| Congrats! You are engaged! Planning a wedding can | | | | drop you off at reception. If needed, you can hire them |
| and should be a joyous fun event. However, the | | | | to pick you up after the reception in a plain black car. |
| stress of planning and budgeting can make even the | | | | 8. Before signing with a company, check the contract |
| calmest bride a little batty. Sure, you want a beautiful, | | | | for their overtime rates. Make sure you stick within the |
| memorable wedding, but perhaps you can’t | | | | time frame purchased; even 15 minutes of overtime |
| afford to splurge on every minute detail. The following | | | | can be costly. |
| are some tips to save you money and help your | | | | 9. If you find a great price with a company who is a bit |
| wedding budget. | | | | out of your area, before signing a contract with them |
| Categories: | | | | make sure they will not charge extra for drive time to |
| A. Food | | | | get to and from your event. |
| | | | 10. Decide upon what type of limo will suit your |
| 1. Use expensive ingredients such as lobster and | | | | wedding without going overboard. If you can go with a |
| shrimp for hors d’oeuvres, rather than in the | | | | smaller limo rather than a larger stretch do so. Or it |
| main course. | | | | could be cheaper to fit everyone in a larger bus than |
| 2. How dinner is served affects the price. French | | | | renting several smaller limos. |
| service and regular plate service are the most | | | | F. Dress / Accessories / Attire |
| expensive options. Offer family style dishes or a buffet | | | | 1. Borrow accessories from friends and family. This |
| style dinner to save on costs. | | | | can provide your “something borrowed” |
| 3. Consider breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or a | | | | 2. Look for your dress at designer sales, trunk shows |
| cocktail party style reception. They are shorter in | | | | and outlets. Checking out chain stores, vintage shops, |
| length and the fare is lighter and less expensive. With | | | | consignment stores and sample sales may also |
| the exception of a cocktail reception, guests tend to | | | | provide you with an inexpensive solution. |
| drink less, earlier in the day. | | | | 3. Consider wearing your mother’s gown. The |
| 4. Ask your caterer for seasonal dishes. Ordering | | | | costs of cleaning and alterations will be much cheaper |
| dishes that use ingredients which are in season not | | | | than purchasing a new one. |
| only will save you money, but also will be fresher and | | | | 4. Accessory and comparison-shop online. Chances |
| taste better too. | | | | are you’ll snag a good deal. |
| 5. Check with the caterer if there is a price guarantee. | | | | 5. Consider tux rental centers which offer tuxes for |
| You want to make sure the price you sign today will | | | | free when you rent “x” number of tuxes. |
| not increase if the price of certain food items | | | | 6. Unless you plan on showing your feet, consider a |
| increases. | | | | simple comfortable style under your dress. No one is |
| 6. Consider a signature drink or create a specialty | | | | going to take much notice to your heels when he slips |
| drink(s) and serve that instead of having an open bar. | | | | the garter off. |
| The cost of having a full bar can be quite costly. | | | | 7. If your wedding isn’t too formal consider |
| 7. Limit alcohol choices to wine and beer, both of which | | | | bridesmaid dresses or evening gowns. |
| will satisfy most guests. Limit champagne to just the | | | | 8. If you have a design in mind, a local dressmaker can |
| initial bride and groom toast. | | | | often design something similar to fit your body |
| 8. Instead of purchasing the wine through your | | | | perfectly without the expensive designer label. |
| reception hall or caterer, consider purchasing wine | | | | 9. If your budget is for $2,000 then you will want to |
| wholesale. Many companies will offer discounts when | | | | look at gowns in the price of $1,000 to $1,200. |
| large quantities of cases are purchased. Some wines | | | | You’ll need the extra money for the rest of |
| are available in magnum size, which lowers the cost of | | | | your ensemble and alterations, which can be quite |
| the wine per ounce. If you decide to purchase your | | | | costly. |
| own wine, discuss with the caterer how much their | | | | 10. Replica jewelry can look authentic without the |
| corkage fee is; but chances are even with the | | | | costly price tag. |
| corkage fee, you’ll be paying much less than | | | | G. Favors / Gifts |
| purchasing wine directly through your caterer. | | | | 1. Homemade favors can be just as appealing as store |
| 9. If your catering contract permits it, shop around for a | | | | bought favors. Think candies, chocolates, soaps and |
| local baker. Your caterer may charge a cake cutting | | | | candles. |
| charge this way, but you’re more likely to still | | | | 2. Comparison shop online. If you see a favor or gift in |
| spend less overall. If the caterer does not permit it, skip | | | | a store, browse online for the item – with so |
| the extra desert option and only serve only coffee | | | | many retailers out there, you may find a better price. |
| and cake for dessert. | | | | 3. Ask a talented friend to make cookies or other |
