7 Insider Tips for Budgeting for Golf Course Weddings
In 2024, the average Florida couple is spending $31,000 on their wedding. For some, that number seems like an awful lot to spend on one day. For others, it feels impossible to check every box without spending more.
Naturally, every couple's budget should reflect their own needs and desires, not the state average. Still, working with a budget is an important part of golf course wedding planning.
How are couples budgeting for golf course weddings? We're here to share some of the top seven wedding budget tips we've learned from our years of working in the wedding industry. Read on for more.
1. Determine Who's Paying
Whether or not you're trying to save money on wedding planning, you need to start with a realistic budget. Couples who don't have a number in mind may find themselves saying yes to all sorts of things, only to realize later that they've spent far more than intended.
To come to a realistic budget, you'll need to figure out who's paying. As tradition would have it, the bride's parents might foot all or most of the bill. Modern couples, however, may pay for their own weddings or accept contributions from a variety of family members.
As awkward as it might be, make sure that anyone who's offered to help pay gives you an actual sum. Otherwise, you may be overshooting (or undershooting) your actual spending limit.
2. Ask About All-Inclusive Packages
One of the biggest appeals of golf course wedding planning is the all-inclusive package many golf courses offer. The all-inclusive package tends to include:
- An experienced wedding planner
- In-house catering
- Full bar and bartenders
- Indoor and outdoor space for your ceremony and reception
In other words, you're getting more than just a venue for your wedding and reception. When your venue can provide catering and bar service, you stand to cut down on more than planning stress and logistical issues. You may also save some serious money.
Before you start requesting quotes from vendors, talk to your golf course venue head about the all-inclusive package. Find out what's included and how much that package costs.
3. Negotiate Package Options
Once you've learned about the all-inclusive package, ask if you can review the typical contract before signing. No matter who you're working with, from your venue to your DJ to your bakery, you should always read the fine print to see what you're agreeing to.
Some couples may find that an all-inclusive package includes more than what they need. For example, maybe you've got a close friend whose wedding gift is their professional planning services.
If there's something in the all-inclusive package that you don't need, see if you can negotiate your contract. Though you may lose out on certain discounts, there's no point in paying for services you won't use.
4. Plan Around Catering Minimums
When it comes to wedding cost-saving ideas, you'll see a lot of experts advising you to consider scale. While it is true that a larger wedding will cost more, the ratio may not increase the way you'd expect. Many caterers offer discounted rates per meal the more guests you serve.
Plus, many caterers have food and beverage minimums. If you're using your golf course venue's in-house catering, find out about minimums before you start planning your guest list. It's possible that your work friends and gym buddies can come, after all!
5. Consider Service and Rental Fees
There's a reason why engaged couples often enlist the service of a wedding planner. The logistics of planning a wedding can become mind-boggling, especially when you realize that the entire process will take a lot longer than the five to six hours of celebrating.
To get a sense of what we're talking about, take a look at this wedding timeline template by The Knot. Even for a 5 PM wedding, rental load-ins can start as early as 9 AM.
Talk to your wedding planner about how your timeline can save you money. Your vendors may have different rental schedules and fees. Something as minor as hiring a vendor until 11:30 rather than 11 can leave you paying another five hours' worth of fees.
6. Look Into Off-Peak Dates
As you're planning your golf course wedding, you're probably hearing and reading a lot about "wedding season." Wedding season is the time (or times) of year when the majority of couples are scheduling their big day.
When golf course venues and vendors are in high demand, prices will go up. The inverse is also true. When you pick an off-peak date, you may save significant bucks.
Make sure you're looking at regional wedding season peaks, not national ones. In the south, our peak wedding season includes spring and fall and skips summer. If you want to save money, consider a winter or summer wedding in Florida (and make sure your golf course venue offers indoor and outdoor climate control).
7. Plan Must-Haves First
If you're working with a tight budget, you may have to make some sacrifices. That doesn't mean that you can't still plan a wedding as beautiful and romantic as your relationship with your partner.
The trick is to account for your must-haves first. These include practical must-haves, like your venue and catering. Once you've nailed down all of your vendors, it's time to start thinking about must-have decorations.
One of the best parts about having a golf course wedding is that you can go maximalist or minimalist with your wedding decorations and still get beautiful results. The natural scenery creates the perfect backdrop for your big day.
Dreaming of Golf Course Weddings? Call Southern Hills
Weddings can easily go over budget if you don't plan with care. Use these tips to save money and stick to your budget while still planning the golf course wedding of your dreams.
Southern Hills Plantation Club hosts some of the most beautiful golf course weddings in Brooksville, FL thanks to our stunning banquet facilities and fantastic location. Plus, we have one of the region's top wedding planners on staff and can execute any vision. Learn more about our wedding package today.