The biggest money saving ideas I can offer is to do as much DIY stuff as you can and if possible, schedule your wedding for any day except Saturday. You'll save bundles by having it on a Friday or Sunday.
"I'm a work in progress, God is not through me yet"
I agree, although in my area choosing Friday or Sunday instead of Saturday didnt make much of a difference prize wise :-(.
Also, shop as much as you can on clearance...
Basically all the money saving is revolved around DIY, that's the way to go...
I agree with the other ladies! I will add my 2 cents..
1. when choosing your wedding party, make sure you choose RELIABLE sources!!
2. Enlist the help of friends on diy's; you wouldn't believe some of the talent some people have (again RELIABLE persons)
Having a wedding on a Saturday is always expensive, mine was on a Friday, but the wedding date was also our anniversary date so the timing worked out perfectly. Most people loved the fact it was on Friday because it made for a nice long weekend....lol
DIY is definitely the way to go if you have a small to moderate sized wedding and get friends to help out too.
Make sure you shop around and checkout other ideas and alternatives to save money and make your wedding more unique. More importantly, make sure you are spending what you can afford to spend- that'll be one of the best money savers of all.
1. Invest in a good planner. If you can get one for free, budget for a gift for this person...if it is out of town pay for their hotel stay or something.....A good planner will save you a lot of headache AND they can help you negotiate costs on deals and your personal tastes, especially the reputable ones....They are known around town and vendors will break their neck to keep getting the referrals.
2. I think I saved a lot of money with my up and coming talented photographer....(Connection from my planner!)...He charged 800 for everything, and a year later he is charging almost 3000 for the works! He is SO high in demand now. So search for talent and take time to interview! There are MANY up and coming photographers who will charge you 300.00. But you will get a 300.00 job....We definitely didn't get we paid for, we got more---just by interviewing!
MY FAVORITE!
3. I do this with events I plan now, but before you go to a caterer, have a menu in mind....In planning a reunion, I researched all these banquet/hotels/caterers, etc, etc, and all their pre-done menus were more than what I was willing to pay per person....So I stepped back and asked, how much will you charge me for a simplified buffet of one or two meat options, 2 starch, one veggie, and rolls and tea? The difference ranged from 10-25.00 savings per person....The extra money allowed us to afford an open bar for 2 hours, or a delicious signature alcoholic drink! The less intricate the meal, the less it costs to prepare....Venues are so eager to get you to book, because whether you spend 2000.00 or 20000.00 on food, they get paid up front, and they will get their taxes and gratuity. And other charges....they are more eager for you to simply book and will work with you!
Plan your wedding and honeymoon off season. Save ahead of time, and budget on the low end so you can have extra funds just in case!
Thank you. I am certainly into the DIY. I am going to do the flowers and spend on the important things. I am looking to book on a discount day and limit the number of guests at the reception since that is the biggest expense. How about invitations?
I went to Target/Walmart and got the boxed invites and printed them myself $25 a box of 50. :-) I also got my programs from there as well. They came out nicely.
Look for discouts and coupons for product websites. Some coupons are available in wedding magazines, coupon websites, and the product websites themselves.
I did the boxed invites from Michaels and printed them myself. I had my brother do a nice font, and a design....
However WalMart has added the Martha Stewart Line of Wedding DIY items to their inventory...Check near fabrics...Oh they are so beautiful...with a little creativity, maybe some additional help from a creative friend or and input from your FH, you can create a beautiful invite for hundreds less! I wanted to buy some just cause they are SO beautiful!
Target also has some beautiful boxed invites for printing....They have many more with color too. Both Target and WalMart are definitely putting a dent in the Wedding DIY market from Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Jo Ann's Fabrics, etc.....
Ok, is it helpful to buy things like the cake topper and flower baskets slowly? I am also thinking of getting some things on ebay. I love ebay. My girlfriend that I am MOH for made her own flowers and they were gorgoeus and at the height of fashion! I want artificial flowers because I dont want any wilting.
mycenae, it is so nice that you're full into wedding planning ideas and are looking for ways to save money instead of breaking your bank account to finance a wedding only to find yourselves near broke the day after. You can plan a magnificent wedding no matter the budget. Although it's wonderful to start guathering up ideas and such, but I would start by having an honest conversation with FH, if you're both financing your wedding or with your parents, if they're gifting you guys with the financing of your wedding. Then you know approximately what you'll be working with.
I always advise my clients that no matter the budget set, remove about 7% right off the bat for "Fluff". "Fluff" is what we Wedding Planners call "leg room". If you do this, place it in an envelope and in a drawer, it's like it doesn't exist and you plan your wedding around what's left. That way, if you find that after all is said and done, you still want to do a little extra, you have your "Fluff" money to get it done instead of dipping into your savings.
Since you are newly engaged, I would suggest you do this just one step at a time. Start by planning your engagement party. What a wonderful way of announcing to the entire family on both sides that you've found your Mr. Perfect? It may be just a simple dinner in your house, but done elegantly, or a relaxing backyard BBQ. Everyone there would want to know if you've set a date, you'll just have to tell them that you're both still praying on it.
