Every bride and groom is looking for some simple ways to save money on the wedding day. We’ve compiled 11 quick tips to get you started:
1. Prioritize. Before you begin spending on your wedding, decide which elements are most important to you. This will help you to place more wedding dollars on the things that you think will most impact the success of your wedding day.
2. There is no such thing as “perfect”. Being realistic about your expectations will help you create the wedding day you want instead of chasing the dream of the perfect wedding day. Decide what kind of wedding you want – a great party, a family gathering, a formal event – and then plan your wedding day around that idea.
3. Seasonal Savings. If your heart is not set on a summer wedding, choosing a late fall, winter or early spring date can be a budget saver as many wedding vendors will offer better pricing or extra services during their slow season. When you choose your wedding date, it is important to factor the costs of flowers and food items into the budget to make sure the off season date doesn’t end up costing more than expected.
4. Choose In Season Items. Whether it is flowers or fruits, choosing in season options will always be best for your budget. If you like the look of a flower, ask your florist if there is an alternative flower in season with similar texture or color. (For more flower ideas, click here.)
5. Beware of the “wedding” term. Adding the word wedding to an item can increase the cost automatically. Simple items such as hair pieces, wedding shoes and other detail items can be purchased at regular chain or craft supply stores.
6. Invitation Options. When selecting invitations, consider the real cost. Oversized invitations will require additional postage. If you don’t need to add a chapel card, consider eliminating that piece. RSVPs on standard sized postcards require less postage that those mailed in envelopes. Engraved invitations cost approximately 50% more than thermographed invitations and are neat a significant visual difference.
7. Ceremony Venues. The most budget friendly venues for your ceremony may be your reception hall. While you may pay a fee for your ceremony on site, you can likely eliminate transportation costs, travel fees from vendors for multiple locations and site rental fees. If your venue is not an option, consider local parks and beaches that typically have affordable options.
8. Bundle and save. Whenever possible, bundle multiple services with one vendor. This will allow you to have a single point of contact, typically offer savings with multiple services and may result in extra offerings to you.
9. Hire a DJ. Live bands typically cost several thousand dollars for their services, plus meals and entertainment during their breaks. A single DJ can provide you the customized playlists you want and doesn’t take breaks.
10. Be mindful of hidden costs. Gratuities, taxes, set-up and rental fees can add up quickly. Make sure that you are factoring in all those costs when you consider a service or vendor. (For more on hidden fees, click here.)
11. Only buy what you need. A great way to control your wedding budget is to only buy what you must. If you won’t really use a wedding day clutch, don’t buy one. This holds true with vases, cake stands and other decor items as well. Whenever possible, rent or purchase slightly used items.
No comments:
Post a Comment