12 Ways to Save on Your Wedding
- Holding your wedding on a day other than a Saturday can often save you money. Many halls, caterers, and other wedding service providers will often give you a discount if you hold your wedding on an "off-day", such as a Friday or Sunday. Ask them about discounts for "off-day" weddings. If they don't currently have such a policy, try to negotiate one with them.
- Looking for affordable bridesmaid dresses? Try shopping for them during the holiday season - Department stores such Sears, for example, generally carry an excellent selection of glamorous cocktail and evening dresses as the season for parties approaches - but at much lower prices than what you'd pay for similar "bridesmaid dresses" in a bridal boutique. An entire world of fabulous finds can be found for well under $100.
- Making your own invitations? Save money by using reply postcards instead of the usual reply cards with envelopes. Postage rates for postcards are about 13 cents less than the rate for stamping envelopes (remember - you must pre-stamp the reply cards for your guests!) Plus, by using postcards you also save the expense of envelopes. Simply print the response information on one side of the card, and your address on the other side.
- Having your wedding during the less popular months of October through April - the so called "off season" - can often save you money. Many halls, caterers, and other wedding service providers will often give you a discount if you hold your wedding during their slow season when they have far fewer bookings. Ask them about discounts for "off season" weddings. If they don't currently have such a policy, try to negotiate one with them.
- Saving money on a stylist can sound scary but there are a number of good options. Consider going to your salon rather than have the salon come to you. Some hairstylists and makeup artists charge their full day rate for at-home service, even if you only need them for a few hours. Or consider having a make-up artist do all of your makeup but just eyes and lips on all of your bridesmaids. This can save money if your stylists are hourly, and it will make getting ready go a lot faster.
- A Lavish Decorated Wedding cake can cost a small fortune but consider mixing it up. For 150 guests, order a decorated cake for 100 and a plain frosted cake for 50. The second cake, to be sliced behind the scenes, will cost a fraction of the first.
- Raid your mother's or grandmother’s jewelry box. If Mom has a great strand of pearls, earrings or a semiprecious necklace, ask if you can borrow it; maybe pair it with a modern piece, for a unique look. Not only will the special women in your life be honored to be thought of being included in such a special way, but it makes the piece even more memorable for them.
- Ask your caterer about the availability of children's plates. You can usually save about 50% by ordering these special meals for the little people on your guest list who are 12 years and under. The child's plate is usually a smaller portion that the adult meals and, in fact, often consists of something which will have more appeal to the little guys as well, such as cheese burgers or chicken fingers and fries. Many caterers will not mention the option of children's plates unless they are specifically asked. So, if you have a number of kids on your guest list, take this tip to cash in on the savings.
- Favors can do double-duty as place cards, centerpieces, or even entertainment. When incorporated into place settings, they make tables look special without the need for custom linens. A stack of small wrapped favors on a raised cake plate makes a festive centerpiece and saves on flower costs. Adding an instant photo booth to your reception can make personal, memorable favors enjoyed by guests of all ages, and think of the time you can save
- An understated option is to hire a sedan to take the bride and her escort to the ceremony, and later drive the bride and groom to the reception. Lots of couples think they should book a 10-passenger vehicle, but not everyone in the party needs a ride. (This also avoids hurting anyone's feelings, should you have a 12-person party and a 10-person limo.)
- Check hotel reception packages. Some hotels have special reception packages, often you can receive deep discounts on a bridal suite when the reception is held there, and discounts when you book a block of rooms for out-of-town guests. This not saves you money but it makes it easy for guests to enjoy the reception, without worrying about finding their way across town in the dark.
- Want a discount when buying supplies for your wedding? ASK for one! But you do have to ask for it. So for example, if buying craft supplies, candles, candle holders, etc. in large quantities; ask the store manager if you can get a quantity discount. This won't often work in wedding specialty shops, but it does work in craft stores, decor stores, and other such stores where you may be picking up items for decorating at your wedding. Major department stores are less likely to be open to discount negotiations.
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