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Tips for a Beautiful Wedding Without spending a fortune.jpg

A Tuscany Landing Wedding Planning Resource

Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, but it’s easy to get caught up in spending more than you intended. At its core, your wedding is about celebrating love and making memories—not accumulating debt!

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Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

 

Before finalizing your budget, be aware of hidden costs that can quickly add up:

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  • Gratuity Fees – Some venues charge up to 30% in service fees.

  • Gifts for the Wedding Party – A $50 gift per person for a 14-person party can add up to $700!

  • Delivery Fees – For flowers, rentals, cakes, and more.

  • Postage – Invitations with RSVP cards can cost over $1 per invite.

  • Overtime Fees – Be mindful of extra charges if your event runs longer than planned.

  • Bar Setup/Uncorking Fees – Some venues charge for bringing your own liquor.

  • Expanding the Guest List – Each additional guest increases food, seating, and décor costs.

  • Cake Cutting Fee – Some venues charge extra to serve your wedding cake.

  • Water Service – Believe it or not, some venues even charge for water!

  • Non-Wedding Guests at Pre-Wedding Events – Keep engagement parties and showers intimate.

  • The Venue -Ask Before You Book - If you're considering a venue, ask whether their preferred vendors offer exclusive packages or discounts for couples getting married there. It could save you money—and make planning easier. Don't assume the venue's preferred vendors are automatically the least expensive. Compare the package, what's included, and the total cost so you can choose what works best for your wedding and budget.

Smart Ways to Save

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Photography & Vendors

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  • Limit Photography Hours – You don’t need your photographer until the very end of the night. Schedule cake cutting and special dances early. After an hour of dancing, the photos start looking the same. Exception: If you’re planning a grand exit with sparklers or glow sticks.

  • Trust Your Vendors – They have experience with weddings and can guide you on what works best. At Tuscany Landing, our Preferred Vendors offer special discounted packages to Tuscany Landing couples. These savings can apply to services such as catering, DJ/entertainment, photography, décor and more.

  • Start Planning Early – The more time you have, the easier it is to compare prices and avoid rushed decisions.

 

Wedding Attire

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  • Wedding Gown Costs – The average wedding dress costs $1,600—and that doesn’t include alterations.

  • Shop Smart – Look for off-the-rack discounts, compare prices between boutiques, or consider altering a gown from a family member.

 

Invitations & DIY Savings

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  • Print Invitations at Home – Keep them simple to save on postage and materials.

  • Email Save-the-Dates – Digital invites can save both time and money.

  • Buy Handmade Items Directly – Websites like Etsy let you skip the middleman.

  • Skip the Favors – If you must have them, limit to one per couple instead of per guest.

  • DIY Candy Buffet – Buy wholesale candy and borrow containers from friends.

  • Use Credit Cards Wisely – If paying by credit card, ensure you're earning cashback or loyalty points.

  • Attend Bridal Shows – Come to the Bride St. Louis weddings shows and check out vendors for show discounts and show specials!

  • Sell Items After the Wedding – Recoup costs by selling décor, attire, or accessories.

Cakes & Desserts

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  • Save on Cake Costs – A simple 3-tier cake starts at $300 and only serves about 65 guests.

  • Alternative Options – Buy from wholesale stores like Sam’s or Costco, or ask family and friends to contribute homemade desserts.

  • Sheet Cakes – Have a small display cake and serve a larger sheet cake behind the scenes—guests won’t notice!

 

Flowers & Decor

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  • Keep Floral Costs Low – The average wedding flower budget is $1,500. Save by:

    • Using greenery and potted plants instead of large floral arrangements.

    • Choosing in-season flowers.

    • Incorporating wildflowers for a natural, budget-friendly look.

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Cutting the Guest List (Without Drama)

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If you’re struggling to keep your guest list reasonable, here are some easy ways to trim it down:

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  1. Distant Relatives – If you haven’t spoken to them in years, they don’t need an invite.

  2. Old Friends – If you’ve grown apart, consider skipping their invitation.

  3. Work Colleagues – Only invite close friends, not your entire office.

  4. No Kids – An adults-only wedding reduces headcount and allows parents a night off.

  5. No Unfamiliar Plus-Ones – If you haven’t met them, don’t feel obligated to invite them.

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Final Thoughts

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Your wedding should be a joyful celebration, not a financial burden that follows you for years. Don’t let outside pressure push you into overspending. Prioritize what’s important to you, cut unnecessary costs, and focus on what truly matters—making beautiful memories with your loved ones!

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A Little More Help for Your Wedding Planning

 

We created these tips to help couples make thoughtful decisions, stay on budget, and enjoy the wedding-planning process a little more.

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If you're looking for a beautiful wedding venue that believes a memorable wedding doesn't have to come with a huge price tag, we'd love to introduce you to Tuscany Landing in Foristell, Missouri.

 

Tuscany Landing
60 Crocker Lane • Foristell, MO 63348
TuscanyLanding.com

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