Top 10 Ways to Save $$$ on Your Albany Wedding

There are many ways to cut corners at your wedding so that you don't have to break the budget to meet your vision of your very special day. However, sometimes people cut in the wrong places and the guests can tell.

Here is a list I created using tips from clients who were married around the area and found ways to make some real good savings.

This is a totally doable top 10 list of wedding-saving-ways to save that have tips that don't affect quality and actually works:

1. PRIORITIZE EVERYTHING – A couple of years back, I picked up a neat little tip I like to pass along my clients from the Williams, who got married at The State Room in Albany, NY… Here is what they said,
“Before you even begin planning your wedding and reception, you really need to sit down with your partner and make a list of your top five priorities. This way you know what absolutely stays and where cuts can happen.” With a list of what is important and what is not written out on paper, you both know what is important. This allows for everyone to be on the same page."

2. CAERING COSTS - LIMIT YOUR GUEST LIST – If you need to save money, don't waste your time corner-cutting on the DJ, the decorations, or the dinner, those are only savings that amount to pennies on the dollar… These can hurt the fun! The real best way to really save is to be ruthless with your head count. Keeping the guest list down as best as possible will drastically reduce your wedding cost, overall. The Sefik’s, a great couple out of Clifton Park, NY pointed out that, “most caterers, venues, restaurants and banquet halls charge per-person.” They noted that if you have a 150 guests and can cut it down to 125, there alone you will save about $1,300. So how do you do this? One tip if you see your guest list is getting out of hand, omit children and coworkers. Making category cuts across the board is the best way to make people not feel that they were being singled out.

3. FOOD & BOOZE – Research everything they have to show. Look at all of your options and never be afraid to ask questions. The Bovairs of West Sand Lake recommended that, “brides and grooms should consider a buffet instead of a sit-down meal, or break tradition all the way. Why not go with a dessert reception, or a brunch or luncheon instead of a huge sit-down multi-course meal?” Some people actually go with an all appetizer / finger food reception now.

4. LOCATION SELECTION IS KEY - There are boat-loads of options for low-cost or no-cost locations, including local and national parks, forest preserves, your own back yard or that of a friend or relative.

One groom said, "Lesser-known restaurants are usually a under-rated option. Many eateries would love to have your business and, at the same time have gorgeous tables and chairs, and décor. You could save a bundle, all around."


5. CLOTHING – You don't have to buy at a traditional bridal salon. You could purchase a gown at an outlet or from a department store in the special occasion’s off-the-rack area. One bride even told me, “You can score a pre-owned gown at sites like preownedweddingdresses.com and oncewed.com.

To read the rest of this blog, and FIVE MORE real good tips on how to save money at your wedding in Albany, NY Click Here... 


DJ Kenny Casanova is a high-profile wedding DJ out of the Upstate NY area.