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Planning your dream wedding is an exciting journey that many couples in Ireland are currently undertaking after a Christmas or Valentine’s Day engagement! If this is you, no doubt you are fully aware that managing your wedding budget effectively is key to ensuring a stress-free experience. Dublin offers a wealth of stunning wedding venues, including our very own Lucan Spa Hotel, which provides elegant settings at great value. Here are some essential tips to keep your venue costs under control while still creating a magical day to remember.
1. Establish Your Budget Early
Before researching venues and scheduling viewing appointments, determine how much you can realistically afford to spend. Your wedding venue will likely be one of the biggest expenses, so having a clear figure in mind helps narrow down your choices and avoid unexpected costs. Getting information on up-to-date menus and packages from the venues you are considering is key. This will allow you to set expectations from the start.
Extra Tip: Don’t lean too much on advice from forums and Facebook groups quoting different prices for various venues – unfortunately, we see a lot of this whereby false information is provided in such groups – the only way of getting concrete and current venue package details and prices is directly from venues.
2. Consider Off-Peak Dates
Dublin’s wedding venues tend to be in high demand, particularly during summer weekends. Consider booking your wedding in an off-peak season, such as autumn or winter, or choose a midweek celebration. At Lucan Spa Hotel, we offer excellent value midweek wedding packages that provide all the luxury without the premium price tag.
Photographer: Trendphotography.
3. Look for All-Inclusive Packages
Venues that offer all-inclusive wedding packages can help you save money and simplify planning. Our own Sterling All-Inclusive Wedding Package is our most popular package for just these reasons. This package contains a number of top wedding suppliers included for an overall price – click here to find out more on this package.
4. Check to see what is included in your venue package
A wedding venue package is not just about the bottom-line price. It is important to see what is included (and therefore, what isn’t included that you will need to arrange yourself!) It is important to clarify with your chosen venue on these details. For example, a venue may offer table centrepieces as part of their package, but you later find out there is a limited choice and what they offer doesn’t match your theme or colour scheme. In such a case, this suddenly becomes an additional extra cost as you then are required to source an alternative.
Extra Tip: Ask your venue to send over photos off all the “extra items” they include in their wedding packages – things to look out for would be table centrepieces, table name cards, menus, table plans and extra décor options.
Photographer: Trendphotography.ie.
5. DIY Where Possible
Once you’ve established the extra items you may require, consider DIY! Adding personal touches through DIY decorations, invitations, or favours can bring personality to your wedding while also saving money. Consider simple yet elegant DIY centrepieces or personalised wedding favours to cut costs without compromising on style.
6. Trim the Guest List
There’s a saying in the wedding industry and goes a little something like this; a smaller cake saves a bit, but fewer guests save a lot! It can be tempting to invite everyone you know, but a smaller guest list is probably the best way of bringing your wedding into budget and significantly cut costs. Opting for a more intimate celebration allows you to allocate your budget to enhancing the experience for your nearest and dearest.
Extra Tip: If you are on a strict budget, watch out for venues that apply minimum guest number requirements. In case you’re wondering, here at Lucan Spa Hotel, we don’t! We even have an intimate wedding package designed for smaller weddings.
Photographer: Trendphotography.ie.
7. Choose Your Menu carefully and think Seasonal
Food and drink costs can quickly add up, but selecting seasonal, locally sourced ingredients can be a more budget-friendly approach. Watch out for extra supplements on particular dishes when selecting your final menu on the day. Certain dishes may not be in season on the day of your wedding (e.g. lamb) and may involve a price supplement if selected.
Photographer: Trendphotography.ie.
8. Discuss Payment Plans
Many wedding venues, including Lucan Spa Hotel, offer flexible payment plans to help manage costs. Spreading payments over several months can ease financial pressure and allow you to plan with confidence.
9. Be clear on any hidden extras
This point matches what we spoke about above – it’s so important to know what is included in your package with your hotel or venue to avoid any last-minute surprises or shortfalls. Communication with your venue coordinator is key here to avoid any confusion or hidden extras.
Additional Tip: we’ve read some horror stories on group forums from brides and grooms at other venues about last minute price increases or sudden charges – if possible, ask your venue to clarify everything in writing to avoid any lack of clarity from either yourself or your venue.
Photographer: Trendphotography.
At Lucan Spa Hotel, we believe in making dream weddings affordable without sacrificing elegance. Our dedicated wedding coordinators are here to help tailor a package to suit your budget while ensuring your special day is everything you’ve envisioned.
Contact us today to learn more about our wedding packages and start planning the wedding of your dreams!