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6 Things Our Outdoor Wedding Venue in West Virginia Would Never Tell a Bride to Save Money On

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of decisions, and if you've spent any time on TikTok or Pinterest, you've probably seen endless lists of ways to cut costs.


We're all for being intentional with your wedding budget. There are plenty of places where you can save without sacrificing the overall experience.


But after hosting countless weddings at our outdoor wedding venue in West Virginia, there are a few things we'd never tell a bride to cut. These are the investments that consistently make the biggest difference not just on your wedding day, but in how you remember it for years to come.


If you need to save money, we'd rather see you skip custom cocktail napkins or wedding favors than sacrifice one of these.



1. A Day-of Coordinator


If there's one investment we'll recommend every single time, it's hiring a professional day-of coordinator.


Many couples think, "I've planned the whole wedding, I can handle the day, too."

Trust us… you don't want to and you do not want your mom to do it either.


Your wedding day should be about soaking in every moment, not answering vendor questions, checking the timeline, or wondering who's lining everyone up for the ceremony.


A great day-of coordinator keeps everything moving behind the scenes. They communicate with vendors, keep everyone on schedule, line up the wedding party, make sure the ceremony starts on time, solve problems before you even know they exist, and allow you, your family, and your wedding party to actually enjoy the day.


Without one, those responsibilities usually fall on your mom, maid of honor, best friend, or another family member. Instead of celebrating with you, they're answering questions and putting out fires to ensure your day is everything you dreamed of.


The best coordinators make it look effortless because they're handling all the things you'll never even realize could have gone wrong.


Future you will be so thankful you had someone else carrying that mental load.


2. Photography & Videography


If you remember one thing from this blog, let it be this:


Your photos and videos are the only things you truly get to keep after your wedding day.

The flowers will eventually wilt. The cake will be eaten. The dance floor will shut down. Your dress will be packed away.


But your photos and videos become your memories.



They're how you'll relive your first look, your vows, your grandparents dancing, your husband's reaction as you walk down the aisle, and all the little moments you didn't even realize were happening.


A talented photographer captures emotions you can't recreate. A great videographer preserves the voices, laughter, speeches, and happy tears that photos alone can't.

If your budget gets tight, we'd encourage simplifying décor before sacrificing the people responsible for preserving your memories forever.


3. Hair & Makeup


Professional hair and makeup isn't about looking like someone else. It's about looking and feeling like the best version of yourself.


Wedding beauty professionals know how to create a look that lasts through happy tears, humidity, hugs, and hours on the dance floor. They also know how to create a look that photographs beautifully.


It can be tempting to ask a talented friend or family member to do your hair or makeup to save money, but that can put a lot of pressure on someone you love. Instead of relaxing and enjoying the morning with you, they're focused on making sure everyone's hair and makeup is perfect.


Let your loved ones celebrate beside you, not work your wedding.


When you feel confident and relaxed, it shows in every photo.


4. Your Bridal Bouquet


If you're looking to save money on florals, don't start with your bouquet. Start with the centerpieces.


Here's why: your bouquet is in almost every important photo of the day. You'll carry it down the aisle, hold it during your ceremony, bring it into your portraits, and it's featured in countless detail shots throughout your wedding gallery.


Years from now, when you're flipping through your wedding album, your bouquet will be part of so many of the moments you'll treasure most.



That doesn't mean it has to be huge or extravagant. Some of the most stunning bouquets we've seen have been simple, timeless, and thoughtfully designed.


If you're trying to stretch your floral budget, consider simplifying reception centerpieces, using more candles, repurposing ceremony arrangements for the reception, or choosing decor that is provided by your wedding venue (like we offer at Evermore Ridge!).


Think of it this way: your guests will admire your centerpieces for a few hours. You'll admire your bouquet in your photos for the rest of your life.


5. Your Guests' Experience


Your wedding isn't just a beautiful event; it's one of the few times in your life that all of your favorite people will be together in one place.


Don't be afraid to invest in creating an experience they'll remember.


We've seen couples set up trivia about their relationship during cocktail hour, bring in friendly donkeys for unforgettable photo opportunities, hire DJs who keep the dance floor packed all night, and set out lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga that guests of all ages can enjoy.



Those intentional touches give your guests something to talk about long after the wedding is over. They help break the ice between families, keep everyone entertained between events, and create genuine moments of connection.


If you need to cut your budget, we'd skip the trendy extras before we'd skip the things that make your wedding guests feel included, engaged, and excited to celebrate with you because at the end of the day, people may not remember every detail of your décor, but they'll always remember how your wedding made them feel.


6. Vendors You Actually Vibe With


This one might surprise you.


Yes, budget matters, but don't book someone just because they're the cheapest option if your personalities don't click.


Your venue owner sets the tone for your entire wedding planning experience. Your photographer is going to spend more time with you on your wedding day than almost anyone else. Your DJ controls the energy of your reception. Your coordinator is your go-to person when emotions are high. Your hair and makeup team is with you all morning.


These people become part of your wedding day experience.


When you genuinely vibe with your vendors, the whole day feels easier. Conversations flow naturally. You're more relaxed. You trust their advice. They understand your vision without you having to over-explain every little detail.


The opposite is true, too. If communication feels off before the wedding, or you feel like you have to convince someone to care about your day, that's probably not going to magically change once your wedding arrives.


Read reviews, browse their socials, and schedule a consultation. Pay attention to how they make you feel. You deserve a vendor team that hypes you up, calms your nerves, and genuinely wants your wedding day to be everything you've dreamed of.


Your wedding team should feel like people you'd actually want to grab coffee with, not just people checking off a contract.


Final Thoughts from an Outdoor Wedding Venue in West Virginia


There are absolutely ways to have a beautiful wedding without spending a fortune.

DIY signage, skipping favors, renting décor instead of buying it, or trimming your guest list are all smart ways to stretch your budget.

But after seeing so many incredible wedding days at our outdoor wedding venue in West Virginia, these are the six investments we'd protect every single time.


At the end of the day, your guests won't remember whether your cocktail napkins were personalized or whether every centerpiece matched perfectly. They'll remember how your wedding felt. More importantly, you'll remember how it felt.


So, spend intentionally. Invest in the things that reduce stress, preserve your memories, and allow you to be fully present because years from now, that's what you'll be grateful for.



Weekly Shoutout


One of our favorite parts of the wedding industry is the incredible community of locally owned venues across the country. If you're searching for an outdoor wedding venue in West Virginia and beyond, we encourage you to tour several venues, ask plenty of questions, and choose the one that feels like the perfect fit for your wedding day.


Below are a few locally owned wedding venues we'd love to give a shoutout to this week. Every venue has something unique to offer, and we're grateful to be part of such an amazing wedding community.


Still planning the details? Be sure to visit our Guest Info page for helpful tips you can share with your family and friends, including travel information, nearby attractions, and answers to common questions that can make your wedding weekend even smoother.



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