Sunday, August 23, 2009

Cost Saving Tips For Your Wedding Day

Every bride will agree that the budget can be one of the most challenging things about their wedding experience. We all have dreamed since girlhood that our wedding day will look like one right out of a magazine! You know, the perfect ceremony with the gorgeous gown, unforgettable shoes, beautiful jewelry, the amazing make-up and hair job, and don’t forget the most wonderful bouquet of flowers. But for most of us, those dreams are shattered when the reality of how much it is going to cost sets in. Well I just wanted to share with you some cost saving tips that I have learned along the way. As a bride, you will have so many decisions to make, from where to have your ceremony, to which cake out of ten you like best. So whether you have a five thousand dollar budget or thirty- thousand dollar budget there are ways to cut cost and keep your dreams alive. I hope some of these suggestions and tips will help to make your wedding affordable and create a practical way to have that perfect wedding you dreamed about. Please check out my website Weddings Are Fun for discounts on many wedding products.

First of all, wedding coordinators can be one of the biggest savings you make in your wedding planning experience. You’re probably thinking, “no way, they only cost that much more!” But you have to realize wedding coordinators have connections. They have relationships with vendors they trust and discounts with those vendors just for referring and using them. This allows you to get fifteen to twenty percent off, where you would have paid full price, say for example on your reception site. Trust me, in the long run, every percentage counts. If you decide to go with a wedding coordinator, be sure to ask questions about her connections and if she has any that would benefit you. If wedding coordinators aren’t in your budget at all, you can still come across some areas to save when renting a venue or dealing with any rental company. Venues and rental companies will give you a cheaper price if you get married Sunday through Thursday. Flexibility will go far in the wedding industry with getting what you want; when you give a little you get a little.

Don’t give up everything you’ve ever wanted though! Let’s talk about the gown. The gown is what sets the tone for the rest of the wedding. I worked at a bridal salon as a consultant selling wedding gowns and I loved seeing the brides come out in their gowns with their glowing faces. But the thing I heard the most about was how expensive the gown was or how she wanted to personalize it more and didn’t know how. That got me thinking and I stumbled on a few good ways to achieve the look they had dreamed of! There are many websites that have gowns for a lower price. Buying a gown that is lower in price and more simple than what you wanted, will allow you to add a lace bodice piece, colored ribbon around your waist, or a simple broach to personalize it. Also, many bridal stores offer benefits if you buy your gown with them, so check those out to see if there are any benefits for bridesmaids, mothers, flower girls, or even groomsmen and ring bearers.

Another item that will eat into your budget are flowers. Flowers are expensive, that is just a fact. However, you can find some ways to save if you’re creative. For example, order fresh flowers in bulk and have your bridesmaids put together their own bouquets. If you’re using silk flowers watch for sales at your local craft stores - they’ll usually have wedding sales at least two times a year. Florists can also be extremely expensive. To break up the price a little, use your florist only for your bridal party flower needs and do the arrangements in silk flowers - your guests will never know!

There are so many cost saving tips that many of us need help on. I just named a few that hopefully will help some of you brides and remember to check out my future articles for more specific tips. Having a wedding is one of the most wonderful experiences you will ever have in your life. Have fun, enjoy your time, and be wise with the money you have been given. You will be glad you didn’t spend a fortune in the end, and you will still have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. See Wedding Party Gifts for great gifts ideas for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls and ring bearers.

No comments: