While the Doubletree now features the area’s largest Grand Ballroom, the room can be partitioned for smaller weddings, or couples may opt for the hotel’s Westchester Ballroom or other, more intimate rooms. “Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make your wedding special,” said Barreto. “Particularly in today’s economy, there are many different options available that will help you cut costs, but still have the wedding of your dreams.”
Barreto’s top money-saving wedding tips include:
1. Consider Last-Minute Plans. Most couples plan their wedding a year in advance, but you can often get some great deals if you plan you wedding within six months or less. Many times hotels or other venues have openings they need to fill and will be more willing to work within your budget.
2. Plan a Winter Wedding. While everyone loves a June bride, having your wedding between January and March often means significant savings. “The spring and summer are the most popular times for weddings, so hotels and catering halls usually have more open dates in the winter and the month of November,” said Barreto. “Plus, they’re usually more open to making better deals for those months.”
3. Be Different. Couples who choose a less traditional day or time can bring the weddings costs down. The costs for afternoon weddings are usually less expensive than evening weddings. Also having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday instead of Saturday may decrease not only the reception costs but the entertainment and photographer costs as well. This way, you’re usually not competing with other events.
4. Go for Brunch. Celebrate your intimate wedding with a sophisticated brunch instead of dinner, and save on the cost of a five-hour event with three or four courses and an open bar. Brunches don’t last as long as dinners and people usually drink less.
5. Scale Back on the Guest List. You may not need to invite every neighbor on the block! If you both have large families, consider limiting the guest list to adult relatives and just a few close friends.
6. Design Your Own Invitations. With so many computer software programs and great stationery stores out there, you may want to design and print your own invitations to save money. It gives a personal touch and still has a professional look.
7. Avoid Chair Covers and Color Napkins. Although chair covers and color napkins can complement the look and feel of the event, they just add to the cost. Leave the chairs “au natural” and opt for plain white napkins or whatever color the facility has available. “No one will remember them anyway,” added Barreto.
8. Ask for House Vendors. Almost every hotel and catering hall has its own florists, photographers, videographers, entertainers and other vendors they recommend who may be more willing to work within your budget than someone you hire on your own.
9. Limit the Open Bar. Limit the open bar to four, instead of five hours. Even one less hour can save a lot of money.
10. Hold the Steak. When planning the menu, choose salmon or chicken, instead of filet mignon. If you must have beef, there are less expensive choices such as strip loin. Just ask the chef of your catering professional for other options.
In addition to gaining a reputation as a beautiful venue for weddings, the Doubletree’s new 10,000-square-
Set on 11 acres of landscaped grounds in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the new Doubletree Hotel now offers the largest Grand Ballroom in Westchester County. With 247 guest rooms, 24,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space, a Business Center, indoor pool, sauna, fitness room, and Bistro Z restaurant, the Doubletree offers a country atmosphere and friendly service for both business guests and vacationers.
