Wedding Expenses to Reconsider in Florianópolis

‍1. Printed Save-the-Date Cards & RSVP Cards

• Many Brazilian couples still like traditional invitations, but digital save-the-dates via WhatsApp or email are extremely practical.
• Florianópolis weddings often involve out-of-town guests from São Paulo or Rio, so digital RSVPs make coordinating hotel stays and transport much easier.

2. Welcome Boxes

• Hotels in Praia Mole, Jurerê, or Lagoa da Conceição often charge extra for deliveries.
• Instead of elaborate gift bags, consider one meaningful local item (like a mini cachaça bottle or artisanal chocolate from the island) or invest in transportation for guests between hotels and beach venues.

3. Excessive Signage

• Florianópolis venues often have open-air beaches, gardens, or historic spots. Large signage can blow away in the wind or clutter natural scenery.
• Keep it minimal—one welcome sign or a digital guide shared in advance works best.

4. Ceremony Programs

• Many guests in Brazil are familiar with wedding traditions. Skip printed programs unless your ceremony includes multi-cultural or dual-language elements (Portuguese + English for international visitors).

5. Bar Upgrades

• Specialty cocktails, exotic garnishes, or imported liquor can be costly in Florianópolis.
• Stick to classic caipirinhas, beer, wine, and a small selection of spirits—guests will be happy and it’s authentically local.

6. Extended or Fancy Cocktail Hours

• Outdoor venues with ocean breezes make long cocktail hours tricky.
• Limit appetizers and focus on a few well-prepared options like mini pastéis or shrimp skewers—popular locally and cost-effective.

7. Champagne Towers & Toast Glasses

• Not practical at beachside or garden venues due to wind or sand.
• Serve bubbly at tables or a self-serve station instead.

8. Separate Escort Cards, Menus, and Place Cards

• Combine into a single card or use a seating chart. Many Florianópolis venues are intimate, so elaborate paper setups aren’t necessary.

9. Excessive Wedding Cake

• Tropical climate can make large cakes spoil faster.
• Smaller cake or mini desserts (brigadeiros, beijinhos) are traditional, locally beloved, and reduce waste.

10. Extra Food Service / Multiple Courses

• Heavy multi-course meals may be unnecessary for casual beachside receptions.
• Focus on one main meal plus local snacks like tapioca or acarajé later in the evening.

11. Party Favors

• Many guests will prefer experiential gifts—like a beach activity voucher—over trinkets.
• Locally made sweets or coffee are appreciated if you really want a small memento.

12. Photo-Booth Prints

• Digital photos are ideal—especially for younger Brazilian guests who share instantly on WhatsApp or Instagram.

13. Sparkler Send-Offs

• Fire regulations at popular Florianópolis beaches often prohibit sparklers.
• Consider a lively music exit or tossing flower petals instead.

14. Next-Day Brunch

• If guests are flying back early or the wedding is at a remote beach, a large brunch may be wasted.
• Offer a simple send-off snack box or a small family gathering instead.