TABLETOP "A big trend we have seen this past year has been to create detailed vignettes. Instead of doing one large centerpiece at each table, choose to have a grouping of three to five tiny vases with one bloom per vase. It still has the feel of a collection but on a much smaller scale.” —Kim Foren, president/floral designer, Geranium Lake Flowers
VIDEOGRAPHY "Save with the best wedding filmmakers by commissioning a shorter highlight wedding film, under 10 minutes, instead of a full-length feature. With a quality filmmaker, that should still include your complete ceremony.” —Amanda Shama, cinematographer, Ambient Sky Couture Imagery
EVENT DESIGN “You can still bring your vision to life with elegant design elements even on a budget. Hire a coordinator for smaller-scale suggestions like this: Set on chair covers? Cover only the head table instead of spending money on all the guest chairs as well.” —Amy Nuttman, bridal consultant, Blush Bridal Consultation Group
DECOR "Go with an event design that complements the venue rather than trying to transform it. For example, instead of draping an entire room, create a focal point with a custom-draped canopy over the head table or cake display. Big impact items such as large lamps on top of bars also help create that dramatic wow factor!” —Elizabeth Herman, event consultant, West Coast Event Productions
PLANNING "Capitalize on a coordinator’s knowledge and expertise with professional referrals. Use their list of customized vendors, but do the interviewing and booking on your own. This dramatically reduces the coordinator’s time (and your cost), but you’ll still have the assurance of trained eyes to review the contracts and then coordinate the entire day.” —Sara Goodrich, co-owner, Mint Event Coordination & Design
PHOTOGRAPHY "Use your professional photographer’s hours wisely. For example, if you’re not having a grand departure, allow the photographer to leave before the guests. This will save time and money.” —Eric Holen, owner/photographer, Holland Studios
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