Secrets to a Luxury Wedding Without Breaking the Bank in Middle or East Tennessee!
- thehomestead32
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Are you aiming for a luxurious ceremony and reception celebration for your wedding day?While traditional media often showcases extravagant weddings that seem out of reach, there's a silver lining. You can create a stunning wedding that looks and feels high-end without draining your savings. In this post, we will share practical strategies to make your dream wedding a reality on any budget. No detail is too small, and every strategy helps.
Setting a Realistic Budget
Before you jump into wedding planning, the first step is to set a realistic budget. This may seem basic, but it is vital. In setting this budget the need to see things from a different perspective may be important.
Example: You have set a budget of $12,000 for all items: Dress, Venue, coordinating, planning, decor, photography, DJ, food, flowers. As you are viewing venues, check to see how many of these items can be included for one price. At Homestead 32 we include the venue, tables, chairs, all decor, planning and coordinating for one price of 4900 (8 hours) for up to 60 guests and 7900 (Friday-Sunday) for 60-200. This would leave a balance of $7,100. to 4,100.
In Middle and East Tennessee you can locate dresses for under $1000.00 as well as the cost of the DJ, and photography. The cost of flowers has been greatly reduced as there is only a need for the bride and bridal party bouquets, boutineers and corsages.
This budget will be your guide, directing all your choices from the venue to the attire. We offer a list of successful vendors for you to select from for any items not included in our packages.
Create a list distinguishing your must-haves versus nice-to-haves. For example, you might prioritize a beautiful venue but be more flexible about the flower choices. Knowing your priorities will help keep your planning organized and avoid unexpected costs.
Venue Selection: Your Luxe Canvas
The venue is often one of the largest expenses in wedding planning, but you have options!
The average cost of full planning services in East Tennessee is $1,000 to $8,000 depending to the amount of planning included. Partial Planning Services can run between $1,500 and $3,800. We include partial planning services within our packages.
The Day of Coordination's time commitment is between 15 and 25 hours and includes detils such as creating the timeline for the ceremony and reception as well as creation of the vendor arrival timeline after contacting all vendors to ensure every item is in order and no surprises pop up. The cost of this service is between $800 and $2500 in East and Middle Tennessee.
Many venues will charge you or include tables, chairs, linens, plus other tables used for cake/dessert, cards and gifts, memory table, etc. Check with the venue to see what is included and what is an add on. The average cost for renting tables and chairs for a wedding can be from $300 to $2000 depending on the number needed and quality. The price per items is typically $8 to $75 (round, rectangular, etc) per table and $2 to $15 per chair.
The Decor is another area with money can be saved if included in the Venue cost. To DYI a wedding for up to 125, the cost could be between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on the level of decor you would be planning to use. At Homestead 32 we use professional grade decor include our personalized decorating services. The average cost nationwide for a wedding decorator is around $100 per hour and we include this in our packages.
Off-Peak Pricing
Selecting a wedding date during the off-peak season—typically from late fall to winter—can lead to significant savings. Many venues offer discounts for off-season bookings, potentially reducing your costs by 20% to 50%. In selecting a discounted rate, inquire as to what is included in the discount as some venues will reduce what is included to fit the discount.
The Perfect Attire
Getting dressed for your luxury wedding is essential, but it doesn’t have to be costly.
Sample Sales and Secondhand Finds
Check out boutique sample sales for beautiful designer gowns at a fraction of their original prices—often 50% to 70% off. In addition, consider secondhand options like thrift stores or online marketplaces. You might discover gowns that usually retail for $1,500 being sold for as little as $300.
Custom Made or Family Heirlooms
If you or someone you know has sewing skills, consider having a dress custom made. Personal touches can make it special without breaking the bank. Alternatively, wearing a cherished family heirloom carries sentimental value and often comes at no cost.
Catered Meals That Wow
The reception meal doesn't have to be a multi-course sit-down to feel elegant.
