10 ways to save when planning your wedding.

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 14^th) 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. 

Revenge of the Carnation

            Carnations have been given a bad reputation over the last few years. I always classified them as the Wal-Mart of flowers. There was no rhyme or reason for my prejudice except that I always heard they were the cheap flowers. I’m not sure why that made a difference to me since my whole shopping life has been built around finding the cheapest deal!

            I wanted to write a piece on centerpieces but after researching (ahem, pinterest), I couldn’t help but notice all the beautiful carnation arraignments. So I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to show another way to save money- go with carnations! Whether they’re splashed between roses or set apart to shine on their own, carnations are making a stunning comeback.

            

Do It Yourself Without Killing Yourself

             Pinterest can either be your weddings biggest ally or its worst enemy. There are so many creative DIY ideas out there that it can be overwhelming if you try to do too many. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about saving a little money and doing things yourself. But I’m also all about a sane bride walking down the aisle.

             Before diving into a million projects, take an overall look at what you want your wedding to be like and who is helping you make it that way. Figure out what DIY projects are vital and which you could do without. GET THE VITAL ONES DONE FIRST. Make a list and a date you want it finished by and just go down the list. If you complete all the projects you can before the week of the wedding, believe me when I say you’ll be thankful. There are so many things that can’t be done until the week of that making 300 paper flowers shouldn’t be one of them.

            If you’re anything like me, delegating is not a strong point. I get a picture in my head of what I would like something to look like and I have to do it. Do not be like me. You know all those people who have told you they’ll help with whatever and you’ve smiled and said “I can’t think of anything!” all the while images of homemade bouquets and pinwheels are flashing across your brain? Use those people. They want to help. Look through your projects and figure out ones you can give to someone else. If you’re nervous about the end result if you’re not there, throw a party, invite a bunch of friends, and make a night of it. Whether you’re stuffing invitations, making flowerballs, or putting together centerpieces, chick flicks and chocolate always bring people together – just keep the chocolate away from the invitations.

            One last thing, if you’re DIYing it to save money, check the overall cost of a project before you get started. Sometimes it ends up costing the same amount or even more in the end if there are a lot of materials. Happy crafting!  

Top Five things to do BEFORE going dress shopping

1.     Set a Budget. It is so important to know what you are able to spend on a dress. Talk to whoever it is that will be paying for the dress and set a distinct price point. If you wait till you’re in the store shopping, you’ll simply
      be adding stress and sometimes even hinder finding
      your perfect dress.

   2.     Decide who you would like to come with you. Your entourage can make or break your appointment. Make sure whoever is coming with you will be honest but tactful. You need someone whose opinion you can trust but also remembers it’s what you want that matters most.

    3.     Get an idea of what style you like. There are so many different styles to wedding gowns that it’s a good idea to at least have a place to begin when you first start shopping. If nothing else, have an idea of what shape you’re interested in trying first. But, don’t get hung up on that original shape if it doesn’t work once you have it on.

   4.      Decide what height of heal you plan on wearing. On your wedding
      day you’ll be standing for a long time. You’ll also be standing for a while during your appointments.
      If you know what height of heal you would like to wear, you can have a trial run during your appointments. That way if after 20 minutes you can’t stand anymore, you’ll know before the wedding!  

5.      Do your hair and makeup. It sounds silly but let me explain. Even if you’re getting the simplest dress in the entire store, it’s still a wedding dress. I don’t mean an up-do and night-life makeup, just something so when you’re surrounded by mirrors you’re looking at the dress and not getting distracted by crazy hair.