Apr 29 2013
Here at Larchfield we are great believers in you having your own unique day and there are a team of four of us on hand full time to help with all the planning and co-ordination. We are also here to help with budgeting if you would like us to – we never like to pry but are very happy to help with a few tips and suggestions which can make quite a difference to the bottom line – because whilst it is a VERY important day of celebration with your family and friends many of us also need to be thinking about deposits on house etc.
We often get asked why we don’t do packages – the reason really is very simple – we think you should have the flexibility to have the wedding you want without being forced down one route (or supplier) – it is your day and should be what you want it to be. We are just here to help with all the organisation… and besides, in all honesty, by us not being tied to one supplier it keeps the competition up – no one is guaranteed the job so everyone has work to get a booking! You also then only pay for the parts that you want.
Here are some of our favourite money saving tips to consider if you have fallen in love with Larchfield, but want to keep an eye on budget...
When considering your wedding date perhaps consider a mid-week or out of season / cusp of season date as we discount for these which can save you literally thousands on the hire fee. With a winter wedding you know that you won’t be using the gardens for ceremony or drinks reception (but can still be good for photos), but you do know you will be cosy and warm for your barn wedding – people will know what to expect weather wise and it can also make your wedding stand out as slightly different.
We also have quite a few couples who would book Sundays (especially those at bank holiday weekends) as these too are cheaper and if a bank holiday your guests still have a day to recover. Licensing laws do mean you have to finish at midnight, but there is plenty of time for a good celebration before the clock chimes 12!
When choosing your menu and/or caterer think about the type and style of food that you would like but also about your ideal budget per head. Some of our recommended caterers have menus that start at £30 + VAT per head for canapés, 3 courses, tea and coffee – which isn't bad when you know the quality is superb and everything is all inclusive.
As a rule of thumb, buffets tend to be less than served meals (less staff needed) and seasonal produce will often be cheaper too. At our own wedding here 5 years ago we decided to go for really good quality simple food done well rather than anything too complicated – it is all down to personal preference though. We have had some weddings here with Fish and Chip vans and some with seven course haute cuisine – it is your day and has got to be what you would like. For winter weddings something like soup on arrival can cost less than canapés which are often time consuming to make and for summer weddings why not consider scones and cream teas in the gardens instead of more expensive canapés?
Menu cards can also be simple – and if you want to add and personal touches why not ask your bridesmaids to come round one evening and help you – our friends helped us tie ribbons to our orders of service and on the day it was a reminder of the friends who were there supporting us and celebrating the day with us. Table plans too don’t have to be professionally printed, we have seen a fantastic selection over the years, from lots of vintage frames to luggage tags, to tables on ribbon across the stone walls of the bar to vintage crates or even suitcases – there really are lots of options and if you or a friend have a steady enough hand tables can be written on chalk boards or mirrors.
Check back for more tips next week!
