916-808-0957If you’ve ever sat down with our director Rebecca, you know two things right off the bat: she’s right to the point (alright let’s just say it – no bullsh**) and second, if we can find ways to cut the costs for you, we are going to let you know how to do it.
Now of course most of the time that can be as simple as developing a bar set-up that doesn’t have you going bankrupt after the wedding because your friends’ favorite drink just so happens to be Macallan scotch whiskey. But we are always more than happy to suggest ideas for your wedding that will not only catch your guests’ attention, but keep you from breaking the bank as well!
Forget the flowers
Gone are the days where centerpieces strictly have to be all about flowers. More and more these days, designers are breaking boundaries with what is placed on guest’s tables at the reception. And with rustic weddings emerging as this year’s must-have look, it’s no surprise why everything from antiques to classic novels are being used as decor. The best part? Most of these items can easily be found at garage sales, thrift shops or maybe even your own home! Fill your space with classic love novels with your favorite quotes peeking out like the picture below, or mix and match antique silver – since most people don’t really care about silver once it’s rusted, you most likely will be able to get it for a cheap price!
Mason jars
Sure we’ve all seen the pictures on Pinterest or have been to some type of event where the host has utilized them in some way. But we are taking mason jars one step further. Instead of simply using the jars in one aspect of your wedding or event, incorporate them throughout your entire event. Better yet, use the same mason jar for multiple purposes – have a mason jar at each person’s seat at the reception with the guest’s name on the jar. Not only will it be their glassware for the night, but can serve as their seating card (and if you make them really cute, their party favor!) Check out these other great ideas that will make you (and even your wallet) happy too!
Our favorite part? 1.) You won’t be bummed or out a ton of money when your guests ask to take a centerpiece homeand 2.) Mason jars can be reused. Use them again as centerpieces in your own home. Have them as extra everyday drinking glasses. Keep the lids and use them for food storage. The possibilities are endless.
Who needs cake?
If you’ve ever read any wedding planning book or talked to anyone in the industry, the first thing they usually tell you is the biggest waste of money is the cake. Now not only is this because half the time couples end up with a TON of leftover cake, that let’s face it, most likely will just be thrown away. But the cake cutting fee is more often than not completely forgotten about when couple’s sit down to make their budget for the reception. With some places charging up to almost $10 a person nowadays, that’s right folks you heard us correctly.. not only will you be paying a good amount of money to have a half-eaten wedding cake at your reception, but be expected at some places to add a few extra hundred dollars to that price tag for the cake cutting. Now we are lucky enough at the Pavilion to be pretty lenient when it comes to our cake cutting fee, but why not just forget about that worry all together and get creative with your dessert! There’s no doubting that cupcakes in the past couple years have become the obvious choice, but don’t be afraid to have fun with this part. Incorporate the sweets that you LOVE. Chocoholic? Make a chocolate bar. Love camping? Set out a s’more station. You’ll have a hard time choosing just one after you see all of these YUMMY ideas!
One of our grooms this last year was the “ultimate candy lover” according to the bride. She surprised him with a candy bar complete with every type of candy he loves. You can bet his eyes lit up when he saw that table as he entered the reception area!
Photos courtesy of:
Elizabeth Anne Designs The Knot HWTM Daily Blog
Weddings Magazine Intimate Weddings Exclusively Weddings