| 10. There are several options for saving on cake | | | | edible favors and treats. Cookies should be baked |
| charges. You can order a small cake with an | | | | within a week of serving, so if you choose this route, |
| elaborate topper for the cake cutting and a second | | | | don’t make them yourself, chances are you |
| sheet cake that is cut in the kitchen for the guests. Or, | | | | won’t have the time to do so right before your |
| only order enough cake for guests, with larger layers | | | | big day. |
| on bottom made of iced Styrofoam. (No one will know | | | | 4. Purchase favors that came out the year before. |
| the difference, and you’ll have the tall cake for | | | | Sure you may have seen that bottle stopper before, |
| pictures!) | | | | but last year’s designs may be only slightly |
| B. Flowers | | | | different than the same favor in a different style |
| 1. While most popular bridal flowers are available year | | | | package marketed as “new for the |
| round, some are seasonal. Talk with your florist on | | | | season”. Prices usually drop on older favors as |
| cost saving in-season options. It will be extremely | | | | newer styles are released. |
| expensive (and possibly quite difficult to find) if you | | | | 5. Skip the fancy packaging. Wrap your favors or gifts |
| require a flower arrangement that is not in season. | | | | simply and elegantly with tulle, organza, or white on |
| 2. Make your flowers do double duty. Design your | | | | white gift-wrap. |
| ceremony pieces to also be used on the reception | | | | 6. Choose wedding party gifts in bulk. Perhaps you can |
| tables. | | | | get the same engraved picture frames for the entire |
| 3. Mix economical non-floral embellishments in with the | | | | party with a bulk discount. |
| flowers to fill out bouquets and centerpieces. Check | | | | 7. Look for closeouts and or shop in outlets. If |
| with your florist as to what is available and will look | | | | you’re thinking of giving an item such as Mikasa |
| best with your flowers. | | | | crystal, see if there is an outlet store in your area. |
| 4. Think simple. If you want an elaborate bouquet, | | | | 8. Rather than giving one favor per guest, consider one |
| perhaps your bridesmaids can hold something simple | | | | favor per couple. However, if the favor you are |
| – such as a single rose or a few Gerber daisies | | | | considering is sold as a “set”, such as |
| tied with a simple bow. | | | | coasters, give one set per couple. Set items should |
| 5. Instead of floral arrangements on reception tables, | | | | never be split to save on costs; after all, you |
| group favors in a tower on the tables. With so many | | | | wouldn’t go into a store and buy just one salt |
| pretty favor packaging options available, you can | | | | shaker or one coaster for yourself. |
| surely design a centerpiece to remember. | | | | 9. Limit the bridal party. The more attendants you have |
| 6. Single pillar candles or an arrangement of votives | | | | the more bridal party gifts you’ll need to buy. |
| casts a calm, peaceful feeling on tables. Check with | | | | 10. Scout out free shipping, low price guarantees, |
| your reception hall first though – some | | | | discounts and coupons. |
| ordinances do not allow burning candles for fire safety | | | | H. Invitations / Stationary |
| purposes. | | | | 1. Although the invitations are the first thing your guests |
| 7. If you have a friend who has a flair for crafts and | | | | see, they are probably the last thing they remember. |
| decorating, you can have them go to a local market | | | | Although the invitations should look and feel nice, they |
| the day of the wedding and hand select seasonal | | | | need not cost a fortune. |
| flowers and arrange them for you. | | | | 2. Look into print your own invitations. Many companies |
| 8. If you are planning on using rose petals for your | | | | sell complete “do it yourself” invitation kits |
| wedding, consider using freeze dried petals (they are | | | | at a fraction of the cost. |
| the real thing) or high quality silk rose petals. Either of | | | | 3. Go with Thermography style ink if you’re |
| the two options will save you money – and will | | | | getting your invitations professionally printed – it |
| last longer than fresh rose petals. Both will save your | | | | is a cost effective and very popular alternative. Skip |
| from a possible slip and fall (real rose petals are | | | | on the engraving. |
| slippery) and won’t stain. | | | | 4. Some couples skip on the reply envelopes – |
| 9. Don’t overlook floral standbys such as | | | | saving both on postage and invitation costs. Rather |
| carnations and daises. They are available year round, | | | | request your guests to RSVP on line, by email or by |
| are usually extremely affordable and when arranged in | | | | phone. |
| a group look beautiful. | | | | 5. Skip the save the date cards. Although quite popular |
| 10. Flowering bulbs in a clear hurricane vase with | | | | these days, it is just an added expense. Instead set up |
| stones in can provide for an elegant centerpiece. This | | | | a free wedding website online and announce to your |
| is something you can do yourself with a bit of | | | | friends and relatives the date. |
