$ tyle matters
The key to savvy saving? Splurging where it counts
The matter of money is one that looms over every betrothed couple, and it’s at the heart of every wedding decision you’ll make. Keeping costs down is a priority – but how do you cut corners without sacrificing your wedding-day vision?
We’ve zeroed in on the key style indicators – big-day elements that speak volumes about your personal taste – and asked experts for cost-cutting options that look anything but budget. Split your spend into bite-sized chunks, one discerning splurge at a time.
Your dress
It’s the most high-profile garment you’ll ever own, so while the idea of skimping may seem risky, fear not – there are ways to do it in style.
Obvious cost-friendly options involve imports – inexpensive labour and massproduced fabric give overseas labels freedom to undercut local manufacturers’ prices. However, it pays to be aware of the risks: rushed needlework, low-quality fibre blends and incorrect fitting are part and parcel of online shopping, and may end up costing you more down the line through repairs, alterations or – worst-case scenario – having to fork out for an entirely new dress.
Strike a balance between economical and exorbitant by seeking out a gown that meets the two primary bridal-gown priorities: quality fabric and superb fit.
‘If you want to save but still achieve maximum style, you have to buy right,’ says Diane Stephenson from Auckland boutique Modes (modes.co.nz). ‘A well-cut garment in a quality cloth will always look good, without screaming dollars.’
Designer Sera Lilly (seralilly.com) agrees, saying that by using expensive fabrics sparingly, you can still achieve stand-out style. ‘You could spend $600 and look amazing or you could spend $5000 and look amazing. It’s all about getting a dress that suits you,’ Sera says. ‘If you’d love a French lace dress but can’t afford it, ask your designer to only use that fabric on the bodice or sash.’
His suit
A suave suit may be the hallmark of a gentleman, but with some creations rivalling the price of a small car, no one would blame you for exploring more wallet-friendly options.
Menswear specialist Crane Brothers’ Ben St George (crane-brothers.com) explains there are myriad ways to keep the dollars down while still looking every bit the esteemed sir.
‘If required, invest in a high-quality suit at the expense of shirt and accessories,’ he says.
‘A good suit can “carry” a cheaper shirt, but not the other way round.’
Once again, fashion’s current obsession with nostalgia stands the saver in good stead.
‘Shopping around for vintage accessories can be a good way to trim your spend,’ says Ben – think an heirloom watch, a timeless tie or classical set of cufflinks.
But as with any extras, remember the golden rule: ‘Less is more,’ says Ben. ‘Don’t overdo the accessories as the look can get too kitschy.’
Put simply, the key to an elegant ensemble lies in ensuring every element of the outfit works in harmony – don’t let any single component steal the show.
stationery
As far as creating a unique vibe goes, save-the-dates and invitations are key to setting the tone of your big day. It pays, however, to be wary of hidden costs, from the cost of postage stamps to the price of embossed cardboard.
If you’re looking to reduce spend, online invitation services such as Evite (evite.com) eliminate the need for postage, paper and envelopes, while web-based RSVP services – which compile ‘accepts’ and ‘declines’ into lists, along with details such as guests’ menu choices – mean logistics are easier to manage.
If, however, you have a soft spot for tradition, the DIY stationery route paves the way for less-costly paperwork than bespoke alternatives – and is particularly effective if you’re planning a rustic, homespun-style wedding. What you save on design fees can be spent on high- quality paper, striking accessories and a standout envelope – a detail that Graeme Harris, managing director of nationwide stationer Gordon Harris (gordonharris.co.nz), says should never be overlooked.
‘As far as setting the tone goes, the envelope is the first glimpse your guests will see of your big day,’ says Graeme. ‘Half of a beautiful invitation’s effect is lost if it’s delivered in a plain paper envelope and addressed in messy handwriting.’
Styling
If there’s one big-day element your guests will get up close and personal with, it’s your venue, and the way you choose to transform the space won’t go unnoticed. With a background in fashion as well as wedding photography and styling, Amanda Amundsen (amandaamundsen.co.nz) is an authority on piecing together a striking day. She says that selective splurging and knowing the extent of your DIY capabilities are the secrets to sticking to a modest budget.
‘As far as flowers go, I’d always get bridal
bouquets arranged professionally, as they require a trained eye, sound structure and plenty of practice,’ she says.
‘Centrepieces, however, lend themselves well to DIY – even a single bloom propped in a mason jar is enough to carry your day’s style through to your tables.’
The Blossom Room’s Suzie Sexton (theblossomroom.co.nz) agrees, adding that flower selection is key to keeping your wedding costs down.
‘There are certain blooms that are more expensive,’ she says. ‘For example, frangipani have to be individually hand-wired and taped in a bouquet. So instead of a full frangipani bouquet, mix a few in with seasonal blooms.’
When it comes to stunning visual effect, Amanda says consistency is the golden rule.
‘Choose a colour theme and tone for the day – be it rustic, glamorous or classic – and stick to it. Decorations look much stronger when they tie in together,’ Amanda says.
And if you’re looking to create an overall ambience, direct your eyes upwards.
‘Anything that can be hung from the ceiling will have an extremely strong visual effect,’ she advises. ‘Think: streamers, long flowers and paper chains.’
Amanda’s pick for the ultimate decoration? Festoon lights. ‘Paired with decorations such as flowers and streamers, festoon lights add pops of colour to a space during the day.
‘And while other decorations may blend into the darkness as light fades, festoon lights become all the more stunning,’ she says.
The cake
When it comes to wedding cake, there’s no sugarcoating the facts: elaborate creations can easily soar past the best-part-of-a-thousand mark. Luckily for brides on a budget, homemade-style, rustic-looking cakes – think buttercream-iced tiers topped with fresh, bright blooms – are right on trend.
‘The price of cake is determined by the amount of time spent constructing, icing and detailing,’ explains Sondra Vicelich from Sweet Bites Cakes (sweetbitescakes.co.nz). ‘A cake decorated with a rustic icing finish eliminates the need for intricate piping and embellishments, significantly reducing cost.’
If your soiree style is set to be more classic than country, Sondra suggests a cupcake tower featuring a range of decoration styles and prices.
‘Split your cupcakes into three groups, icing one group with a minimalistic buttercream, one with sugar blossoms and pearls, and one with lace wraps and full-sized sugar flowers,’ she says. ‘Ranging in price from four to eight dollars, the mix will look stunning on display.’
Seal the spend-savvy deal by dropping your dessert menu, opting for a slightly larger cake instead, and asking your caterers to serve it with fresh cream and berries.
Strawberry Sky Cakes’ Emma Hogg (customcakedesigns.co.nz) adds that as well as making for a sumptuous dessert, your cake also serves a decorative function. A beautiful cake taking centre stage on a dessert table is equal parts enticing and elegant.
‘It’s often the component of a wedding that people remember,’ she says. ‘If it’s beautifully styled, you will have created the wow factor that guests will be discussing for months to come.’
Trim the cost of the buffet by requesting that your bridal party embrace their inner Nigellas – homemade treats make a dessert table all the more appealing – and choose supermarket-bought lollies that tie into your chosen colour scheme.
photography
Even if your day is dripping in extravagant detail, the beauty will be short-lived without a talented photographer to immortalise it. As tempting as it may be to recruit a mildly camera-savvy family member and send them on a mission to document your day, a good photographer is one expense you will never regret digging deep for. However, it pays to be savvy with your selection, says experienced wedding photographer Lauren Indirise of The Lauren & Delwyn Project (laurenanddelwyn.co.nz).
‘Your wedding day is the one thing you can’t redo,’ she explains. ‘It pays to ensure you’re investing in a photographer who will capture comprehensive coverage and spend adequate time on post-production.’
Hiring a reputable pro is a surefire way to receive a wedding album you’ll be happy looking at for years to come. Instead of cutting costs by hiring a less-experienced photographer, Amanda suggests recruiting one whose work you love, and finding other ways to save, such as only hiring them for five hours of shooting as opposed to eight.
‘Alternatively, lots of photographers will let you create a gift registry, where your guests can pay for extra hours or prints,’ says Lauren. ‘Photography is one of the only gifts that will last the lifetime of your marriage.’