How to Save Money on Your Omaha Wedding Without Cutting Guests
Planning your wedding should be the best time of your life - full of joy and making memories, ideally with no stress. But a major component of added stress is the overall budget of your celebration. At Omaha Design Center, we strongly believe that you can design and we can execute the wedding of your dreams without sacrificing what you want because of a price tag - or the number of guests you want to include. Here are some practical ways that you can save money while still being able to invite every person you want:
1. Venue
The venue to choose is the largest budget expense during the planning process. Choosing a venue that includes flexible pricing and inclusive packages will allow you to completely customise your venue space without adding extra expenses that aren’t always needed. At the Omaha Design Center, we collaborate with local vendors and your dedicated wedding team to give you the best price possible, getting the most value for your budget.
2. Optimize Timing
The day of the week, the season, and the time of day can drastically influence your ending cost. Weekday weddings tend to be cheaper, as well as dates during off-peak seasons. Choosing a time slot that isn’t during a high-demand wedding month or day will not only give you off-peak pricing at the venue, but you will have more options with vendors and their lower pricing during that time.
3. Prioritize What Matters Most
Pick and choose your “Top 3” design elements to make an absolute priority. Whether it’s a special installation, your dream wedding photographer, or a DJ that will have the party going all night long, allocating more of your budget for those top 3 will ensure that they happen without compromising the rest of your design elements. For example, the trend of curated playlists in place of full live bands can preserve atmosphere while saving money.
4. Modern Catering Trends
Food and beverages can make a huge dent in your budget after your venue cost, but there are a few tricks and trends that can help you save a little extra while still making everyone happy:
Food stations, like a buffet or charcuterie table, or family style shard platters instead of plated dinners, to reduce staffing services
Having a late-night snack bar - ice cream, candy, or sushi - can add a fun element that everyone can partake in
Signature cocktails will allow guests to have something special and unique to enjoy while limiting the amount of different alcohol that is bought
5. Smart Décor
Décor doesn’t have to be expensive. You can design your space to still be stylish, but on a budget.
Stick with minimalist florals with flowers that are in season.
Thrifting tablescape décor can add contrast and create something different and unique for every table while still bringing beauty to your design.
Use lighting to your advantage, whether it’s candles or string lights, without needing to have massive installations that cost a fortune.
Every venue offers different elements that are included in your wedding package. Be sure to talk to our team at the Omaha Design Center to see what design elements are already included in your package. That will allow you to budget for extra design elements you want to bring into your space.
6. Multi-Purpose Rentals
Picking rental options that can serve multiple purposes will give you more of a variety while not compromising your design vision or the feel of your space. Ceremony arches can easily be transformed into the backdrop for your sweetheart table, or turn a lounge area into a photobooth. The more creative you get with utilizing the options in your space, the more you’ll be able to save in the end.
7. Digital Invitations and RSVPs
Everything is online these days, and embracing digital invites and RSVPs will save you big money on printing and postage. Take advantage of all the online platforms that allow you to completely customize your invites and RSVPs that are personal to what you want.
8. Plan With Local Vendors
Going local is one of our favorite options at the Omaha Design Center. Choosing to go local and working with Omaha vendors not only supports this city and our community but can also give you the best options and prices out there. Local vendors tend to offer fully customizable packages that are tailored to local weddings, and some offer deals depending on your venue. (Talk to us today to figure out who we partner with and who we recommend.)
There are so many different ways that you can save money for your big day without having to compromise who you invite. It takes a little extra planning and preparation, but it is absolutely possible and easily achievable. We are here to help you, at the Omaha Design Center, to bring your dreams to life, all while helping you save a little cash in the end.
Contact us today to talk about your dream wedding day and all the ways we can help make it come to life in a way that is beautifully and uniquely yours.
Omaha Design Center
As Downtown Omaha’s most fashionable event and wedding venue, Omaha Design Center combines industrial chic style with modern amenities. From elegant weddings and receptions to large-scale corporate events and private parties, our space accommodates up to 550 seated guests. Complete with a private patio overlooking the city skyline, it’s the perfect backdrop for unforgettable celebrations.
Located in Downtown Omaha | Seating for up to 550 | Home of Omaha Fashion Week
Contact us to schedule a tour or learn more about hosting your event at Omaha Design Center.