| pre-planning | | | | 6. Cut your guest list. This will save in many areas |
| C. Ceremony | | | | – from caterers, to favors to invitation costs. |
| 1. Rather than hiring a band, harpist or string quartet to | | | | Instead of inviting all of your co-workers, neighbors and |
| play at your ceremony, see if they allow pre-recorded | | | | children – just invite those who mean the most |
| music. | | | | to you. |
| 2. Ceremony programs are not always needed, some | | | | 7. In this digital age, most people are online. Skip the |
| couples do without. | | | | invitations all together and create an e-card. |
| 3. If you want to use a ceremony program, print your | | | | 8. Perhaps you or a friend are scrapbook enthusiasts |
| own or have a calligrapher just design the cover and | | | | – design and make your own invitations. |
| print and attach the interior pages yourself. | | | | You’re guests will receive a one-of-a-kind invite. |
| 4. Check with the ceremony location as to what | | | | 9. Browse online – many stores work with the |
| decorations (if any) they will have at the time of your | | | | same printing vendors – and some are |
| wedding. Depending on the season and location | | | | competitively priced – often saving you 25% or |
| – they may already have decorations in use | | | | more off of retail pricing. |
| (Such as a church during the Christmas season) | | | | 10. Postcard invitations are a unique way to invite |
| 5. Have your flower girl toss silk rose petals rather | | | | guests to a destination wedding. On the front, a |
| than the real thing. This will save on costs, be less | | | | beautiful beach photo, on the back, the wedding details. |
| slippery, and easier to clean up. | | | | Have them RSVP online or email. You’ll save |
| 6. Aisle or pew decorations aren’t necessary | | | | on printing and postage costs as postcards cost less |
| for the entire church or location - just use them to | | | | than an envelope to mail. |
| reserve seating for the most important guests in the | | | | 11. Colored ink and lined envelopes can add significantly |
| front of the location. | | | | to your invitation budget. Black ink on a simple white or |
| 7. Ceremony location fee. If you’re not getting | | | | cream invitation can look simple, elegant and classy. |
| married in a traditional religious setting, shop around for | | | | I. Photography / Videography |
| prices. A backyard or park setting can be just as | | | | 1. Hire a videographer to work just from the ceremony |
| romantic and cost less. | | | | through the first dance rather than for the entire |
| 8. If you’re hiring an officiant, get several | | | | wedding. |
| estimates. If you like one officiant in particular, see if | | | | 2. Place disposable wedding cameras on your |
| you can negotiate prices. | | | | reception tables rather than having the photographer |
| 9. For your vows search around quotation and love | | | | take pictures at every table. |
| poem sites to inspire you. Write your own vows rather | | | | 3. Consider hiring a photographer who is in their last |
| than hiring someone to do so. | | | | year in art school or has recently graduated. |
| 10. See if your reception hall or area can | | | | 4. Some companies offer both photography and |
| accommodate a ceremony as well. You’ll save | | | | videography as a complete package. A package deal |
| on transportation costs and decorations can be | | | | may save you money rather than hiring two separate |
| moved quickly and easily from the ceremony to | | | | companies. |
| reception site. | | | | 5. Lose the prints and go digital. Printing proofs costs |
| D. Music | | | | money – having your photographer make your |
| 1. Rather than hiring separate musicians for the | | | | proofs available digitally, may save money |
| ceremony and reception, see if they can | | | | 6. Go to a portrait studio to have your engagement |
| accommodate both. | | | | photos taken. Some major department stores offer |
| 2. DJ’s can be less expensive than bands. | | | | photography service, and usually offer coupons or |
| You’ll be able to have different styles of music | | | | package deals. |
| – something that some bands can’t | | | | 7. Reduce the number of hours you hire the |
| duplicate quite like a DJ. | | | | photographer for. Instead of having them run after you |
| 3. Check out local cover bands. Although not your | | | | while you get your hair and nails done, have one of |
| typical wedding band, cover bands usually do cover | | | | your bridesmaids do it instead. |
| songs, and may perform just as well as a more | | | | 8. Assemble your own wedding album. Depending on |
| expensive traditional wedding band. | | | | the photographer and number of pictures taken you |
| 4. Look into local high school or college bands. You | | | | can save hundreds by putting together your own |
| may be able to make a great find – both in | | | | albums. |
| price and in musical style. | | | | 9. Choose a photography package rather than |
| 5. Look for DJs who are new to the market. Beginners | | | | purchasing pictures separately. If something is included |
| usually are starting out with new equipment such as | | | | that you don’t necessarily want, see if you can |
