How to Host a Beautiful Minnesota Wedding Without Overspending
Smart Strategies to Save Money on Your Minnesota Wedding
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially when trying to stick to a budget. At Adler Ranch Wedding & Event Venue we’ve had the privilege of hosting countless weddings, each as unique as the couples themselves. With years of experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to create a stunning celebration without unnecessary expenses, we’ve put together this guide to help you make smart, impactful decisions for your Minnesota wedding. Learn more about how to bring your dream day to life without breaking the bank.
Part of the Vintage Lighted Sign Collection at Adler Ranch, MN Farm Wedding Venue, Kristen Jrykas Creative
Choose a Venue That Includes Essential Services and extras
One of the easiest ways to save is to select a venue that offers more than just the space. Adler Ranch includes tables, chairs, and furniture for both the ceremony and reception, along with two well-appointed wedding party suites for getting ready. To top it off, our team handles the furniture setup and cleanup at no additional cost. This includes all table bussing, putting away furniture and all cleaning and garbage services! All you have to do is collect decor you’ve brought and your gifts and cards!
This means fewer outside vendors and less stress for you, saving both time and money. Also included is a massive collection of vintage lighted signs and antiques creating an incredible environment!
The Something Borrowed Collection
A thoughtfully curated selection of items that can be used for decorating. Available to couples at no additional cost.
The Something Borrowed Collection at Adler Ranch
The Adler Ranch Something Borrowed Collection is a thoughtfully curated selection of items available to couples at no additional cost, designed to enhance your wedding’s aesthetic without adding to your budget. This collection includes an array of beautiful décor elements, such as vintage items for centerpieces, mirrors, candles, wood boxes, crocks, dessert pedestal cake plates, whiskey barrels, live plants like ferns, and more. We also have small tables, plant stands, galvanized items or display. Additionally, it features charming pieces to adorn your ceremony area, allowing you to skip expensive rental fees. By taking advantage of this complimentary collection, you can achieve a personalized, elegant look for your wedding while significantly cutting costs on decorations. The best part…when you pick out your items at your planning meeting, we have them all out and ready for you on wedding day, decreasing your set-up and clean-up time! See more Amenities at Adler Ranch!
Embrace the Beauty of an Intimate Wedding at Adler Ranch
One of the simplest and most impactful ways to save on your wedding is to reduce your guest count. A smaller guest list not only trims the costs for catering, rentals, and favors but also allows you to prioritize the people who mean the most to you. Intimate weddings create a more personal and memorable atmosphere, where you can genuinely connect with each guest. Venues like Adler Ranch provide a magical setting that feels warm and welcoming for smaller gatherings, with charming touches like vintage lighted signs and cozy outdoor seating areas. By keeping your celebration intimate, you can focus on meaningful details that reflect your love story without stretching your budget. Adler Ranch has a wide variety of wedding packages. See the variety of packages!
Adler Ranch Weekday Weddings
Consider an off peak day, or a weekday for your wedding. Thursday is the new Saturday, allowing for a nice long weekend after your wedding!
Choose an Off-Peak Day for Extra Savings
Another way to plan a budget-friendly wedding is by choosing an off-peak day. While Saturdays are the traditional favorite, weekday weddings from Sunday through Thursday often come with significant cost savings. Many venues, including Adler Ranch, offer special weekday packages designed to be both affordable and accommodating. Adler Ranch's weekday wedding package, for example, includes everything you need for a stunning celebration, with a capacity of up to 150 guests. Not only do weekday weddings save money, but they also provide a unique experience for your guests, who will appreciate the midweek celebration as a refreshing break from routine. With careful planning, you can make your weekday wedding feel just as extraordinary as any Saturday affair.
Skip the Party Favors
While party favors are a nice gesture, many couples find that they go unnoticed—or even left behind—by guests. Instead, let your wedding itself serve as the lasting memory. Focus on elements that create an unforgettable experience, like incredible food or stunning décor or signature cocktails.
Work with Trusted Vendors, ask your venue!
Venues know which vendors do great work, trust their recommendations! These relationships save you time, reduce the risk of miscommunications, and guarantee a cohesive experience tailored to your vision.
