With the recession being part of our lives today, most couples are quieter in the way they project and plan their wedding in part because of their budget, but also because a large expensive wedding can be tacky when many of your guests may possibly be jobless. However, that doesn’t mean weddings can’t still be “au courant.” Minoo Hersini, Creative Director at NY-basedAu Ciel Design Studio and Alyse Liebowitz, owner of NJ-based 3 Chicks That Click Photography and soon to be a bride herself, share these great tips on how to have a stylish and elegant 2010 wedding while still maintaining your budget.
Find unique venues such as barns, art galleries, studios and homes instead of large ballrooms.
Be selective of your guest list. Include close family members and friends.
You can have a nice invitation without spending a lot of money. Don't put too much money into the invitation because 99.9% of them end up in the garbage. Don't throw your money away, literally.
Chose communal tables (long table seating) verses individual round tables. You’ll need less centerpieces and linens.
Keep your centerpieces simple and classic. Flowers are a key element for weddings. Use flowers that are “in season” for a cheaper alternative. Work with creative floral designers to guide you through this process.
Use candles to substitute pin lighting. Perhaps place the candles together in an eclectic grouping of various glass bottles or clay pots as each centerpiece for an interesting focal point.
Stick to some classics. Utilize a clean, floor length and high quality cotton tablecloth.
To add flavor, use elongated mirror runners and different textures to create a mood. Incorporate natural elements for table decorations such as leaves, bark, branches, grass and moss intermixed with flowers.
Chose menus that will reflect your way of eating.Serve simpler and healthier dishes instead of heavy meals and have them sampled or choose family-style curries on each table.
Create a signature cocktail. It is more fun and original than an open bar.
Don't use brand name, expensive alcohol. Instead try less expensive brands from smaller distilleries and vineyards that still are high in quality.
Make sure your quotes from vendors include EVERYTHING. Some vendors may lowball you and charge for hidden extras after the fact.
Do spend money on good photography and video as these are the only lasting tangible memories of the big day.
Everything is negotiable in this economy.
If you always dreamed of going to Hawaii for your honeymoon, by all means go to Hawaii. Maybe stay 10 days instead of 2 weeks, rent the compact car instead of the convertible, stay at a chain hotel more inland instead of the private cabana on the beach.
Lastly, simple elegant weddings require good taste and vision, consult with professionals for ideas.
About Minoo Hersini
Event planner, interior designer and fashion designer Minoo Hersini is the founder of Au Ciel Design Studio--an event and design studio that offers customized event planning on any scale. Minoo has created some of the most high profile events for corporations, celebrities and dignitaries.
Alyse Liebowitz is known across the New York/New Jersey wedding scene for her stunning photographic style, and for having the ability to put any frantic bride at ease. Alyse, the owner of 3 Chicks That Click Photography, is getting married next year and is having a themed wedding based on travel. The table place cards are luggage tags and placed on little easels. The tags will have the name of a place she and her fiancé have traveled to and at the table, there will be an 8x10 framed photo of the place instead of floral centerpieces.
