How to Have a Wedding Like Star Jones

When Star Jones married Al Reynolds in 2004, she appealed to a variety of vendors for free wedding items in exchanges for free publicity. You might not be planning a star studded event as Jones, but you can use her tactics to lower the cost of your wedding. Many vendors and suppliers realize sponsorships can be a more effective marketing tool than traditional advertising.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Write down your ideal wedding from start to finish. Jones considered her wedding a fairy tale dream wedding. Plan a unique event that attracts maximum attention. Make a detailed list of the items you need and possible vendors or suppliers to sponsor each item.

2. Contact each vendor and request sponsorships. Consider asking new companies who have limited advertising funds and who are willing to donate items in exchange for publicity. Request references from each vendor to ensure their trustworthiness.

3. Invite as many guests as possible. The larger your guest list, the more potential customers your vendors can market to, and they will be more likely to participate.

4. Develop a wedding website. A website serves as an information tool for your guests and an additional marketing outlet for your vendors. List all of your vendors and sponsors, and include links to their websites.

5. Design a wedding program that lists information about the wedding party, the schedule of events and all of your vendors. Include a page with vendor contact information.

6. Send a press release to your local media sources. Sponsored weddings can draw local attention which gives you another way to advertise your vendors and suppliers.