Planning a Special Event on a Budget

During these tough economic times, many of my clients ask me how they can save money without sacrificing style. They all want that fabulous event without breaking the bank! Although this topic has been covered many times before by other industry bloggers, I believe that during these tough times, there is even more reason to revisit them. So, here are some budget-saving tips and suggestions to take into consideration!

1. The first and most important thing to consider is the venue. After all, the venue sets the tone for the entire event! Even more than before, I find that when I visit various venues with my clients, the following is suggested: for evening weddings and other events -- try a weeknight, as venues often offer discounted rates for these times. This also holds true for most other vendors -- caterers, DJs and/or bands, florists, etc.
   
   
2. Consider the time of your event! Go for a daytime wedding and offer a brunch or luncheon instated of a more costly traditional sit-down dinner. Venues will often have cheaper rates for say, Sunday afternoons, instead of Saturday evenings!
   
   
3. Offer a nice chicken or vegetarian dish instead of a more expensive beef or lamb dish. Many caterers now have many fancy and delicious alternatives to more expensive meats.
   
   
4. For a wedding, birthday or other social event where cake is to be served, consider cupcakes or pre-cut slices of cake so none goes to waste. A good idea is to serve the cupcakes or cake slices in a box, which can double as your favor instead of candy or almonds.
   
   
5. Instead of an open bar, offer a signature cocktail and serve sparkling wine instead of champagne.
   
   
6. In regards to entertainment, hire a DJ instead of a band.
   
   
7. For centerpieces, use small containers filled tight with inexpensive flowers like carnations and babies breath with candles in between the arrangement, or forgoe the flowers altogether!
   
   
8. Use smaller tables to seat your guests! And for cocktails, intersperse a few high boys around the room with a small candle or centerpiece for decoration.
   
   
9. DIY, DIY, DIY! -- or, "Do It Yourself!" Consider homemade inviations, putting your favors together yourself, homemade centerpieces, etc. Let your imagination and creativity guide you.

I hope these tips any many more like them will be of use to you while you plan your special event!