The bad condition of the economy is no secret. It has become implicit that everyone will be tightening the budget belt one way or another. A beach wedding can save couples from spending so much in accommodating a hundred or so guests at a traditional reception, but can still end up spending quite a lot. In the attempt to save some bucks, however, it’s all too easy to commit beach wedding budget blunders.
Don’t ever let our guests pay for their own drinks during the reception. (That’s sure to get you crossed off “most gracious brides” list.) Certainly, everyone knows how the tough the economy is right now, but don’t ever rub this in by letting our guests pay for their drinks in our own reception. If you can’t afford an open bar or serve expensive champagne, simply owning up to this and serving what you can is more gracious than letting the guests foot the tab for their drinks. Think creatively: beer, wine, and soft drinks are entirely appropriate.
Just think about it: It is party mood on a beach wedding destination and definitely no driving afterwards. Everyone will be in the mood to celebrate. The consumption of alcohol can be minimized if the wedding reception occurs before sundown..
Regretting to buy wedding favors to bridesmaids and the rest of the bridal party is a big mistake. We are talking about our closest bunch, family or friends; and they have taken off from work and spent huge dollars on hotel and travel expenses just to be at our beach wedding. Forgetting to get them anything at all as a sign of appreciation and thanks is not gracious at all.
Ensure that the food will be great, as no one gets full just by looking at an amazing view. Do not sacrifice the quality of the food just because we’re on a budget. Of course the guests will not be expecting a five course, sit down menu on a laid back beach wedding. If the beach bride decides to have a barbecue, it should be the best barbecue in town! And make sure that no wandering beachside insect gets hold of the buffet first. A covered area setup for the food not only protects the food from insects, seagulls and the like, but prolongs the food’s freshness against exposure to heat and sun.
Do not scrimp on beach wedding reception entertainment. We want our guests to feel that it was worth their coming over by keeping them entertained. Karaoke simply doesn’t clinch it. Everyone can tell cheap entertainment without batting an eyelash.
Keep in mind that everyone knows how expensive it is to hold a wedding. But we should not let our guests feel that they have become the sacrificial lamb for our cutting down on costs. If we have to scrimp on something, we should be the one adapting and adjusting. Really, saving on costs for a beach wedding should come off as sensible and not cheap.