Buffet or Food Stations is our preferred option
Think about offering a buffet or food stations instead of a plated dinner. This option can lower catering costs and create a casual, interactive experience. Choose a few high-quality dishes to highlight your personal tastes, such as a gourmet macaroni and cheese station or a taco bar. Determine whether the caterer, venue or family will manage the food. Price options can include this important service. Ask yourself the question: who will manage the food? Caterers can provide a drop off service or staff to serve. Compare this price with the price of hiring staff to serve and manage which should include clean up of the food and kitchen area. Homestead 32 can secure this staff for you if needed.
Local Food Trucks
Hiring trendy local food trucks for catering can be unique and budget-friendly. These food trucks may charge between $12 and $25 per person, which can be less than a traditional catered meal. A item to think about with a food truck is that each plate is typically made at time of order, which in turn is a slow process.
Exquisite Entertainment
The right entertainment can create a memorable atmosphere for your guests.
Local Artists and Musicians
Book local musicians or DJs who can provide excellent entertainment for a fraction of the cost of big names. Many local acts charge between $500 and $1,500, making it easier to fit into your budget.
Fun Activities and Photo Booths
Adding a photo booth can enhance the fun. DIY photo booths, complete with props and a backdrop, can give your wedding a personal touch. You might spend around $200 to set it up, compared to renting a professional photo booth for $1,000 or more.
Capturing the Moments
A luxurious wedding deserves quality photography, but you don’t need to hire an expensive professional.
Find Emerging Talent
Look for emerging photographers who may offer lower rates as they build their portfolios. With some effort, you can find great talent for around $1,000, compared to the usual $3,000 for established names.
Time Limits
Hire a photographer for just part of the day, capturing key moments during the ceremony and the start of the reception. This approach can save you roughly 25% on photography expenses. We have found that hiring for the sweet spot of 7 hours will get you all the special photos which you may want to look at year after year.
Favors and Gifts with a Touch of Class
Wedding favors may be a good cost effective way to show appreciation to your guests, yet over the years they have become an item that can be deleted from the wish list. If you choose to offer a wedding favor, stay with something simple and cost effective that can be ordered in bulk.
Edible Favors
Choose edible favors like gourmet chocolates or homemade cookies. They not only add a personal touch but are likely to be well-received by guests. You might find that making them yourself can cost about $1 to $2 per person.
Meaningful Gifts
Craft small, meaningful gifts that reflect your journey together. A simple thank-you note can have a powerful impact and cost very little.
Save on Flowers without Sacrificing Beauty
Flowers can be a major budget item if not planned carefully.
In-Season Blooms
Incorporate in-season flowers into your arrangements to cut costs. Consulting local florists can yield stunning bridal bouquets, potentially reducing your floral budget by 30% or more.
Greenery and Foliage
Use greenery alongside flowers to enhance your arrangements while being budget-friendly. Foliage, like eucalyptus or ferns, can add depth at a lower cost.
Final Touches: Amplifying Luxury with Small Details
Details make a big difference, transforming your wedding from ordinary to extraordinary.
Signature Drinks
Create a signature cocktail that represents your taste. Offering a unique drink can elevate the beverage experience while keeping costs manageable. A well-crafted cocktail can cost as little as $5 per serving when made in bulk.
Wrapping It Up
Planning a luxe wedding on a budget is all about creativity and resourcefulness. By focusing on what truly matters and exploring alternatives in areas like venue and decor, you can have a stunning event without overspending.
Always remember that the heart of your celebration lies in the love and personal touches you add. With thoughtful planning and a dash of creativity, your dream luxury wedding can be a reality without breaking the bank. Cheers to love, laughter, and your happily ever after!
Happy wedding planning!
Homestead 32 Wedding Venue in Crossville, TN hopes to use our platform to create awareness for the value of supporting locally owned wedding venues and vendors. You can help support amazing locally owned wedding venues across the country by writing a Google review, following their social media accounts and referring locally owned wedding venues whenever you have the opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your support and want to share a shout out to some of our wedding venue owner colleagues around the country and to some locally owned vendor business on the Cumberland Plateau and surrounding counties. Our goal is to always place quality over quantity and support quality small business owners. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
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