New England Bride Magazine

Having your wedding at an off-peak time will save you a lot of money, and still offer plenty of beautiful photo opportunities (after all, what’s more classically romantic than a loving embrace against a sparkling, snowy backdrop?)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROLAND

impressed with these thematic elements
that they won’t miss an open bar. Also,
make specific consumption arrangements
with the venue.
Hosting a big bash, like this one at The
Georgetown Club, 978-352-8777, is easy when
you use a few of these spending-savvy tips!

TIMING IS EVERYTHING And no, that doesn’t mean you have to be back by midnight. It does mean that it is extremely cost-effective to book your event at an off-peak time. Try asking for a Thursday, Friday, or Sunday rather than a Saturday night.

BE A TREND-SETTER

Host a dessert reception or brunch instead of a traditional dinner event. Ask your reception site to compile a unique dessert-only menu, or go for a substantial brunch (which costs much less per person than a dinner reception).

DESERT AN ADDITIONAL DESSERT Serve your specialty cake as dessert— that’s why you spent all those calories making sure you liked it! There is no need for an additional plated dessert. If you are worried about having something for everyone, serve small plates with petit fours and berries.

OFFER A “DUO-PLATE” SEATED DINNER Many people are not aware that a plated dinner is actually less expensive than food stations. Additionally, serving two entrées on each plate, like chicken and fish, is more cost-effective than offering two separate entrées.

COMBINE A SALAD COURSE WITH AN APPETIZER Serving a crab cake or goat cheese tart on top of a salad, for example, will leave your guests sated while cutting down on courses served— and therefore the price of the menu.

OFFER SIGNATURE SPECIALTY COCKTAILS OR BEER AND WINE Colorful, creative cocktails will add a personalized element to your party. Or call your event a “wine dinner” and only offer red, white and rosé wine. Your guests will be so

DOUBLE-DUTY DÉCOR Combine fresh flowers, which can be one of the most costly elements of a party, with less expensive decorations, like candles in different shapes and heights as centerpieces. Glass vases of different heights filled with colorful fruit are another beautiful andt inexpensive option. You can also work with a florist or production company to have centerpieces that become favors at the end of the party, or seating cards that include frames as another favor. For more ideas on centerpieces and favors for every season, see the July 2008 issue of New England Bride online at NewEnglandBride.com.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT MUSIC FOR THE NIGHT Multi-piece bands also increase a party’s budget rapidly. Examine the size of the group, purpose of the celebration, and audience when

CACHET PHOTOGRAPHY

Your wedding cake is more than just a work
of art—it’s a dessert! Save cash by skipping a
second dessert or dessert buffet. You have
your cake, so eat it too!

choosing your music. Hiring a jazz trio for cocktails and dinner and then a DJ for the latter part of your event may be less expensive than a 10-piece band, and more appropriate for your party.