Today I’m all about “debunking” myths- cost saving myths to be exact! I’ve heard way too many of these lately, and quite honestly, I have NO idea where they came from. It’s time to get rid of these myths once and for all! Let’s begin, shall we?
Myth: It’s cheaper if you have your wedding on a day other than Saturday.
Truth: I have no idea where or when this started, but it’s oh-so-wrong. A wedding vendor is going to work just as hard if your wedding is on a Friday or a Sunday. They’re not going to put in less hours of work just because it’s not a Saturday. Plus, it’s actually becoming REALLY common for Friday and Sunday weddings- even Thursdays too! Besides, do you really want your vendors to half-ass it on your wedding day? Yeah, I didn’t think so. So don’t expect to have cheaper prices if your wedding is on a day other than Saturday. Myth DEBUNKED.
Editor’s Update: It is true, some venues may charge less for days other than Saturday because they really want to book the job, but don’t expect it or plan on it. :)
Myth: Doing it all ourselves will save us money (aka DIY and with the help of family and friends).
Truth: This of course can pertain to several different aspects of a wedding. But most of the time, for the retail price of buying something, you can pay a professional to do it for you, whether it’s buying wholesale or you renting it from them. It’s a funny thing how people who are DIYing their weddings always end up spending more money than they thought they would. DIY the things that can easily be DIY’d, like your favors. If you stick to the pros, chances are really good that you’ll save your money. Myth DEBUNKED.
Myth: Haggle, barter, or low-ball with vendors to get a lower price.
Truth: O.M.G. I have no idea where this one started, but it needs to end! You don’t walk into Dillard’s and tell them you only want to pay $70 for a $125 dress, so why would you do this? Haggling with vendors on their prices is crazy- they’ve set their prices because that’s what they need to do the work they do. Bartering, now this depends on what you’re bartering with, but the things that I’ve heard so far haven’t been ideal for wedding vendors. Another NO. And finally low-balling their prices. I’ve heard of this happening a lot lately too. Saying that you really can only afford the bare minimum, but want them to provide more and trying to make them feel guilty? Yikes, not cool. In a nutshell: Don’t try to mess with vendor pricing. It is what it is, and it’s usually already at the lowest point it can be because people in the wedding industry aren’t doing it to make a fortune- they’re doing it because they love weddings! :) Myth DEBUNKED.
Myth: Heavy hors d’voures is cheaper than dinner.
Truth: I know this to be wrong: hors d’voures actually require MORE labor than meals do, and so they often end up being more expensive! Plus the Service requires making sure each guest gets enough! Myth DEBUNKED.
Myth: Cocktail style receptions are less expensive because you need “less food” than a sit down dinner.
Truth: Another food-related one, but I can help with this too. Yes, cocktail receptions don’t have a full-out meal. They do, however, have a lot more appetizers and small bites, which could add up to just as much food as if you were having meals served. And then, since it’s “cocktail-style”, guests are definitely going to be drinking more. Myth DEBUNKED.
Myth: “I have a friend/family member that can do ___, so we won’t need to hire anyone for that”.
Truth: Ah, but of course! Everyone always knows someone who can do photography, planning, DJ, food, etc. BUT it always turns out that they forget that they want to be guests and end up a) slacking on what they’re supposed to be doing or b) backing out altogether, leaving you to have to pay someone. Trust me and tell the friend/family members that you want them to enjoy the wedding. Neither you or them will regret it. Myth DEBUNKED.
Myth: “My mother (or aunt or friend, etc) is going to do the flowers in silk to save money.”
Truth: OMG silk flowers cost so much! And they always LOOK silk- I don’t care how good you are at arranging flowers, those plastic “veins” on the flowers are a dead giveaway. Bottom line for this one- silk flowers are NOT going to save you money. Myth DEBUNKED.
Myth: Destination weddings cost less.
Truth: Definitely not. Unless it’s you and your fiancé eloping. If you’re inviting family members, there are more events that have to be held and more things that need to be taken of. Transportation, rooms, welcome dinners, rehearsal dinners, wedding dinner, breakfasts. Not to mention what it costs for your guests to get there. Get my drift? If you want to do a destination wedding, know that it’s not going to be less than what a wedding would be in your own town. Myth DEBUNKED.
Myth: " We are going to save 1/2 by eloping and then coming home and throwing a reception!"
Truth: Definitely not again! The reception is where most of your budget is at. You are right you would save on a dress, and an officiant, but all the rest of the expenses are still there. Myth DEBUNKED.
Source: Every Last Detail.
