Though several things contribute to the cost of a wedding and reception, location is a significant factor. Take Santa Monica, for example. The city is ranked as one of the most expensive places to tie the knot. As you might imagine, these added costs make it difficult for couples with limited budgets. Fortunately, there are ways that brides and grooms-to-be can host the wedding of their dreams without the high price tag. Check out these suggestions below.
Home Weddings
One of the most significant wedding expenses for Santa Monica couples is a venue. Finding a space large enough to accommodate their guests without breaking the bank is nearly impossible. As a result, home weddings have become a popular option. Hosting a ceremony and reception at a residence doesn’t cost a penny. With large spacious properties and even more elaborate outdoor living spaces, Santa Monica real estate offers an intimate yet practical setting to get hitched. Some couples even decide to have relatives prepare dishes to avoid the costs of food and catering.
Wedding Fashion Rentals
While grooms have been renting tuxedos for decades, brides spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on wedding gowns, shoes, jewelry, and other bridal party fashions. Modern women have stepped away from tradition and opted to rent their attire. From designer wedding dresses and vintage jewelry, brides-to-be save a ton of money by renting fashions from local boutiques, consignment stores, and eCommerce sites. This concept allows them to select some of the most elaborate styles without worrying about going over budget.
Wedding Websites
Believe it or not, the cost of stationery, ink, and printing services for wedding invitations can eat away at your wedding budget. Today’s couples have eliminated this expense by opting for wedding websites. These are free or affordable websites where couples can share their love story, details of their special day, and more in real-time with their intended guests. Those that have access to the site can view a digital invitation, RSVP, and select their reception menu choice, making management and planning a lot easier for couples.
Brunches And Cocktail Weddings
Though Santa Monica has several restaurants to choose from, paying for food and catering services is expensive. Engaged couples have reduced these costs by simply selecting a convenient time to host their reception. Holding a wedding and reception in the morning means affordable breakfast and lunch options for the menu. They also save a ton of money on alcohol as most brunch weddings serve coffee, tea, orange juice, and perhaps a mimosa.
Those interested in having a wedding and reception later in the day plan cocktail weddings. These are typically held before or after dinner (which is the most expensive meal of the day). Guests get to indulge in a few signature cocktails while tasting appetizers. Some couples opt for food stations where guests to try everything from tacos to ice cream sundaes.
Virtual Weddings
Since the coronavirus pandemic swept the nation last March, couples have turned to technology to tie the knot. As such, virtual weddings have become a trend. Though a bit different than an in-person celebration, it’s saved them a lot of money. The bride and groom simply find a wedding official and decorate their homes or backyards. With the right video equipment and live streaming services, they’ve held intimate ceremonies with their friends and family watching from the comfort of their home.
Santa Monica might be one of the most beautiful and exciting places to live. However, when it comes to the cost of hosting a wedding, it’s often more than the average couple can handle. Fortunately, there are ways around an expensive ceremony and reception. Rather than skimp on the details of one of the most important days in their lives, couples have found creative ways to tie the knot without breaking the bank. If you’re getting hitched soon, consider some of the suggestions above to plan the wedding of your dreams.
