Natural & Timeless Islander Resort Wedding

One of the very first things we discuss with our couples is often their most worrisome topic: their wedding budget.

But no matter the budget, we have found that the reason for the worries is always the same. Couples feel compelled to stay in line with the standard wedding day “traditions.” Sure, mom, Aunt Sue, and even your sister may have gone big on florals. Maybe your best friend had the most show-stopping tiered wedding cake. Maybe your childhood neighbor spent an exorbitant amount of her budget on her ballgown.

But what about you?

What if you don’t care as much about these items? What if you and your spouse to be care more about the perfect wine pairings, music that gets your loved ones grooving, and a meal that leaves a lasting impression on everyone’s taste buds?

All of this is perfectly wonderful and perfectly welcome. Why? Because Aunt Sue’s day was unique to her heart’s dreams. Your childhood neighbor admired Cinderella her whole life, so dressing the part on her wedding day thrilled her soul. And just the same, whatever your priorities are, they’re beautiful and unique–just like your love story.

Once we have this heart to heart with our couples, we comb through their top wedding budget priorities. Let’s say you’re dreaming up luxury florals, but aren’t too concerned about the linens and attire. From there, you can tweak your budget to allocate more of your budget to florals, only leaving what is necessary for attire and linens.

Go big on what matters most to you two.

Do not let the traditions of the past, Aunt Sue’s big day, or anything and anyone else make you feel like you need to spend X amount of your wedding budget on a cake if you don’t really desire one. Want a bit more detail? We are all about the details, too! Below, we will list out specific areas and how to cut back in each one.

Florals

Reduce & reuse! Dreaming up a dripping floral arbor for your ceremony, while also wanting a swoon-worthy sweetheart table? Chat with your florist and planner about an arrangement that can be utilized for your arbor, and then moved over to your sweetheart table for your reception. Also consider whatever florals line your aisle being reused for your welcome table, accents at the bar, etc. For your bridesmaids, instead of a full on bouquet, you can opt for a smaller nosegay. We also love the elegant trend of single flowers being walked down the aisle. For your reception and cocktail hour, candles can be key. A simple pillar candle with some greenery can leave as much as if not more of an impression of a full on arrangement.

Sweet Treats

This one is easy as pie. Truly! If your heart isn’t set on a tiered cake, your options are endless. Being in the Florida Keys, you can opt to serve your guests key lime pie, guava cheesecake, or offer an ice cream bar for a cool down experience. Other options include assorted cookies, or a small cake with cupcakes. If you do have your heart set on a traditional cake, but don’t quite have the wiggle room for it, talk to your bakery about a buttercream tiered “fake cake”; with the bottom tiers fake and the top tier real for your cutting moment. After the top tier is cut and the photos are snapped, you can serve your guests sheet cake instead of the more costly tiered cake. They’ll never know, we promise.

Wining & Dining

If neither one of you are big drinkers, we always recommend opting for the lowest bar package your venue or catering company offers. Being in the Keys, the offerings even on the lowest packages are all excellent choices. If your venue charges extra for a champagne toast, opt to cut the toast from your price per person cost, and encourage your loved ones to raise whatever may be in their glass at the moment. With the sight of you two in their vision as they sit back and enjoy the Florida Keys, we promise, they won’t mind.

For food, ask your venue or catering company about stations. Sometimes, they will offer an assortment of different food stations. Pairing these together can be more cost effective than a buffet package. If you’d like to stick to a plated offering, offer your guests two options to select from on their RSVP card instead of three, as this can also help cut costs. Do not be afraid to ask questions! The Keys’ chefs love getting creative, and are happy to customize whatever is needed to bring your dream to life.

Just like anything else, your wedding budget begins and ends with prioritizing what is important. Chat with us about your dreamiest details. We will match you up with the best vendor team fit for your visions–all within your budget. Budget (and bridal) bliss, here we come!

With Warmth,