Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also come with a hefty price tag. However, having a dream wedding at a stunning venue near Jefferson, like Chapman Hill, doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right strategies, you can elevate your special day and create a beautiful celebration without going over budget. Whether you’re just starting the planning process or narrowing down your final details, this blog will guide you on how to step it up on a budget at our charming 17-acre indoor and outdoor upscale farmhouse wedding venue.
1. Prioritize What Matters Most
One of the first steps in how to plan a wedding on a budget is deciding what elements are most important to you and your partner. Whether it’s the venue, photography, food, or decor, allocate a larger portion of your budget to those key areas and find ways to save on the less essential details.
At Chapman Hill, our venue's versatile indoor and outdoor spaces give you the freedom to prioritize and customize your wedding design. For example, you can have a breathtaking outdoor ceremony under our aged walnut trees and move indoors to our charming, rustic reception barn. Choosing a venue that offers built-in charm means you can rely on the natural beauty of the location, which reduces the need for costly decor.
photo - @amyephoto | coordinator - @georgiadollevents
2. Get Creative with Decor
When you’re working with a budget, creativity is key. Simple and elegant DIY decor can go a long way in transforming an event venue. Here are some cost-effective ways to step up your wedding decor at Chapman Hill:
Utilize our Decor Room: We have curated a room full of beautiful, current table decor items. We rent the “room” for a mere $10 per table. It’s such a terrific way to save money. If what we have here on hand is your style, by all means, don’t go out and spend what would surely be more than $50-100 per table!
Repurpose Ceremony Flowers: Instead of paying for separate flowers for both your ceremony and reception, repurpose your ceremony arrangements as table centerpieces or accent decor at the reception.
DIY Touches: Personal touches like homemade table numbers, handwritten place cards, or even a photo display can add charm and personality to your wedding without a hefty price tag.
Chapman Hill’s rustic and elegant atmosphere provides a perfect canvas for creative, budget-friendly decor. Take advantage of our indoor and outdoor spaces to showcase your style without going over budget.
photo - @emmarossphotography
3. Be Strategic with Food and Drink
Catering is often one of the biggest expenses at any wedding. However, there are ways to step up your food and drink options while staying within your budget. Here are a few tips:
Buffet or Family-Style Serving: Offering buffet or family-style meals can be more budget-friendly than a plated dinner and allows guests to enjoy a relaxed, communal dining experience.
Limit Drink Options: Instead of offering an open bar with a wide selection of beverages, serve a couple of signature cocktails, beer, and wine. This can significantly cut costs without sacrificing the guest experience. We offer three different, very affordable, beverage packages.
Seasonal Menus: Choose in-season or local ingredients to save on catering costs. Seasonal menus not only cut expenses but also offer fresh, high-quality food that’s perfect for a farmhouse wedding atmosphere.
Chapman Hill’s wide range of trusted local caterers can help you create delicious yet budget-conscious menus for your special day.
food truck - @texstacos
4. Use the Venue’s Natural Beauty
Choosing a venue that has its own charm and beauty, like Chapman Hill, allows you to save on decor because the setting itself is already picturesque. Our 17-acre venue offers scenic views, lush landscaping, and indoor spaces with elegant, rustic elements. You can let the backdrop do the talking while keeping decor simple and cost-effective.
When touring an event venue, always ask about what is included in the rental package. Some venues may include extras like tables, chairs, and lighting, which can help cut down on their costs. At Chapman Hill, we offer these inclusions as part of our packages, so you can focus on adding your own personal touches.
photo - @johnandkymcreativeco
5. Choose Off-Peak Dates
One of the easiest ways to step up your wedding on a budget is to book your venue during off-peak seasons or on non-traditional days, such as Fridays or Sundays. We offer discounted rates during these times, allowing you to have your dream wedding at a more affordable price.
At Chapman Hill, our venue is just as beautiful in the winter or early spring as it is during the peak seasons of late spring and fall. Ask about our off-season rates to save even more without compromising on the elegance and charm of your wedding.
photo - @kaitvictoriaphoto | florals - @designhouseofflowers
Step Up Your Wedding at Chapman Hill Without Breaking the Bank
Planning your wedding at Chapman Hill, a beautiful venue near Jefferson, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or elegance, even when working on a budget. By prioritizing what matters, being creative with decor, and asking the right questions, you can have a stunning celebration that doesn’t compromise on quality or beauty.
Our team at Chapman Hill is here to help you make the most of your wedding planning experience, ensuring that your big day is both memorable and budget-friendly.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and see why Chapman Hill is the ideal event venue for your dream wedding.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Chapman Hill family!
Thank you so much for stopping by our blog, we hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate owned or investor owned venues. As you plan your wedding we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours. You can find locally owned wedding venues on this wedding venue map.
Below is a shout out to fellow locally owned wedding venues around the country!
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