Trying to cut costs on your wedding without sacrificing style? These smart wedding budget tips will help you make the most of every dollar. Whether you’re planning a lavish event or keeping things low-key, every bit of savings adds up. Trimming expenses in one area can free up funds for something special or help keep your overall costs down. Here are our best tips to save money while still hosting your dream day.

Select a Picturesque Wedding Venue to Save on Décor Costs

Choosing a venue with built-in beauty and charm is one of the easiest ways to cut down on wedding costs without sacrificing ambiance. An architecturally stunning or elegantly appointed venue requires little to no additional decor, helping you stick to your budget while still creating a breathtaking atmosphere.

Book a Weekday or Off-Season Wedding to Cut Costs

Saturdays during peak wedding months (spring and fall) are the most expensive. Choosing a weekday or off-season date (winter or summer) can lower venue and vendor costs while still providing a beautiful setting.

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Keep Your Wedding Party Small to Reduce Expenses

The larger the wedding party, the more you’ll spend on bouquets, gifts, and beauty services. A smaller bridal party keeps things intimate and reduces costs.

Simplify Your Catering Choices

Keep the menu simple but adequate, allowing your budget to focus on quality food and excellent service. By opting for a few select menu choices, your caterer can prepare them in bulk, possibly cutting down on the costs of some ingredients.

Use In-Season Flowers for Affordable & Beautiful Arrangements

Flowers that are in season and locally available are much more budget-friendly than exotic or out-of-season blooms. Ask your florist for cost-effective alternatives and consider using more greenery for a lush, elegant look without the high price tag.

Hire Local Wedding Vendors to Avoid Extra Fees

Booking vendors who are local to your venue can save you on travel fees and delivery costs. Whether it’s a florist, photographer, or caterer, choosing nearby professionals can help keep your budget in check.

Trim Your Guest List for Big Savings Across the Board

While it’s tempting to invite everyone you know, keeping your guest count smaller can lead to significant savings across multiple aspects of your wedding, from catering to venue size. Focus your list on those who truly matter, allowing for a more intimate and meaningful celebration while also keeping costs down.

Offer Signature Cocktails Instead of a Full Open Bar

An open bar can be one of the biggest expenses at your wedding, but you can keep costs under control without sacrificing the experience. Opt for beer, wine, and a couple of carefully curated signature cocktails. Creating signature drinks that reflect your personality, love story, or wedding theme adds a personal touch to your big day and makes your celebration even more unique and memorable.

Fake the Wedding Cake for a Luxe Look at a Lower Price

Ornately decorated, tiered wedding cakes can be pricey. If you have your heart set on a lavish cake display, try faking the cake to save money. Opt for a display cake made from layers of decorated styrofoam, but serve slices of sheet cake to guests—it will be just as delicious without the hefty price tag.

Borrow Décor and Accessories Instead of Buying New

Ask recently married friends or family members if they have décor, signage, or accessories you can borrow. Many couples have extra wedding items they’re happy to share. Borrowing wedding items doesn’t just help your budget—it also fits beautifully with the tradition of incorporating “something borrowed” into your wedding day for good luck!

No matter what you envision for your wedding day, Oak Parc Events is committed to bringing your dream celebration to life while making the planning process effortless and stress-free. Our all-inclusive wedding packages are designed to simplify every detail, offering a seamless experience at our two breathtaking venues, Oak Lodge and Parc 73. While our expertly curated packages include everything from elegant décor and delicious catering to professional coordination, our experienced team can customize every detail to match your vision, guest count, and budget, ensuring the perfect setting for your dream wedding day.

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting yet financially demanding experiences in life. With so many decisions to make—from the venue and catering to décor and entertainment—costs can quickly add up. The key to staying within budget is identifying what aspects matter the most to you on the big day and prioritizing where to invest for maximum impact and where to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Here’s a guide to help you decide when to splurge and when to save on your big day.

What Wedding Costs Should I Splurge On?

