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.

Planning a wedding is a journey filled with excitement and a fair share of stress. Couples often find themselves navigating through a maze of decisions, and the pressure to ensure everything goes smoothly can sometimes overshadow the joy of the occasion. All-inclusive venues are designed to take the hassle out of planning, making the experience enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved. Here are the top reasons to choose an all-inclusive venue for your big day.

1. Comprehensive Wedding Packages Offer Cost-Effective Solutions

Weddings can be expensive, and staying within budget is a challenge for many couples. All-inclusive wedding venues offer a cost-effective solution by bundling essential services—such as catering, décor, and planning into a single package. This approach can lead to significant savings compared to hiring separate vendors for each service. Many venues have established relationships with local vendors, which can lead to exclusive discounts that aren’t available to the general public. The upfront pricing helps you avoid unexpected fees and makes it easier to manage your wedding budget.

2. Simplify the Wedding Planning Process with an All-Inclusive Venue

Rather than juggling multiple contracts, meetings, and emails with different vendors, the venue consolidates these responsibilities by offering many of them in-house. This significantly reduces the logistical headaches of wedding planning and ensures that everything runs smoothly on the big day. This efficiency allows you to focus on the fun and personal elements of your wedding without worrying about the behind-the-scenes details.

3. Reduce Stress and Decision Fatigue While Planning Your Wedding

With so many decisions and moving parts, planning a wedding can be a stressful event. Choosing a venue that offers comprehensive packages significantly reduces stress by minimizing the number of decisions you need to make. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also alleviates decision fatigue, allowing you to concentrate on the aspects of the wedding that truly matter to you.

4. Wedding Coordinators Provide Dedicated Support at Every Step of the Process

On-site coordinators bring unmatched expertise to your wedding, ensuring a stress-free experience. Their deep understanding of the venue’s layout and capabilities enables them to unlock its full potential, creating a celebration as memorable as it is personalized. From the initial planning stages to the final moments of your big day, your dedicated coordinator serves as your trusted guide and single point of contact. They meticulously handle every detail so you can fully immerse yourself in the joy of celebrating with your partner and loved ones.

5. Create an Enjoyable Experience for Your Wedding Guests

An all-inclusive wedding venue doesn’t just make things easier for the couple—it also creates a more enjoyable experience for your guests. They can seamlessly transition from the ceremony to the reception without the hassle of traveling between locations. This not only keeps the momentum of the event going but also minimizes logistical delays, allowing guests to spend more time celebrating and creating a cohesive, streamlined experience, making them feel valued and cared for. From start to finish, their time at your wedding will be enjoyable, stress-free, and memorable.

Couples who opt for an all-inclusive venue can rest assured, knowing that their wedding will be beautifully executed and memorable. If you are looking for a complete, worry-free solution to planning your wedding, explore how Oak Lodge or Parc 73 can transform your celebration. Our comprehensive wedding packages include everything you need to bring your dream day to life. Schedule a tour today.