Wednesday, October 28, 2009

99 Little Tips to Save Money At Your Wedding

Birthday2It's Wednesday so I'm back with more "favorites"!  This week as a new take, I thought I'd share my favorite money saving tips.  99 of them.  Ambitious?  Absolutely.  J. thinks I am nuts and got annoyed by all the typing this list took.  But I love a challenge!  Here goes...

1.  Skip inner envelopes and blotters for your invitations.  Most people won't notice or care, and those who do won't mind (and if they do, they're not very good friends).

2.  Shop sample sales for designer gowns at David's prices.

3.  Google coupon codes for Michael's or JoAnn's and use them to buy things you'll need, like ribbon.  40% off is just a click away!

4.  Make your own aisle runner.  Save on the rental!

5.  Buy forever stamps before the prices go up again!

6.  Plan your wedding for the "off season."  Christmas weddings cost less!

7.  Skip the limo; ask a loved one to drive you in their luxury car (you know you know someone who would do it).

8.  The tried and true ipod-in-lieu of DJ!

9.  Who needs favors?  If you must, donate to charity and take the tax deduction!

10.  If you can, buy less expensive wine and put new labels on.  Check out Budget Savvy Bride to see how she customized bottles of "two buck chuck" from Trader Joe's!

11.  Skip the RSVP card and have guests respond by email. 

12.  Or, go with an RSVP postcard!  No envelope = less pricey.

13.  Find a photographer who offers complimentary engagement photos- many do.

14.  If your venue and ceremony are in the same place, the folks who work there may completely eliminate the need for a day of coordinator.  Worth the research!

15.  Buy bridesmaids dresses off season at stores like J Crew for major savings.

16.  Or, ask your bridal store if they'll do volume discounts.  My girls saved 20% that way!

17.  Shop stores like Oriental Trading.  Sure, the wares may not look so fancy, but all it takes is a creative eye.

18.  Visit PaperSource in person.  They will teach you how to make stunning invites for a fraction of the cost.

19.  Calligraphy is gorgeous, but with a little practice, your home printer can make those envelopes just as pretty for significantly less!

20.  Even if you splurge on a gown, look for a veil outside the designer boutiques.  $700 for tulle isn't necessary.

21.  Candles- they're tried and true for a reason: they're less pricey than flowers and create an ambient glow.

22.  Tell vendors your budget up-front.  They can't meet you halfway if they don't know where you are.

23.  Roses cost less than calla lillies where I live- ask your florist about what flowers are most economical in your area.

24.  If you want to get married in a church, going with your home church will save you big time.  Go someplace new and expect to pay for it (after all, you're not making a weekly offering in these new churches).

25.  I hate to say it but I'll say it.  Cut your guest list.

26.  The alchemy request feature on etsy can be the key to getting what you want at a price you want to pay.  We considered buying wedding rings this way and got some excellent options.

27.  Skip the fancy wedding cake and order cupcakes from the grocery store.  I know what you're thinking but I've seen it done, and it turned out well!

28.  Cake toppers can be a rip off.  Consider borrowing yours from a happily married couple!

29.  No you don't have to have toasting flutes, but if you register for them, someone else will buy them for you!

30.  Same story for the cake cutter.  And of course, many venues will loan you those!

31.  Buy your attendant gifts off-season.  Wait for semi-annual sales and go nuts!

32.  Instead of a sit down meal, ask about cocktail reception options. Most people are full at the end of cocktail hour anyways!

33.  Shop thrift stores for vintage table linens and lovely mismatched table wares.

34.  Think about new uses for inexpensive materials.  Burlap = table runners.

35.  Upcycle your canning jars by turning them into votive holders or vases!

36.  Shop for childrens' attire in the spring after Easter and First Communion season are over.  Genius, right?

37. Make your own save the dates on Vista Printfor about $5 for 100.  (You knew that my VP shout out was coming).

38.  Have a friend officiate.  Such a great way to add personalization while avoiding a potentially hefty fee!

39.  Arrange your own flowers.  No it isn't nuts, I know someone doing it!  They key is to keep it simple.

40.  You don't need a videographer.  Sure, they are great, but plenty of people have wonderful memories without them.

41.  But if you can't live without a videographer, see if you can pay them for raw footage now, and then pay for the editing at your one-year anniversary.  It won't save you money, but at least it will allow you to space out the expense.

42. Instead of photographer albums (which can be pretty but pricey) get the digital images and make your own on Snapfish.

43.  Stick with your theme.  It will help you say "no" to frivolous purchases when you want to say "yes" because it forces you to be thoughtful about what you buy.

44.  Shop ebay for accessories like gloves, shoes, and jewelery.  You'll be really proud of yourself when someone asks where you got the amazing vintage brooch!

45.  Ask if your hotel provides breakfast- if they do, see if they'll set it up in a private room for you.  Hello free morning-after-wedding brunch!

46.  Ask if your venue provides menus and escort cards.  Saves money AND time.

47.  DIY is popular for a reason!  And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to put together a flower girl basket or print out instructions for a guest book.  Just don't bite off more than you can chew- remember it is supposed to be fun!

48.  Ask vendors you like for recommendations.  We had trouble finding a band in our budget until our venue told us about a good one- and we loved them too!

