Finding Affordable Wedding Venues in Colorado | Bella Sera Event Center
Planning an affordable wedding, and finding affordable wedding venues in Colorado doesn’t have to be impossible when venue hunting. With the right approach, you can find a wedding venue near Denver that offers both beauty and affordability, and you may only have to compromise on a few things. One compromise will most likely be that you can’t choose a Saturday night during the peak summer season. The good news is your guests don’t care, and they will love coming to celebrate you any night of the week. Over the past 21 years as a venue owner in Colorado, I can confirm that Friday night weddings are just as fun as Saturday night weddings. If most of your guests are in Colorado, it really isn’t a big deal to opt for a Friday over a Saturday, and you will potentially save a lot of money. Those who have to fly in will usually want to stay extra days anyway, so the night of the week really isn’t that much of a problem for them either.
Here’s how to save some money while finding an Affordable Wedding Venue in Colorado | Bella Sera Event Center.
Photos by our preferred Wedding Photographer Amp’t Images
Start with Season and Night of the Week
Colorado wedding pricing varies dramatically by season and night of the week:
- Choose a Sunday night prior to a Monday holiday: If you choose a Sunday night wedding that is one day prior to a Monday holiday, you can have the feel of a Saturday night without paying the peak pricing. These dates usually get booked up very quickly, so plan far in advance and look at Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, or even President’s Day in February.
- Choose July 2nd or 3rd: Depending on the year and what nights these dates fall on, you may get a great deal when booking your wedding on July 2nd or 3rd. By choosing one of these two dates, your guests may already be planning to take those days off prior to the holiday anyway. Now you can get a Saturday night feel, but avoid paying Saturday peak night rates. You also won’t be forcing your guests to miss the 4th of July with their family.
- Winter weddings or “off-season” season weddings (November-March) often come with significant discounts, especially if a venue is really slow. At our affordable wedding venue in Colorado – The Bella Sera Event Center, our winter wedding rates are extremely affordable. The decor for winter wonderland weddings is just magnificent too, and you get a lot more “extras”. We love winter weddings!
- Weekday weddings typically cost 30-40% less or more than a peak Saturday wedding. Thursday night weddings can be very popular, as guests will take Friday off before the weekend, and would love to stay late and celebrate with you on a Thursday night.
- Morning ceremonies are often priced lower than evening events if you choose a venue that hosts 2 weddings per day. At our venue, we do only one wedding per day, as we decorate every wedding prior to our couples arriving. However, many venues host 2 weddings a day and give reduced rates for the morning time frame.
Many Colorado venues also offer “off-peak” rates in early spring and late fall too when the weather is still pleasant but demand is lower such as April and early November. The biggest savings come from choosing a Sunday – Thursday night for your wedding. The biggest difference in a Sunday wedding is that they usually end earlier than a Friday or Saturday, and guests may have to get up early for work the next day.
Expect to pay the highest prices for Saturday nights during June – October at any Colorado Wedding Venue.
All-Inclusive Wedding Packages and Venues
Calculate total costs when comparing venues:
- All-inclusive packages might seem expensive upfront but often save money when accounting for rentals, staffing, decor included, vendor discounts, and coordination.
- We know from experience that the reduced stress alone is well worth choosing an all-inclusive wedding venue in Colorado. I can’t tell you how many times over the past 20 years we have heard brides or mother’s say “never again” or “I would never subject myself to what my friend went through”. All-inclusive doesn’t mean more expensive, especially if you are able to customize the package like our venue allows.
DIY
- DIY venues require more work but can allow creative cost-cutting measures.
- If you’re really crafty, have the time, and want to do a lot of work yourself, you can save money by choosing a venue that only offers a DIY option.
- Always be sure to ask how much set up and tear down time you have before signing a contract, as you may have to bring an army of people in to have everything set up and torn down in time.
