evening.

Why?

Think about this…

When guests first arrive at the cocktail reception, they will typically get a drink or two – sometimes even more if they only drink a half glass before refilling, it gets too warm, or they just want a different drink altogether.

After the cocktail reception, guests take their seats and enjoy the first dance and toasts before dinner is served.  If you are paying for an open bar during this time, how many guests may be actually partaking in that?

Consider offering a hosted bar during and/or after dinner in which you will be billed solely on the drinks received from the bar.  If you don’t have a large drinking crowd, this can save!  And using that savings for such things as wine service at dinner or an upgraded champagne toast may make the night that much more special.

3. Make the Cake…Fake.

What?  A fake cake?  Yep.  Hear us out.

Do you have an elaborate design for your wedding cake with a variety of tiers?  There are tricks that some bakers can do that help with both the quality and the cost of this type of cake.

Some bakeries will create a “fake” styrofoam cake with real fondant on the outside, allowing for more time to make the amazing decorations and less work trying to secure all the layers.  But don’t worry – a small area of real cake is placed in the area where the cake cutting will take place.

Once the cake is cut, it gets taken in the behind the doors of the venue and out come servers with real cake as though it was getting cut in the back – but, it is really scrumptious sheet cake!

This can help the cake be as fresh as possible and guests typically have no idea!

4. Forgo Boutonnieres.

A new trend popping up is the absence of boutonnieres.  Although they are pretty little things, they squish easily after hugging and can fall limp within minutes – especially in the sun.

Many grooms and groomsmen are forgoing this tradition for a cleaner look.  You may not even notice they aren’t there!

5. Hire a Wedding Planner.

Seem counter-intuitive when trying to save money?  We get it.

But we also know more tips and tricks in saving money while still having a stunning wedding.  We know who to call depending on style and budget as well as what won’t make an impact and what will.  

Have questions on which wine to select?  We know of great options in a variety of price ranges.  

Do you really need to pay for that extra hour of set up?  We’ll be there so you may not have to.

Should you try yet another hairstylist in order to find the right one?  Let us connect you with the  best so you can stop worrying and paying for consults you’re not happy with.

Saving money is not just for budget-conscience weddings.  It can be for everyone – even those weddings that are jaw-dropping!  

If you are planning a Central Florida or Orlando luxury wedding and are looking for more creative ways to plan your dream day while not throwing away all of your funds, please call me at (407) 365-4729 or email me at michele@michelebutlerevents.com.

And don’t worry – we make sure every wedding is luxurious!

WANT MORE IDEAS?

Come see us at The Wedding Stroll:

Sunday, February 16

Noon – 4:00pm

Click here to buy tickets and use code “Heart20” for half off.