| computers and digital music devices – which | | | | trade it for something else. |
| hold hundreds and thousands of songs. If they | | | | 10. If you have a trusted friend or relative who is good |
| don’t have your songs, they can find them for | | | | at video editing software and knows how to use a |
| you. Beginners will also offer better rates than more | | | | camcorder, think about letting them take charge of the |
| established DJ companies. | | | | wedding video |
| 6. Hold auditions – either pick from the lot, or | | | | J. General Planning Tips |
| have them bid on playing at your event. | | | | 1. Fridays, Sundays and weeknights are the cheapest |
| 7. If your reception area has the capability – use | | | | for most services. Plan your wedding on those days if |
| their stereo. Many stereos these days will play through | | | | possible. Winter weddings are cheaper than summer |
| dozens of CD’s in a row so that the music lasts | | | | ones. |
| for hours. Make several CD’s of recorded | | | | 2. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. When you find the |
| music and just press “play”. An alternative | | | | service or vendor you want, negotiate the best |
| is making play lists on a MP3 device and just plugging | | | | possible price. |
| in the player to the sound device. However, this does | | | | 3. Prioritize aspects of the wedding that are most |
| require some maintenance during your reception, so | | | | important to you. By compromising in some areas, you |
| make sure you designate someone to handle this task. | | | | can afford to splurge on others. |
| 8. Check local advertisements and back of bridal | | | | 4. Pay costs with a credit card that earns rewards or |
| magazines. Some companies and bands offer | | | | frequent flyer miles. Just be sure to pay off the bill in |
| discounts. | | | | full each month it comes in. You may earn your |
| 9. Check with the reception location, some have DJs | | | | honeymoon flight, and maybe even the hotel room, just |
| or bands that they work with and offer package deals. | | | | by using your credit cards for your wedding expenses. |
| 10. Referrals from friends and family. Perhaps you | | | | 5. Think out of the box. Perhaps your wedding can be |
| don’t personally know a band or DJ, but | | | | held in a non-traditional setting. Try to think of places |
| perhaps someone you know does. Ask around, you | | | | that are different but meaningful to you. Gardens, |
| may get a referral and a friends and family price. | | | | museums, parks, the zoo, the planetarium, aquariums, |
| E. Transportation | | | | an amusement park, a 50’s style retro |
| 1. When hiring a limo company check local | | | | restaurant, even a friend’s large backyard could |
| newspapers, and journals. Many companies offer | | | | be a potential sites. |
| discounts. | | | | 6. In some states, for a small fee, a person can |
| 2. Ask if they have any wedding packages. Many limo | | | | become a wedding officant. Look into your individual |
| companies have standard packages that would include | | | | state rules. |
| the limo for a set number of hours, red carpet service, | | | | 7. Be realistic when planning a budget. If you |
| champagne and/or beverages. | | | | aren’t receiving financial assistance from your |
| 3. Some companies may offer cheaper rates during | | | | family for your wedding, look to the future as well. Is a |
| off peak season and on Sundays. Limo companies | | | | down payment for a house more important? Is paying |
| often can book all or most of their limos for Fridays | | | | off a large wedding debt for several years ok with |
| and Saturday nights, and therefore may not offer | | | | both you and your fiancé? |
| discounted rates on those days. | | | | 8. Make a list of all the things you, family, or friends can |
| 4. Skip the Bentley or Horse Drawn carriage. Sure | | | | do or make yourselves. Perhaps much of the wedding |
| they make be whimsical, but if you’re looking to | | | | can be prepared without enlisting the help of a |
| cut costs, these are two things you can live without. | | | | professional. |
| 5. If you’re looking to drink while being | | | | 9. If your wedding is a year or more ahead, start |
| chauffeured to and from, see if you can bring your | | | | purchasing items as you have extra cash to splurge. |
| own liquor, champagne or wine. Purchasing through the | | | | 10. If you’re planning on a winter wedding, |
| limo company will more than likely be more expensive | | | | purchase your accessories and other items the end of |
| than bringing your own beverages. | | | | the winter season the year before your wedding. |
| 6. Use a personal car to get to and from the reception, | | | | Wedding vendors will be looking to make way for the |
| and ask a friend to drive. | | | | new season’s items, and you’ll save |
| 7. Don’t purchase the limo for the entire day. | | | | some cash. |
| Paying hourly rates to have a limo driver wait for hours | | | | 11. Plan early, make lists, and keep good records. By |
| not only is expensive – but also is a waste of | | | | writing everything down, you’ll know exactly |
| your bridal budget. Hire them to take you to the | | | | how much you have spent, and how much you still |
| ceremony, bring you to the photo shoot location, and | | | | need. |