Things You'll Need:
- Time
- Internet connection
- flexibility
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Step 1
When you get engaged it is a wonderful and exciting time. The problem is, these days, an elaborate wedding can cost thousands of dollars. Normally, a bride can look at $10,000 plus in wedding expenses. Here are some great tips to reduce those.
Shop around and buy off the rack for your wedding gown. It may take a few trips to several different bridal stores but SHOP around for the right dress. If you can find it in your size on the rack GREAT! If not, find out the designer and the style number and call around to different bridal stores and get a price quote. Make sure to also ask for the price of bustling if there is a train on the dress and possible alterations.
If you don't care about designer names check out EBay or other online stores. Make sure they have a good return policy and check out the BBB in their area for any judgement against the company. -
Step 2
LOCATION: If you are not tied to a local church you want to get married in, consider having a friend or family member marry you. You would be amazed how many people are ordained ministers. When we announced our engagement we had three people offer to be a part of our special day and marry us. WHO KNEW?!?!!? Shop around for a location. Consider historic hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, Mansions or standard reception halls. If you are not tied to a church you can get married and have your reception in he same room. This saves a ton on decorations. Also, if you are getting married in the winter in an area subject to bad weather, this is great as you and your guests won't have to drive from venue to venue for the wedding, reception, and dance.
Shop around for venues. Make a spread sheet and total all their add on expense. Once you read the Fine Print of a contract, the place that at first glance appears to be the cheapest often isn't. For example, we got a price quote from one venue only to find out they charged $5 per chair for rental. When you are looking at 100+ guests that is an added expense.
If you are having a dance with alcohol consider a cash bar. Often times you can buy drink tickets for a discounted price and give them to your guests.... NO NEED to pay for everyone's drinks. It is getting more and more common to have a cash bar at these type of events.
Also, if you live in a larger city, consider having your wedding in a smaller surrounding town. Consider your guest list. If most of the guests have transportation and the location is within an hour most will drive to the event. This can save you THOUSANDS!!! Within a 30 minute drive to my city we found a historic hotel that did catering of a very nice sit down dinner, reception hall, historic photo oppertunities, and decoration based on my wedding theme for several thousand less then it would have cost me in town! -
Step 3
Ask for companies to price match. If you are looking at three different photographers get quotes of comparable services and ask them to price match. The worst they can do is say no. Often times, with a little research, you can find a semi pro photographer, DJ or Caterer. These prices can often be lower because they don't depend on the income from their business to make ends meet. Make sure to see their work, equipment, and do a tasting if applicable. Make sure they are professional and attentive to your needs.
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Step 4
Shop around for Bridesmaid dresses online. This can save you and your bridesmaids a ton of money. Look at JC Penny, Sears, Target, Younkers, Dillards, and Bloomingdales online for dresses. Shop around and be flexible. I needed dresses in 6 weeks, under $100, in navy, full length, modest neckline, and with short sleeves. As I started shopping, I realized that was a tough order to fill. I couldn't compomise on the color or the time frame so I looked around and found dresses for $72 in navy, full length delivered within a week. They were sleeveless but beautiful and my bridesmaides loved them, and we greatfull that they didn't have to drop $200 for them.
Consider letting your maids wear a pair of shoes they already have or can buy inexpensively. Instead of opting for dyed to match, consider a simple shoe in a coordinating color. -
Step 5
Make your invitations. This can save you hudreds and you can get what you really want. You can either purchase the ready to print kits online or at local retailers or you can make them from scratch at home! It sounds like a daunting task either way but a couple hours a day could save you hundreds in the long run.
Comments
Thims said
on 9/14/2008 In step three you mention semipro DJ. That's ok, but I say everyone should consider hiring a band. (Ok I'm bias, sue me!) Some bands charge even less than DJ's and are much more fun. You can even give a list of songs you want played before hand, and the band will ablige. A band also has DJ equipement to play songs you might want played from the original recording.
Most bands would have no problem doing this.
It's kind of a two-for-one special when you think about it!
Great info on saving moving for a wedding.