No matter when you decide to host your special event, there's nothing wrong with guathering ideas early. Cruise the internet whenever you have some free time, read magazines, get one of those 5-subject notebooks and some file folders to keep your clippings and ideas. And yes, like so many of my sisters have said, DIY would be your new best-friend. For our wedding, I'm doing as much myself as possible for a lot of reasons, not only to save money, but to also promote my growing business. So, get on the ball with those scissors sister and start clipping ideas. I've developed a budget spreadsheet and will be more than happy to share it with you, whenever you need it.
[quote="mycenae1918"]Ok, is it helpful to buy things like the cake topper and flower baskets slowly? I am also thinking of getting some things on ebay. I love ebay. My girlfriend that I am MOH for made her own flowers and they were gorgoeus and at the height of fashion! I want artificial flowers because I dont want any wilting.
[/quote]
This is definetly an EXCELLENT idea!!!!! I purchased something every payday (twice a month) for my wedding when I first start planning...as long as it is "universal" items (because your color choices may change)so try not to buy items of colors...
keep brainstorming on ideas such as "Theme" "Colors" etc... so that would be very helpful in clipping things to match your color schemes. Also, you should decide which season you'd like to get married in. That may have an impact on your choice of colors.
We were talking about next September. I think I want to just save my money and buy the stuff when the date is real close. I don't want a lost deposit and a closet full of cake toppers, flutes, and favors. I be on ebay trying to sell the stuff. LOL
A bride at another forum mentioned buying 300 cupcakes for $113 at Sam's.
This is a steal compared to us dropping $328 for a cake for 125 people. Not to mention, it can make for a beautiful cake tower, and you don't have to worry about cake cutting fees:
Ok I am getting excited now and I have decided to pick your brains for money saving ideas. All thought and suggestions are welcome. lol
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[img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10723;56/st/20080903/e/Happiness+Returned/dt/-1/k/6fc2/event.png[/img]
[/url]
The biggest money saving ideas I can offer is to do as much DIY stuff as you can and if possible, schedule your wedding for any day except Saturday. You'll save bundles by having it on a Friday or Sunday.
"I'm a work in progress, God is not through me yet"
I agree, although in my area choosing Friday or Sunday instead of Saturday didnt make much of a difference prize wise :-(.
Also, shop as much as you can on clearance...
Basically all the money saving is revolved around DIY, that's the way to go...
I agree with the other ladies! I will add my 2 cents..
1. when choosing your wedding party, make sure you choose RELIABLE sources!!
2. Enlist the help of friends on diy's; you wouldn't believe some of the talent some people have (again RELIABLE persons)
Having a wedding on a Saturday is always expensive, mine was on a Friday, but the wedding date was also our anniversary date so the timing worked out perfectly. Most people loved the fact it was on Friday because it made for a nice long weekend....lol
DIY is definitely the way to go if you have a small to moderate sized wedding and get friends to help out too.
Make sure you shop around and checkout other ideas and alternatives to save money and make your wedding more unique. More importantly, make sure you are spending what you can afford to spend- that'll be one of the best money savers of all.
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
[img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10755;116/st/20080725/e/Our+Wedding/k/110e/event.png[/img]
[/url]
Here is my personal experience:
1. Invest in a good planner. If you can get one for free, budget for a gift for this person...if it is out of town pay for their hotel stay or something.....A good planner will save you a lot of headache AND they can help you negotiate costs on deals and your personal tastes, especially the reputable ones....They are known around town and vendors will break their neck to keep getting the referrals.
2. I think I saved a lot of money with my up and coming talented photographer....(Connection from my planner!)...He charged 800 for everything, and a year later he is charging almost 3000 for the works! He is SO high in demand now. So search for talent and take time to interview! There are MANY up and coming photographers who will charge you 300.00. But you will get a 300.00 job....We definitely didn't get we paid for, we got more---just by interviewing!
MY FAVORITE!
3. I do this with events I plan now, but before you go to a caterer, have a menu in mind....In planning a reunion, I researched all these banquet/hotels/caterers, etc, etc, and all their pre-done menus were more than what I was willing to pay per person....So I stepped back and asked, how much will you charge me for a simplified buffet of one or two meat options, 2 starch, one veggie, and rolls and tea? The difference ranged from 10-25.00 savings per person....The extra money allowed us to afford an open bar for 2 hours, or a delicious signature alcoholic drink! The less intricate the meal, the less it costs to prepare....Venues are so eager to get you to book, because whether you spend 2000.00 or 20000.00 on food, they get paid up front, and they will get their taxes and gratuity. And other charges....they are more eager for you to simply book and will work with you!
Plan your wedding and honeymoon off season. Save ahead of time, and budget on the low end so you can have extra funds just in case!
