With the cost of everything on the rise, a wedding is no exception. For each vendor there is a budget route and an investment route.
Planner
Plan your wedding yourself! There are a bunch of free online websites that can help you plan your big day!
Hire a Wedding Planner- there are several types: day of, month of, full service, and then some planner offer planning hours! These professionals cater directly to your needs and have the experience of many weddings behind them. A day of wedding coordinator is highly recommended at most venues so you can sit back and enjoy your day and your coordinator runs the event for you!
Photography:
Ask your friends and family to send pictures to an app and get disposable cameras for the sign in book! If you choose this option, you will be taking the time to find a good app and make sure enough people download and use it, and then taking cameras to develop film.
Professional photography is well worth the investment. A great photographer photographs in your style and works with you to make sure all the details are captured!
Videography
Cell phone video shared with you after the wedding.
A professional can capture your wedding in real time with cameras and drones and share an edited video with you.
Catering
Post Covid, almost all venues will require you to have a professional caterer, but the services can vary.
Food Truck- only recommended for small (under 50 people) and laid back weddings.
Buffet- great option to move guests through a food line, very common.
Sit down- formal feel, guests can either choose a meal or will be served your meal choice.
Bussing and clean up- you can have your family clean the tables or hire the catering staff to buss and clean until the end of your wedding. Bussing and clean up will be required at Gruene Estate because we want your family and friends to enjoy the party instead of taking the time to clean up after people!
Bartender
No alcohol! Just bring juices, sodas, water, and whatever other beverage you enjoy for a beautiful alcohol free event!
Most venues will require you choose one of their preferred bar services to protect you and the venue from questionable servers. There are a variety of packages from just ice and cups to a full bar!
DJ
Playlist played over a venue sound system
Professional DJ- your DJ should be able to read the room and fit the feel of your event
Live musicians- if you want to upscale your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, live music would add that touch
Hair and Makeup
DIY or have a friend or family member create beautiful styles
A hair/ makeup artist is a master of their craft and will use the products where your hair and makeup will last no matter the weather!
Officiant
You can have a friend get their certificate online
You can ask a pastor or religious official
You can hire a service that will get to know you and your partner for your wedding day!
Desserts
Most venues will count your dessert table as catering and require a licensed baker to make your dessert. There are dessert bars with a bunch of small bite options, the traditional wedding cakes, or you can go with a specialized vendor like cotton candy, ice cream, or popsicles!
Flowers
DIY- HEB or Sams and you make your florals
Etsy- buying premade arrangements and decorating yourself
A professional florist- they get to know your vision and create something specific to your wish list!
Attire
Do not forget to factor in your attire to the budget!
Your dress can be found resale or online and no one would know!
Go to a showroom with many dresses
Go to your favorite boutique for a designer custom gown
Your partner’s suit can either be from your favorite department store, rented, or custom made
Each selection you make will put you in a different budget category, but most of the time, you get what you pay for, either in time or monetary investment!
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