Choose a delicious, yet affordable dinner entree
- You don’t have to serve filet mignon to your guests. By choosing a flavorful and hearty meal such as a pasta dish with protein, your guests will enjoy your selection. This is especially true if you choose a creative and yummy dessert. Guests love interactive dessert bars such as a chocolate fountain, or having the option to choose many mini desserts.
- Some venues allow outside catering and BYOB, which can dramatically reduce food and beverage costs.
- We are one of those venues who allow outside catering when hiring our serving staff – Bella Sera Catering Options
Hire a professional photographer for only 4 hours
If you plan out what the most important photos are in advance, you may realize that you really don’t want or need a photographer more than 4 hours. Ask yourself what shots you want before your ceremony and after. Determine if you really want any dancing photos of your guests, or if you’d prefer to ask several friends and family to take video with their iPhone instead. Here are some thoughts:
Have QR codes at every dinner table and at the bar and a clever sign asking them to upload any photos or video they take during the night. Maybe even have a contest for who can get the most creative shot of the bride and groom, and offer a gift.
Photography for the first 2 1/2 hours capturing:
- A half hour of Pre-ceremony photos (detail shots, each of you separate in your gown and tux)
- The ceremony (indoors or outdoors)
- Your beautiful dinner ballroom
- An hour of post-ceremony shots (prioritizing photos of just the 2 of you; wedding party and immediate family next)
The last 1 1/2 hours capturing:
- Dinner toasts, cake cutting or desserts
- You may even be able to sneak in a photo with every dinner table before they are served dinner or head on up to the buffet.
- Formal Dances – first dance, father daughter dance, mother son dance, other?
- Bouquet & Garter “if time”
- Then ask all of your closest guests to video tape the fun during the party and the bouquet and garter. These moments are best captured on video in my opinion.
- End of night send off can also be better captured on video.
Bring in your own “pre-made” centerpieces
Calculate total costs when comparing venues:
- A lot of labor and material costs go into making centerpieces. If you are crafty and find deals online for beautiful centerpieces, ask the venue what type of savings they can offer you if you opt out of theirs.
- Borrow centerpieces from a friend or family member who had a wedding or Quinceañera.
- Go to Costco or Sams Club and order fresh roses or flowers, and bring low vases in to put them in. This look can be simple, yet still very beautiful. Be careful not to purchase vases that stand at eye level when your guests are looking across the table. You will find many of these centerpieces being placed on the floor if you do. Trust me, I unfortunately know from experience.
Opt for only one table linen
- Renting and ironing overlay linens can cost more than you realize. If your venue rents them, there will be delivery, cleaning, ironing and placement costs for each linen.
- This one linen table option below saved our couple $200
Final Tips for Finding Affordable Wedding Venues in Colorado
Every dollar saved on your venue is one that can go toward your future —whether that’s a home down payment, an incredible honeymoon, or simply starting your marriage without wedding debt. That peace of mind is perhaps the most valuable wedding gift you can give yourselves.
Whatever Colorado venue you choose—it will be beautiful because it’s where your love story takes its next meaningful step, and where you will remember your vows and “I do’s”. And that makes any venue, at any price point, absolutely perfect.
With research, flexibility, and creativity, you can find an affordable Colorado wedding venue that offers both beauty and affordability, creating a magical day that honors both your vision and your financial goals.
We invite you to visit with us as we can help you navigate what to look for, even if The Bella Sera is not the right fit for you. Request a tour here – schedule.
Wedding Venues in Thornton CO
Premier Brighton Reception venues.
We’re a family owned Denver Wedding Venue with a team who’s passionate for creating the most creative, fun and meaningful wedding celebrations. Over the past 21 years we have helped our couples customize our all-inclusive packages to better fit their budgets. We also will offer great prices if we have a slower month; don’t be afraid to ask for what you need, as many times a venue is willing to offer a “win/win”.
Written by Bella Sera owner – Elisabeth Montoya
Special thanks to some of the most amazing locally owned and operated wedding venue owners in the country who continue to inspire and support us daily!