We've been Happily Married 2 Years and Counting:)
a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/">
Thank you. I am certainly into the DIY. I am going to do the flowers and spend on the important things. I am looking to book on a discount day and limit the number of guests at the reception since that is the biggest expense. How about invitations?
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
[img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10723;56/st/20080903/e/Happiness+Returned/dt/-1/k/6fc2/event.png[/img]
[/url]
I went to Target/Walmart and got the boxed invites and printed them myself $25 a box of 50. :-) I also got my programs from there as well. They came out nicely.
Look for discouts and coupons for product websites. Some coupons are available in wedding magazines, coupon websites, and the product websites themselves.
[url=http://daisypath.com][img]http://dwdf.daisypath.com/TikiPic.php/x6JfPkg.jpg[/img][img]http://dwdf.daisypath.com/x6Jfm5.png[/img][/url]
I did the boxed invites from Michaels and printed them myself. I had my brother do a nice font, and a design....
However WalMart has added the Martha Stewart Line of Wedding DIY items to their inventory...Check near fabrics...Oh they are so beautiful...with a little creativity, maybe some additional help from a creative friend or and input from your FH, you can create a beautiful invite for hundreds less! I wanted to buy some just cause they are SO beautiful!
Target also has some beautiful boxed invites for printing....They have many more with color too. Both Target and WalMart are definitely putting a dent in the Wedding DIY market from Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Jo Ann's Fabrics, etc.....
We've been Happily Married 2 Years and Counting:)
a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/">
Ok, is it helpful to buy things like the cake topper and flower baskets slowly? I am also thinking of getting some things on ebay. I love ebay. My girlfriend that I am MOH for made her own flowers and they were gorgoeus and at the height of fashion! I want artificial flowers because I dont want any wilting.
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
[img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10723;56/st/20080903/e/Happiness+Returned/dt/-1/k/6fc2/event.png[/img]
[/url]
mycenae, it is so nice that you're full into wedding planning ideas and are looking for ways to save money instead of breaking your bank account to finance a wedding only to find yourselves near broke the day after. You can plan a magnificent wedding no matter the budget. Although it's wonderful to start guathering up ideas and such, but I would start by having an honest conversation with FH, if you're both financing your wedding or with your parents, if they're gifting you guys with the financing of your wedding. Then you know approximately what you'll be working with.
I always advise my clients that no matter the budget set, remove about 7% right off the bat for "Fluff". "Fluff" is what we Wedding Planners call "leg room". If you do this, place it in an envelope and in a drawer, it's like it doesn't exist and you plan your wedding around what's left. That way, if you find that after all is said and done, you still want to do a little extra, you have your "Fluff" money to get it done instead of dipping into your savings.
Since you are newly engaged, I would suggest you do this just one step at a time. Start by planning your engagement party. What a wonderful way of announcing to the entire family on both sides that you've found your Mr. Perfect? It may be just a simple dinner in your house, but done elegantly, or a relaxing backyard BBQ. Everyone there would want to know if you've set a date, you'll just have to tell them that you're both still praying on it.
No matter when you decide to host your special event, there's nothing wrong with guathering ideas early. Cruise the internet whenever you have some free time, read magazines, get one of those 5-subject notebooks and some file folders to keep your clippings and ideas. And yes, like so many of my sisters have said, DIY would be your new best-friend. For our wedding, I'm doing as much myself as possible for a lot of reasons, not only to save money, but to also promote my growing business. So, get on the ball with those scissors sister and start clipping ideas. I've developed a budget spreadsheet and will be more than happy to share it with you, whenever you need it.
[quote="mycenae1918"]Ok, is it helpful to buy things like the cake topper and flower baskets slowly? I am also thinking of getting some things on ebay. I love ebay. My girlfriend that I am MOH for made her own flowers and they were gorgoeus and at the height of fashion! I want artificial flowers because I dont want any wilting.
[/quote]
This is definetly an EXCELLENT idea!!!!! I purchased something every payday (twice a month) for my wedding when I first start planning...as long as it is "universal" items (because your color choices may change)so try not to buy items of colors...
I know because once you start tring on dresses the color choice may change. lol
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[img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10723;56/st/20080903/e/Happiness+Returned/dt/-1/k/6fc2/event.png[/img]
[/url]
keep brainstorming on ideas such as "Theme" "Colors" etc... so that would be very helpful in clipping things to match your color schemes. Also, you should decide which season you'd like to get married in. That may have an impact on your choice of colors.
We were talking about next September. I think I want to just save my money and buy the stuff when the date is real close. I don't want a lost deposit and a closet full of cake toppers, flutes, and favors. I be on ebay trying to sell the stuff. LOL
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
[img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10723;56/st/20080903/e/Happiness+Returned/dt/-1/k/6fc2/event.png[/img]
[/url]
A bride at another forum mentioned buying 300 cupcakes for $113 at Sam's.
This is a steal compared to us dropping $328 for a cake for 125 people. Not to mention, it can make for a beautiful cake tower, and you don't have to worry about cake cutting fees: