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How do you plan a wedding on a $1000 budget?

Jan 28, 2021

If you're getting married in Adelaide in the near future, take a seat for this shocking news - the average cost of the reception alone in this state is $15,000.  You feel a little dizzy, right?

How does a nice round $1000 sound, then?  Much better?


If you actually answered "You've got to be kidding me," it's time to take that seat once again - because it really can be done.  After all, you don't want to build the foundation for your wedded bliss when you've burned through your savings - but at the same time, you also want a reception that you'll remember ... for all the right reasons.


Take it from us: you could be smiling just as widely after your $1000 reception than after a $15,000 reception.  And we think all that saved cash is much better put towards a deposit for a house, some new furniture, or an awesome honeymoon.


Are there really
wedding venues Adelaide wide that can host your perfect reception for a mere grand?  Yes, it can be done.  Here's how to navigate your way towards a seriously cheap, and seriously great, $1k wedding reception:


1. Say no to Saturday


Did you know some wedding venues charge more than double simply for hosting you on a Saturday?  Keep an open mind about a Friday or a Sunday, because the price savings could seriously stagger you.


2. Say "I do" at the reception


Traditionally, you say "I do" at one place and then move on to a separate reception venue.  But if you're savvy about your reception venue choice, you may find an awesome spot - say, on the shores of the spectacular West Lakes!) to double-up your ceremony and reception venues ... and save plenty of pretty pennies.


3. Brunch, anyone?


Breakfast, brunch and even lunch are all cheaper than dinner - so why not think outside the box for your big day?


4. Have a cocktail reception


Similarly, while a sit-down menu may have been your number 1 choice, it's increasingly popular in these tougher financial times to opt instead for a more affordable tasting menu, share table, cocktail function, or outdoor BBQ.  The good news is that all of these options are handled beautifully by the best Adelaide reception venues - and in many cases, they even seem more expensive than the traditional sit-down option!


5. Winter wedding


We all know that summer is the wedding month in this country, but our winters aren't bad either, are they?  A winter wedding will mean a smaller reception price-tag, because venues would prefer a smaller booking than no booking at all!


6. BYI decorations


Great venues will be more than happy to help you with all your decorations - think balloons, framed photos, flowers, centrepieces, banners, and everything else.  But here's an idea to slash costs: ask the venue if you can bring your own!


But don't stop there!  If you really stop, think, research and brainstorm, there are 1000 other ways that will keep chipping away at that bottom-line cost - and eventually get to something like an incredible $1000.  All that's left to do now is start planning for how to spend the savings!  Happy planning!

28 Jan, 2021
"But hang on!" you might say. "That's exactly the problem!" Indeed, just like when you're buying a new pair of running shoes, the endless choices actually make it harder to choose, not easier. And your choice of wedding venue is actually a lot more important than a pair of joggers, right? So if the endless choices really are overwhelming you, make sure you know what your priorities are. If the venue you're looking at doesn't tick your boxes, then cross it straight off the list. Eventually, you'll find the perfect place ... we promise. What's important to you?  1. The space With a lot of guests, or an appetite for something grand, perhaps the most important thing is the venue size. Obviously you need to fit all the people, but can you get the band in there, too? Is there space for dancing? 2. The budget Let's face it: if you can't afford it, you aren't going to book it, right? But it's actually more complex than that - because you also need to set an order of priorities. What percentage of your budget should you spend on the ceremony, the reception, the dresses, the rings, and so on. If the reception matters the most to you, then seriously skew the budget towards that because it's normally the most expensive of the lot. 3. The area If you're still struggling to narrow down your list, try it this way: do you love the beach? Start browsing venues with a seaview. Is your affinity more with a lake? There's always West Lakes! Is the country more your thing? Let your geographical preference help to turn a very, very long list into a manageably short one. 4. The privacy For some people, privacy really is important - especially for an intimate wedding in a small venue. If you're going to be sharing with other groups, or it's in a venue that isn't particularly private, you're going to lose that intimate vibe. The best solution is to find a place that gives you their space exclusively. 5. In, or out ... or both? Some like a traditional indoor reception venue, others like it outside in the fresh air. And a third group of people prefer a combo: with indoor as well as outdoor spaces to cover every eventuality and maximise those photo ops and lifelong memories. 6. A view Similarly, it's all about the food, the service and the dancing - for some. Others might think a venue with spectacular views of the sea or the lake or the hills puts it to the top of the list. Don't be shy: just be honest with what really matters to you. We hope that helps! In fact, reading advice columns like this is so, so helpful that you shouldn't stop here - keep researching, researching and researching some more. Ask for advice, read reviews, and book venue tours. Happy hunting!
28 Jan, 2021
Honestly though, how do you get a nice, but cheap wedding?
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