Splurge: Venue

Your venue sets the stage for your wedding and significantly impacts the overall experience. Whether you dream of a romantic courtyard ceremony, a grand ballroom affair, or a rustic barn wedding, the right venue can create a magical atmosphere that will be remembered for years.

Ways to Maximize Your Budget:

• Choose an all-inclusive venue to streamline costs on rentals and staffing.
• Consider a venue that offers a flexible layout, allowing you to transform the space without excessive additional costs.
• Allow the beauty of the venue to take center stage, reducing the need for extravagant décor or embellishments.

Splurge: Catering

Great food is one of the most talked-about elements of a wedding, and a well-executed culinary experience can leave a lasting impression. Investing in high-quality catering ensures your guests feel valued and well taken care of.

Ways to Maximize Your Budget:

• Add visual appeal to your reception with beautifully plated dishes or elegantly arranged food stations.
• Choose all-inclusive catering packages that offer a diverse selection of dishes at a fixed price rather than paying separately for each item.

Splurge: Photography & Videography

Your wedding day will fly by, but professional photography and videography services ensure your memories last forever. High-quality professionals capture candid moments, emotions, and details beautifully.

Ways to Maximize Your Budget:

• Look for bundled packages that include both services for better pricing.
• Hire a photographer and videographer who frequently collaborate, resulting in a smoother experience and a more cohesive final product.
• Consider an engagement session included in your package for extra value.

Splurge: Entertainment (Band or DJ)

Music sets the tone for your reception, transforming it from a simple gathering into an unforgettable experience. Skilled entertainers, whether a live band or DJ, keep the energy high and the dance floor packed.

Ways to Maximize Your Budget:

• Choose an entertainer who can serve as your emcee, guiding the evening and keeping guests engaged.
• Keep costs down by opting for a DJ instead of a live band.

Splurge: Wedding Coordinator

An experienced wedding coordinator ensures everything runs smoothly, reducing stress and allowing you to enjoy the day.

Ways to Maximize Your Budget:

• Look for an in-house coordinator included in your venue package.
• Work with a professional who can manage schedules and vendor arrivals and keep everything on track on your big day.

How Can I Save on Wedding Costs?

Save: Wedding Invitations

While beautiful invitations make a great first impression, most guests discard them after the event.

Ways to Cut Costs:

• Consider more affordable techniques like digital printing for your wedding invitations.
• Use a wedding website to set up a digital RSVP system, saving money on postage and streamlining the tracking process.

Tip : Incorporate a QR code linking to your wedding website, making it easy for guests to access details without extra paper.

Save: Flowers & Décor

While beautiful flowers and décor can elevate the atmosphere, costs can add up quickly. You can still make a statement with simplified décor.

Ways to Cut Costs:

• Prioritize high-impact areas that will be most visible in photos and to guests—such as the ceremony backdrop, bridal bouquet, and statement centerpieces.
• Repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception to maximize their value.

• Opt for simple arrangements that incorporate greenery, candles, or decorative accents to enhance the ambiance without overspending.

Save: Wedding Favors

Many guests leave favors behind or forget to take them home, making them an unnecessary expense.

Ways to Cut Costs:

• Offer edible favors like cookies, honey jars, or local coffee.
• Skip favors altogether and donate to a charity in honor of your guests.

Save: Wedding Cake & Desserts

An extravagant, multi-tiered cake isn’t necessary to impress your guests.

Ways to Cut Costs:

• Display a small decorative cake for cutting and serve sheet cake to guests.
• Offer a dessert table with affordable, crowd-pleasing options like cupcakes or cookies.

Save: Wedding Attire

You’ll only wear your wedding outfit once, so it doesn’t need to be a major investment.

Ways to Cut Costs:

• Shop sample sales or trunk shows for designer gowns at a discount.
• Consider renting a wedding dress instead of purchasing one.
• Explore pre-owned or vintage options for unique, budget-friendly finds.

Choosing a wedding venue like Oak Lodge or Parc 73 that offers comprehensive wedding packages can help you maximize your budget without compromising on all the meaningful touches that make your wedding memorable. By strategically splurging on impactful elements and saving on less essential details, you can create a beautiful, meaningful celebration without breaking the bank. Choose wisely, plan thoughtfully, and focus on what truly makes your wedding day special.

