As more couples contribute to or pay the entire cost of their own wedding, cost savings on the big day often play a pivotal role in the planning process. However, this doesn’t mean weddings have to be boring or bare bones. Instead, couples are prioritizing what really matters to them on their wedding day.
We spoke with Caroline Monteith, owner and lead planner at Goldbug Events, along with Caroline Atkinson, Goldbug Events’ executive assistant and wedding planner, about the best ways to lower costs without compromising the vision. “We encourage couples to shift their mindset from ‘cutting costs’ to curating priorities,” stated Atkinson. The following tips and recommendations can help serve as a guide to planning a wedding that balances beauty and budget.
The saying ‘less is more’ can often ring true when sticking with a budget. Prioritizing what matters most instead of focusing on what must get cut is the mindset that budget-friendly couples need to adopt. Monteith added, “A beautiful wedding isn’t about doing everything. It’s about choosing a few key areas to focus on and allowing the rest to complement those moments.” You must decide, do you want to spend more on flowers or food? Music or décor? Selecting a few items to concentrate on instead of trying to do it all will ultimately bode well for the bottom line.
Discussing common budget pitfalls, Atkinson said, “One of the biggest challenges is booking a venue before setting an itemized budget. Details like in-house catering, bar minimums or available inventory are important, and couples can easily spend a large portion of their budget in one area, leaving less to bring in the other vendors who also make the day feel complete.” Before committing to a venue, evaluate the full financial picture to ensure you’re prepared for the final vendors that are yet to be booked.
When touring a venue, it’s important to note what’s included and what’s required. Additionally, spaces that are already beautiful will require less decorations. Monteith expounded, “Couples often find the best value in venues that offer natural beauty or built-in features, which allow them to spend less on enhancements while still creating a stunning experience.” Living in the Lowcountry, we have access to everyday places that are truly breathtaking. Goldbug Island, Alhambra Hall, the Cooper River Room at Memorial Waterfront Park and even local parks are great places to start.
Sometimes tight budgets simply require a little creativity. Atkinson noted, “Couples can reduce costs significantly by being flexible with timing and format. Off-season or weekday celebrations, brunch weddings and smaller guest counts can all make a difference. Creative choices like partial seating during the reception or repurposing decor and furniture from the ceremony to the reception help maximize impact while keeping the day cohesive and beautiful.” Remember, we aren’t taking things away; we are enhancing what’s important to the wedding and working smarter, not harder.
When looking at the full picture of your budget, plan to spend more on the reception space than the ceremony location. Monteith said the ceremony should keep the focus on the couple, and the reception should have the greatest “visual impact.”
“Mixed florals with candlelight and layered textures and linens can transform the room and make the celebration feel elevated without overspending,” added Atkinson.
Pinterest and wedding magazines are beautiful places for inspiration but remember, it’s not about ‘keeping up’ with trends or other couples. Atkinson said it best: “We remind couples that the wedding is ultimately about the lifelong commitment they’re making and celebrating with the people they love most. Instead of trying to keep up with trends or social media, we encourage them to focus on what feels personal and meaningful to them.”
At the end of the day, these are your cherished memories.
By Katie Finch
Leave a Reply