Weddings are a time of joy, love, and celebration. However, they can also be quite expensive, especially during a recession. While no one is officially saying the word yet, we are all feeling it. A recession can lead to economic uncertainty and a decrease in disposable income, making it difficult for couples to afford their dream wedding, which is what RAA has specialized in for many years. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to have a beautiful wedding during a recession. In this blog, we will explore some tips and strategies for planning a wedding during an economic downturn.
Prioritize Your Spending
The first step in planning a wedding during a recession is to prioritize your spending. Determine what is most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. For example, if you value having a large, elaborate venue, you may need to cut back on other aspects of your wedding, such as decorations or catering. On the other hand, if you are more focused on creating an intimate, personalized experience, you may opt to have a smaller venue and more personalized touches. Obviously we encourage couples to prioritize their photo and video, because it’s one of the only things that outlast the day itself- but we realize that may mean that couples have to cut back in another area. It’s all about how the pieces best fit for you.
Consider Alternative Venues
One way to save money on your wedding during a recession is to consider alternative venues. Instead of having a traditional wedding venue, consider having your ceremony and reception at a park, a community center, or even a private home. These alternative venues can be much less expensive than traditional wedding venues and can still provide a beautiful and memorable experience for you and your guests. We are lucky in the Kentucky area to have several venues that are very affordable, check out our Vendor spotlight section to see more about those.
Be Creative With Your Decor
Another way to save money on your wedding during a recession is to be creative with your decorations. Instead of hiring a professional decorator, consider creating your own decorations or enlisting the help of friends and family. You can also save money by using natural elements, such as flowers and plants, to create a beautiful and romantic ambiance. We will also shamelessly plug here that real florals often cost much less than silk ones. It’s a very common misconception that fake florals are cheaper (or that you’ll be able to sell them after the wedding- spoiler, this almost never works out like you think it will).
Cut Back on Catering Costs
Catering is one of the biggest expenses of a wedding, and it can be difficult to cut back on this expense, especially when the price of food supplies is currently skyrocketing- and in turn, driving catering costs even higher. However, there are several ways to reduce your catering costs without sacrificing quality. For example, you could opt for a buffet-style meal instead of a sit-down dinner, or you could consider having a potluck reception where guests bring their own dishes.
In conclusion, while a recession can present challenges when it comes to planning a wedding, it is still possible to have a beautiful and memorable wedding day. By prioritizing your spending, considering alternative venues, being creative with your decorations, and cutting back on catering costs, you can have a wonderful wedding during a recession. If you want further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ve been in this business for a very long time and know all the tips and tricks!
