Fellow brides, if you’ve been paying full price for wedding related expenditures, you are missing out on some amazing deals.
Just about everything is negotiable, and when it’s not – get creative and do it for less. Even if you have a luxurious budget, cutting corners where you can will always allow for something even more extravagant.
We’re just over two months away from our wedding and we have not paid full price for anything. I wouldn’t call myself a bargain hunter per se, but I do love a good deal! So I wanted to share what I’ve learned in hopes of saving you some green and since 13 is Dan’s favorite number, there are thirteen money saving tips:
From experience…
1) Be prepared to pay full price, don’t rely on discounts – let them be a bonus
2) Pay cash when you can, often times vendors will give you a better rate and you’ll save the tax.
3) Once you’ve found ‘the dress’ and you have it on, STAY IN IT! My consultant saw how much I loved it and kept reducing the price the longer I had it on.
4) Get in touch with your inner crafter and make whatever you can (i.e.: table runners, favors, seating cards etc.). We are making our table numbers since we were unable to find anything that went well with our theme. It’s so much fun! Here are a few ideas on crafty personal touches:
5) Like the DIY look but not a DIYer? Go on over to Etsy and see what they have. Often times, when you order more than 5 of an item you can ask for a discount {this worked every time}. We ordered our favors, name cards and bridesmaids gifts from different Etsy vendors and loved everything we’ve received! These aren’t our favors but are too cute for words:
6) Be resourceful with your contacts {not to be mistaken for taking people for granted}. If you know a seamstress, chef, florist, travel agent, etc. give them a call and see if you can exchange services for little to no cost. A colleague of mine/graphic designer created our invitations, a friend of mine had them printed and we ordered our envelopes from China, for a total savings of $600 compared to invitation companies.
7) Do your homework and shop around. If you really like a vendor but you’ve found someone offering the same service for less, express that you would love to do business with them but would like to see if they can match the price of their competitor.
8) Know what you want but be flexible. You may miss the deal if you’re too zoned in on something super specific.
9) Inquire about group packages. When hosting a rehearsal dinner, bridesmaids’ luncheon, spa day, etc. ask for their group rates, there will be definite savings there!
10) When possible, shop during off season. Wedding season is at its peak in the summer. Often times stores will have sales in the winter and fall months. This is a good time to look for flower baskets, ring pillows, jewelry, attendant gifts, etc.
11) Personal touches and themed props are all the craze! Visit your local flea markets to see what fun things you can find. We’ve purchased all our vintage silverware that will be used as centerpiece accents from different markets. Here are some items I’ve seen plenty of when doing my runs:
12) Give yourself extra time. Start looking for things before the crunch is on. This comes in handy especially when you want to order things online. There are great prices that the world wide web can offer that stores just can’t beat but if you don’t give yourself enough time for delivery, alterations, etc. you might miss out!
13) Bargain, bargain, bargain. Don’t be afraid to ask if the price is negotiable and play a little hard to get, what do you have to lose?
Photo credits:
Bridal party: http://vipweddingsaver.com
Table number: http://onefabday.com/free-printable-table-numbers-french/
Mr & Mrs: http://www.elli.com/blog/wedding-decor-glittery-mr-mrs-chair-banner/
Window seating chart: http://www.unitedwithlove.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Yellow-Gray-Vintage-Inspired-Wedding-Sweet-Tea-Photography-50.jpg
Vintage luggage: http://savoir.fancypantscreative.com/styling/wedding-prop-hire/
Props: http://chloemoorephotography.blogspot.ca/search/label/Weddings