Golf Course Wedding Venues on a Budget: Celebrate Without Breaking Bank
The average cost of a wedding in America was $29,000 in 2023. The venue was among the highest wedding expenses, with couples spending nearly 25% of their total budget on the venue alone.
That can be a shocking figure for anyone planning or paying for a wedding. Of course, there are factors such as location and venue type that affect the final cost. However, couples getting married should know the cost of a venue.
So, if you're looking at wedding venues on a budget, what are your options? Golf courses and golf clubs can often be surprisingly budget-friendly. This guide will lay out why golf club weddings should be top of your list.
Benefits of Golf Club Weddings
Golf clubs are known for elegance and luxury, but they can often be cheap wedding venues compared to other types of locations. Plus, they have many benefits that make them one of the top contenders.
With golf club weddings, you'll often have natural beauty. Lush green grass, lots of land, and trees dotting the grounds. The club buildings can also be intricately decorated, which can add to the beauty of the space.
They're also large spaces, which means they can often accommodate larger guest lists and provide room for all of your wedding events. With the expensive grounds, you'll be able to host your ceremony and reception, as well as have a stunning backdrop for photos.
Golf clubs are ideal for couples looking for more elegant and traditional settings for their wedding day. You'll often get a beautiful space with natural beauty without having to break the budget to do so.
How Golf Courses Can Be Budget-Friendly
As mentioned, golf courses' natural beauty and elegant buildings can provide an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for a wedding. This can help you save money on decor and flowers, as the venue won't need to be dressed up too much.
However, there are many other reasons that golf courses are affordable wedding venues. You'll often be able to have the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception in one place, so you'll only need one venue.
Golf courses also tend to have packages that include catering and planning services. With these bundles, you don't have to hire outside vendors, which can be an extra cost. Instead, they're included in the price of your venue.
Some golf courses may also have established relationships with other vendors, like florists, photographers, or entertainment. In some cases, you may receive lower prices than you would if you hired them on your own.
Even some of the labor from setting up the wedding, flipping the space, serving dinner, and taking down the decor can be included. This saves you the trouble of hiring a crew and spending more money.
What to Look for in a Golf Course Wedding Venue
While a golf course wedding might not immediately seem like an inexpensive option, compared to other venues, it can be pretty budget-friendly. So, if you choose a golf club for a wedding, what should you look for?
Firstly, do research on the golf courses in your area to make a list of potential venues. One of the first factors you'll want to consider is your guest list. Be sure the venue will be able to accommodate the number of guests you're planning to invite.
Next, you'll want to get a feel for the aesthetics of the place. Be sure you like the views you will have for the ceremony and reception. You can also use this as an opportunity to scout locations for your wedding photos.
Look over the menu options to ensure the food and drink packages fit what you're looking for. Finally, speak with the coordinator to make sure you understand obligations and fees, and ask any questions you might have.
Ways to Maximize Your Budget
One of the biggest wedding planning tips couples want is how to maximize their budget. With a golf course wedding, you should consider the type of course it is. Luxury clubs will cost a lot more than semi-private ones.
Another way to save money on your wedding is to have it during an off-season month. Weddings in November to March tend to be less expensive because they're less in demand. Since golf courses are maintained year-round, you'll still have beautiful views.
Opt to DIY wherever you can. The cost of little or miscellaneous items can add up quickly. So, save money on decor, programs, or favors by making them yourself.
Customize and Personalize
Golf courses have a natural beauty to them, so you won't have to do a lot to make the space aesthetically pleasing. While this is a benefit to the budget, it doesn't mean you can't customize and personalize your wedding space.
You can plan a dream wedding on a budget by getting creative with the way you decorate the space. Consider fun table numbers and place cards that are either on theme with the golf course venue or reference something about you and your partner.
There are also many budget wedding ideas that will help you make a wedding feel personal. Play music that's special for you two, have a unique guest book, and family photos and photos of the two of you.
Even simple design choices like the colors you choose and the outfits you wear can make a wedding feel more personalized. What's great is that a golf course provides a blank slate for you to create your wedding dream.
Searching for Wedding Venues on a Budget
Anyone in the midst of wedding planning knows how quickly the budget can burst. The truth is that many costs associated with weddings are more expensive than people realize, particularly the venue.
That's why being smart with the type of venue you choose should be a top priority. If you've been looking for wedding venues on a budget, a golf club wedding might be the answer.
You can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. PipeStone Golf Club has over 30 years of experience creating memorable experiences. Contact us to inquire about booking today!