1.
Set a
detailed budget for your entire wedding. You must must must have an actual
number – if you don’t, you will end up spending more. Once you have that
number, create categories and start divvying up the cash (i.e. decorations, flowers,
dress, gifts, ect). Think through every aspect of your wedding so you don’t
forget anything. Little things like thank you notes, hairspray, and guest book
pens can easily slip past even the most budget conscious bride. Write everything
down. The biggest lie a bride will tell herself is “I don’t need to write that
down, I’ll remember.”
2.
Always be
prepared. Ok so this one’s a Boy Scout motto but it still applies! Whenever
you’re out picking up milk or socks or whatever, always take time to peruse the
clearance isle. You never know when the perfect vase or tablecloth will drop in
price.
3.
Have an
IDEA for decorations. Know the overall look you would like to have with
your decorations but don’t get hung up on specifics. If you are only looking
for a certain vase (and you need 30 of them), you will most likely end up
spending more money than you would prefer. Sometimes a simple change in brand
or shape can help you save.
4.
Make your
own invitation. For those of you who aren’t super crafty, this may seem
like a lot; it’s not. Stores like Michaels, Target, Hobby Lobby, and even Wal-Mart
have packets for printing your own invitations. You’ve looked into these you
say? And they’re expensive you say? Refer back to #2- always be prepared! It’s
true, sometimes these packets can be up to $50 a piece. And when you need 5 or
6 packets, that’s not so cheap. However, if you take to time to scout out the
stores, you’ll see that those packets go on sale frequently- sometimes up to
90% off. Or, if you’re really confident, skip the prepackaged invitations and simply
design it yourself on your computer. There are also a lot of websites that all
you need to do is type out your information and they will print everything for
you.
5.
Plan an
afternoon wedding. This one is going to save you a lot. Having and
afternoon wedding means your guests will not be expecting and entire meal at
the reception. This opens up a whole new realm of savings when it comes to food.
Hors d’oeuvres and cake, candy buffet, popcorn bar, cup cakes, the possibilities
are endless.
6.
Use flowers
that are in season. I’m not saying to scrap you’re favorite flowers all
together if they’re not in season. But using seasonal flowers as fillers can
save a lot of money in the long run. After choosing what flowers you want,
research the flowers that will be in season at the time of your wedding and
dream away. You might even luck out and find your favorites will be at their cheapest
on your wedding date. Also, if you use only one type of flower, you’ll save
because you’re florist will only need to make one bulk order instead of
multiple orders.
7.
Find the
wedding dress sales. Research your local bridal salons and figure out when
their sale dates are. Sample sales can save you up to 70% on a wedding gown,
veil, and shoes. And don’t bypass the bigger bridal stores just because they’re
bigger- larger companies can offer better discounts.
8.
Have and off
peak wedding. If possible, plan a November, January, February (not the 14th)
or March wedding. When there’s less competition for dates, you have an
advantage in price negotiations. Often times venues and vendors will reduce the
price up to 30% during off peak times.
9.
Add the
finishing touches to your cake yourself. Or have your personal assistant do
it. The cost of a wedding cake is all about labor. The more sugar flowers and
flowing lace fondant, the more expensive you’re cake is going to be. By ordering
a simple cake and adding your own lace, satin, or flowers, you’ll definitely save.
Or you could have a smaller more decadent cake for cutting and a sheet cake in
the kitchen for serving.
10. Serve signature cocktails. Depending on
your beliefs and preferences, this may not even be an issue. But, if it is a
part of your wedding, alcohol is where weddings tend to hemorrhage money. Most
reception sites charge for every opened bottle, empty or not. Offer a limited
bar, or a signature cocktail to cut down on cost. Or skip the drinks altogether
and simply provide champagne for toasts.
