Tips for having a stylish wedding on a budget – Blogpost 3

Here is the next five handy tips to have a stylish wedding on a budget.

Previous blogposts can be read here:  Blogpost 1, Blogpost 2

11. FLOWERS – LESS CAN BE MORE

If you love the idea of having fresh flowers at your wedding, but would not like to spend a fortune, then make sure you use those pretty blooms where they will have the most impact. For example, have an arrangement next to where you will be standing during the ceremony,  instead of having flowers in the foyer or in the aisle. Also using stunning individual flowers on the tables, can have a big impact, think one orchid plant per table, two tulips submerged in a cylindrical vase or single proteas.

12. LIGHTING

The best way to transform any room, and to create a warm and festive ambience, is with lighting. Using lots of inexpensive candles, lanterns or fairylights will make for a stunning setting. Having candles or lanterns on the table will also leave less space for elaborate centrepieces, which means you can get away with using fewer flowers.

13. LET GUESTS HELP THEMSELVES

If you want a plated dinner, cocktail hour with canapés and drink service, you will need more waiters, who have to be paid by the hour. Instead set up a few food stations for guests to help themselves. Put the wine on the table for guests to pour themselves, and opt for a family-style dinner, where food is served per table and each guest dish up their own plate of food.

14. KEEP THE FOOD SIMPLE

You will spend a big chunk of your wedding budget on food, make sure it’s delicious. Our advice would be to rather go for simple, but well prepared and presented food. Just because it sounds fancy on a menu, does not mean it will be delicious. Rather choose a caterer you can trust and opt for a simpler menu. Simple dishes like roasted tomato bruschetta,  a simple pesto pasta dish or orange & thyme roasted free range chicken are real crowd pleasers, and it certainly won’t break the bank. You also don’t have to offer three different meats, and a five course meal. A Three-course meal is more than sufficient.
15. DON’T LET THE CAKE GO TO WASTE
If you are having a wedding cake, make sure you can serve it some time during the reception. Cupcakes or Petit Fours also work well as you can serve them with coffee, or give them to guests as gifts. Be creative, if your wedding cake is nice and moist, it can be dished up with a berry coulis and some artisan ice-cream, as a dessert. Or if you’re getting married quite early in the day, serve a slice of cake with a glass of bubbly.
You can find our last instalment of tips on having a stylish wedding on a budget here.

About the author: Johan Strydom

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