How to Plan a Wedding in Orange County on a Budget

Many couples in Orange County have different preferences regarding their dream wedding. Planning a wedding is an elaborate affair that requires involving even third parties. The cost can add up since there are many things to keep in mind. Some of the factors that impact the overall cost include the choice of the venue, the number of guests, and vendor services.

Others include food, a bridal gown, accessories, and the season. If you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to panic. There are ways to cut costs and still have a modest wedding. We will guide you through planning a wedding in Orange County on a budget. Read on.

Where to Begin: Budgeting

Before you begin planning, it’s vital to know how much each expense costs. When planning a wedding in Orange County, the first place to check is online, as this will give you an idea of the cost of each item. Assume that you want to spend roughly $16,000. You can allocate $7,000, $3,000, and $1,500 to venue, photography, and attire, respectively. Others, like flowers, decor, music, and cake, can cost around $4,000.

You can then start moving money from one item to another. For example, if you want a modest cake, you can reduce the amount and add to the photography service. This is just an example of how you can distribute the money depending on the budget.

Consider Off-Season

Weddings tend to be more expensive during certain months and days. For instance, Saturdays during the summer season are pricey. You can save money by choosing an off-season wedding. Pick a weekday date between Monday and Thursday in early spring. The weather is starting to warm up, and your special day will be memorable. Also, think about a brunch wedding, which is much cheaper than an evening one. Food tends to be cheaper during the day, and guests don’t drink much alcohol.

Find The Best Venue At a Favourable Price

A wedding venue usually takes the highest proportion of the budget. For couples with a tight budget, hiring a fancy hotel or resort may not be a good idea. There are some cheaper and beautiful options in Orange you can consider. For example, the County Courthouse is a beautiful spot that costs less to hire.

Other options include public places such as Laguna Beach, which may cost less yet offer a stunning view of the ocean. The Fullerton botanical garden is cheaper yet spacious enough to accommodate many people. If your friends or family have a large backyard, you can ask them to offer their space to hold your wedding.

Bridal Salon

If you live in Orange County or nearby places, you’re in luck because there are numerous bridal salons in the area. The stores are either physical or online and stock many dresses at different prices. This makes it easy to choose an option that suits your budget.

For instance, when you step into Mon Amie, a well-known Orange County bridal salon, you only need to let them know your budget, and they’ll show you the best dress they have for value. To make the dress look more elegant, they can recommend affordable accessories that complement your chosen design.

You may also opt to visit boutiques in off-peak months before your wedding month. You can also check whether they offer discounts on special days or during certain seasons. Some stores will even offer to keep the dress until your day arrives.

Finally, an off-the-rack gown that has already been worn is still fine and will cost less. Some stores have such dresses for sale or hire. Also, there are some that can do tailor-made dresses for a lower amount.

Choose A Leaner Guest List and Modest Decor

Instead of buying artificial decorations, you can consider natural options such as flowers and candles. In spring, the flowers are in bloom and hence cheaper than imported ones. You can also get creative and do some DIY on the decorations. Finally, limit your guest list since a longer one means more spending. Sometimes, a lean wedding is more cherished and unforgettable.

Bottom Line

A beautiful wedding in Orange County doesn’t have to cost much. You only need to be thoughtful about how much you allocate to each item and service. Spending less does not mean that you’ll have a cheap wedding. But it shows that you’re smart about what you want and how much you need to spend. Cutting costs on the venue, wedding dress, and guest lists will give you peace of mind when planning your special day.