While most couples start with a carefully thought-out plan for their wedding day budget, unexpected costs have a way of sneaking in and disrupting even the most meticulous financial preparation. From last-minute additions to surprise fees, these expenses can add up quickly. Preparing for these not-so-obvious costs ahead of time means you can be better prepared to handle them and focus on celebrating your love story without financial worries.

Obtaining a Marriage License in Louisiana

The cost of obtaining a marriage license varies from parish to parish but typically averages about $30. Certified copies range from $5 to $10 per copy. Be sure to check which forms of payment are acceptable in your parish, as some offices do not accept credit cards.

Baton Rouge Wedding Officiants

Unless you plan on having a family member or friend get ordained to perform your wedding ceremony for free, you can expect to pay an average of $250 for an officiant in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. Costs can vary depending on the type of ceremony you desire and the location.

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Wedding Event Rentals Near Baton Rouge

Venues typically fall into two categories: those that offer all-inclusive wedding packages, which include catering and additional services, and those that provide the space only. If you’ve chosen a venue where you’re solely renting the space, you’ll need to budget for and arrange all the essentials, like tables, chairs, décor, and catering. Oak Parc offers all-inclusive packages at our venues and can also provide off-site catering for receptions not held at our facilities.

Last-Minute Wedding Guest RSVP Changes

Adding guests means increasing your catering count, which often includes not just the cost of the meal but also additional drinks, desserts, and service fees. Conversely, if guests cancel at the last minute, you may still be on the hook for their portion of the catering, as many vendors require a final headcount a few weeks in advance and charge for the full number submitted.

Delivery Charges, Setup, Breakdown and Cleaning Fees

Some wedding vendors, like florists, rental companies, décor providers, or caterers, charge additional fees for delivery, setup, and breakdown to cover the labor needed to transport, assemble, and pack up items at your venue.

Security at Your Wedding Reception

Many parishes in Louisiana have ordinances requiring security for events with large guest counts or when alcohol is served. For example, at Oak Lodge in Baton Rouge, a deputy is required to be present during your event, whether or not alcohol is being served.

Postage for Wedding Stationery

The cost of mailing your save-the-dates, invitations, and thank-you cards can quickly add up, especially if you have a large guest list or oversized stationery. It is customary to send any RSVP cards pre-stamped so guests can easily return them.

Food for the Wedding Party on the Big Day

Whether you’re getting ready at home, in a hotel suite, or on-site at the venue, you’ll need to plan for feeding your crew to keep energy levels up. If you choose to hold your ceremony and reception at one of Oak Parc’s venues, use of our bridal suite, along with a fresh fruit and cheese display, is included in the price (except ceremonies in the Orleans Room). Additionally, we provide a complimentary Honeymoon Bag for the newlyweds to enjoy after the wedding.

Service Charges and Sales Tax

Sales tax and service charges are typically added to the cost of goods and services, like food and alcohol. This amount may not always be quoted in your initial contract, so carefully review any agreements you have made with your vendors or venue to ensure you are accounting for these charges as necessary. Oak Parc Venues include a service charge and sales tax in your initial contract, allowing you to know your full cost down to the penny.

Parking For Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception

South Louisiana has no shortage of spectacular venues to hold a wedding, but not all of them provide free, ample parking to accommodate your guests. Depending on the location of your ceremony and reception, guests may incur parking hurdles, including valet fees, parking meters, and privately owned pay-to-park lots. Both Oak Lodge and Parc 73 provide plenty of on-site, free parking for your wedding guests.

The key to navigating these expenses is preparation. By understanding where extra costs might arise, you can avoid financial stress and focus on the joy of your celebration. Oak Parc is dedicated to providing couples in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas with a simple and stress-free wedding planning experience. With over 20 years of experience, our dedicated team will work closely with you to execute your vision and exceed your expectations. Contact us today to schedule a tour.