49.  Remember, many tuxedo rental companies offer the groom's free with a minimum rental.  For example, Men's Warehouse.

50.  You can find brand new boys' tuxedos in a variety of styles on ebay for less than the price of a rental.

51.  If you decide to book a band, see if they will comp you some piano playing during cocktail hour.  Many will!

52.  Design your own wedding map.

53.  Ask friends to share their wedding photos with you, with a free Snapfish photo room!

54.  Shop your favorite dollar store early and often.  Jack's 99 Cent store in NYC sells toasting flutes, candles, gift wrap and more for a fraction of the cost of other retailers.

55.  Skip pricey bridal store unity candles by making your own!

56.  Host a rehearsal BBQ in lieu of a fancy dinner.  Guests will appreciate being able to unwind before the big day!

57.  Download free fonts for all your paper products!

58.  Recycle old gift wrap or wallpaper by making them into envelope liners! 

59.  Buy a kit for home-printable business cards, and instead use it to make cost-effective, custom escort cards!

60.  Or hang tags with guests' names and table numbers on your favors and set them on a table to double as escort cards (more bang for that buck)!

61.  Those mailing address labels might just double as cute stickers to close your out of town bags!

62.  Check to see if your church provides programs.  Many do!

63.  Have a crafty friend make your garter- something blue!

65.  Re-use bridesmaids bouquets on the tables at your reception- I've seen brides put them in vases for instant centerpieces, or in loose piles around the wedding cake.

66.  Artificial flowers ain't what they used to be (they're better!)- and can be a great way to save money by making your own alter arrangements.  They're far enough away from people that literally nobody will be able to tell. 

67.  Break the rules and splurge wedding shoes in your favorite color, happily knowing you'll wear them again!

68.  Talk to a travel agent about your honeymoon- they really can save you big bucks, especially if you plan to move around.

69.  Get a free wedding website!  No need to pay for such a thing if you don't want to!

70.  Buy an inexpensive ring pillow (or even a little birds nest) at the craft store and decorate it yourself!

71.  Dried lavender smells amazing and makes for great DIY centerpieces.  You can buy it in bulk and make it ahead.

72.  Or, tie small bunches of lavender and leave on at each place setting for a sweet, sentimental favor.

73.  Make your own getaway car sign using free downloadable templates!

74.  Rose petals are not just for flower girls.  They cost less than the full flower and you can use them to decorate tables!

75.  Take advantage of the various registry offers out there.  Many offer gifts with registry, and gifts with various purchases.  Who doesn't like free?

76.  Consider renting a timeshare for your honeymoon.  Great resorts can be found at significant savings.  Check VRBO and Redweek for a place to start.

77.  Make a point of specifically asking a few members of the bridal party to take copious photos at your rehearsal dinner, in lieu of hiring a formal photographer.  Make sure to think ahead about key shots you want to get, and let them know.

78.  Have your engagement and wedding rings appraised and insured (double check your homeowners policy even if you think you're covered).  God forbid something happens, this will save you plenty.

79.  Buy attendants a portion of their wedding outfit instead of a traditional gift (ties or cuff links, shoes or shawls); they'll love you for it.

80.  Instead of an open bar, serve a signature cocktail with beer and wine.  Limiting liquor can add up big time.

81.  Another fun rehearsal idea: pizza, beer, karaoke.  I mean, I think that sounds awesome!

82.  Buy candy after big holidays (think: Halloween) to use for favors, out of town bags, or those lovely candy buffets!

83.  Before you buy something online, always run a quick Google search for "store name + coupon codes."  I almost always save a percentage or get free shipping this way!

84.  Avoid planning your wedding near "flowers" holidays if you're planning lots of flowers.  Remember, prices go up in February!

85.  In lieu of costly out of town bags, surprise your guests at check-in with bags of popcorn tied closed with a cute, handmade tag.  Popcorn is really inexpensive and everyone loves it!

86.  Consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday.  It can cost 10-30% less.

87.  Or, forego dinner and have a brunch or afternoon celebration.  Guests will drink less, and the food will cost less but be just as tasty.

88.  Or, skip the appetizer. 

89.  Or, have a dessert reception featuring fancy coffees and champaign cocktails.

90.  Consider ordering flowers online- Bridesign, for example, claims they can save you 30-40% and my experience with florists has found this to be true.

91.  Delegate small tasks.  For example, your mother may not be able to give you $100,000 but she might like to be in charge of feeding your bridesmaids the morning of the wedding (which means you don't end up paying to order $100 worth of room service)!  As a bonus, delegating will also save your sanity.

92.  Can't afford the big, fontant-covered gorgeousness from your bakery?  Buy a small version to cut into, and then serve your guests slices from a plain sheet cake (tastefully hidden in the kitchen).

93.   Check local schools for students who might be looking to expand their music or photography portfolio.  They will often provide services for a fraction of the cost.

94.  Take a "mini-moon" after the wedding; then plan a full honeymoon for your one-year anniversary, to help spread out all the spending!

95.  Rent (rather than buy) your bridal jewelry.  Check out Adorn or even your local jeweler for more information!

96.  If you are inviting children to the wedding, make sure the caterer has a separate children’s menu.  Sometimes, kids eat free, so be sure to ask.

97.  Enter contests online and at bridal shows.  I know someone who won a free trip, and someone else who won free wedding invitations.

98.  Stalk the wedding blogs.  You don't really think I came up with all these myself, do you?

99.  Do not let the wedding industrial complex suck you in and make you feel bad about your wedding.  They might try to tell you people "will expect" things but it just isn't true!  Always heed yourself, your budget, and your values and don't forget to have fun doing it!

free image courtesy of www.fotosearch.com

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