Madelyn B Photography
Work With Trusted Vendors for a Seamless Experience
Partnering with vendors recommended by your venue can make wedding planning smoother and more cost-effective. Adler Ranch works with a network of trusted vendors who are familiar with the space, ensuring everything from catering to floral arrangements fits seamlessly into your wedding day. These relationships save you time, reduce the risk of miscommunications, and guarantee a cohesive experience tailored to your vision. Plus, preferred vendors often offer exclusive deals or packages for couples working with the venue.
Make Smart Dining Choices
A hearty buffet filled with delicious, filling options is a great way to keep costs reasonable while ensuring guests leave satisfied. Consider coordinating both your meal and bar service with the same vendor for potential package savings. Many caterers also offer options for the rehearsal dinner, creating a convenient and cohesive plan for all your events. For a more budget-friendly option, host a cozy rehearsal dinner at your Airbnb with a homemade meal or simple catered fare.
Adler Ranch Venue grounds and our little blue truck, a great photo opportunity! Adler Ranch is located two hours from Minneapolis MN and Fargo ND, near Alexandria MN
Avoiding Budget Blunders in Wedding Planning
Planning a wedding is a joyful experience, but managing the budget can be tricky. From surprise vendor costs to inflation-driven price hikes, financial mishaps can sneak in when you least expect them. While you can’t reset your wedding expenses like refreshing a screen, these tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and keep your budget on track.
Build a Financial Safety Net
Unexpected expenses are inevitable in wedding planning. Whether it’s extra décor, vendor overtime, or unforeseen setup fees, setting aside 10-15% of your total budget for surprises is a smart move. This buffer acts as your safety net, so you’re prepared for anything without scrambling for extra funds.
Build a safety net
Try to build up a safety net of 10 to 15% for unexpected expenses
Type & Timber Photography
Focus on What Matters Most
Every couple has unique priorities. Whether it’s professional photography, a stunning venue, or a live band, decide where to allocate your funds for maximum impact. For example, investing in high-quality photos and videos is worth it—they’re keepsakes you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Meanwhile, extras like extravagant party favors or trendy décor pieces might not hold the same value.
Spread Out the Costs
Managing wedding payments doesn’t have to be stressful. Look for vendors or venues that offer interest-free payment plans, allowing you to split large expenses into manageable chunks. This flexibility helps you maintain financial balance while covering all your wedding essentials.
Make Budgeting Simple with Adler Ranch
At Adler Ranch, we believe that your wedding should be as stress-free as it is memorable. Our comprehensive offerings—like included furniture, setup, cleanup, and access to our Something Borrowed Collection—help you avoid hidden costs while creating a beautiful event. Plus, our trusted vendor connections can simplify planning and keep your budget in check.
Take the First Step Toward Your Dream Wedding
Contact Adler Ranch today to explore their incredible packages and see how they can bring your wedding vision to life. From thoughtful details to trusted recommendations, Adler Ranch is ready to help make your big day as memorable as it is budget-friendly.
Adler Ranch Wedding & Event Venue
Adler Ranch: Your Love, Our Legacy
At Adler Ranch, we take pride in being an independently owned and operated wedding venue, nestled in the picturesque lakes area of Alexandria, MN. When you celebrate your wedding with us, you’ll experience the care, dedication, and attention to detail that only a family-run venue can offer. Every detail of your day is handled with intention to make it as extraordinary as your love story. Hosting only a limited number of weddings each season allows us to provide the personalized attention and intentional moments that make your celebration unforgettable.
What truly sets Adler Ranch apart is our unparalleled collection of vintage signs—treasures we’ve lovingly gathered over 35 years. This carefully curated collection adds a unique charm, character and history to your wedding day, offering a backdrop like no other venue in the area. The signs tell their own story, creating the perfect setting for capturing memories that will last a lifetime and offering a setting for wedding photography like none other.
For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement advice, be sure to follow Adler Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Let’s make your dream day a reality! 💕Thanks for visiting! ~Marlys
The Banquet Barn at Adler Ranch, Alexandria MN Wedding Venue
A shoutout to other locally owned wedding venues around the US that offer their support and encouragement on a daily basis: The Stables at Cypress Creek Venue de La Chute, Carolyn Baldwin Lake Pavilion, River House Montana, The Felt Estate The Old Barns at Dry Run Farms,
