5 budget tips with potential

Expert Tips from Christine Martin of Pure Potential Weddings

Christine Martin is one of the first to admit that a wedding costs a lot of money. She’s the Owner and Event Coordinator for her company, Pure Potential Weddings. “One of the most common questions I am asked as a planner is, How can we keep our costs down and still have a spectacular wedding?… And as a planner, it is part of my job to offer my clients cost-saving solutions.” Here are Christine’s top five tips to help you balance the budget and plan a day to remember…

1. Determine the three most important aspects of your wedding (example: photography, food, décor) and spend your money there. If the something isn’t a huge importance to you, then skip it all together. Don’t include things in your wedding just because of tradition… include them because you love them!

2. Get married on any other day than Saturday. Saturday is the most expensive day of the week to get married on because it’s traditionally the most popular. Many venues offer significant discounts if you have your wedding on a Friday or Sunday. On long weekends, Sundays may be treated like a Saturday when it comes to price.

3. Skip the traditional sit-down dinner reception and opt for a cocktail reception. You may not only save money on food, but also on tables, linens, décor and so much more!

4. Get married during the off-season. The most popular months to get married in are May through October, so opt for something during November through April. Many venues see little activity during the winter/spring months and will offer large discounts. And plus… how gorgeous would it be to have a winter wonderland wedding?! Note: Holiday events season may keep some venues busy right through to mid December.

5. Have pieces in your wedding that will work as ‘double duty’ items. For example, if you have ceremony decorations, have them all transported afterwards to the reception to act as part of the head table décor. Or have your guest name cards printed on the favours… this will save money and will further personalize your favours!

Pure Potential Weddings’ Christine Martin is reviewed in, and a contributor to, TheWeddingRing.ca and Bridal News Magazine.