My fiance and I REALLY want to get married in July 2010, but wi...

Discussions for the bride, by the bride...

My fiance and I REALLY want to get married in July 2010, but with finances we set our date for July 23rd, 2011. I was wondering what are little things I could do to save the most money I can?

I need all the help I can get!

Have questions? Ask them here.

10 RESPONSES

Gretchen
January 20, 2012

Ask your friends! If your friends know someone who can help you out something, they usually will be glad to give you a very good discount or even pay for that part themselves. My best friend's sister works at FedEX, and she said she can help me make copies for my invitations for free. I work at a large retail company. One of my florists vendors are willing to give me a discount for the floral arrangements. I have another friend who is building his photography portfolio and he will be doing my wedding photos for free! Another friend of a friend does wedding cakes, I'm keeping mines very simple and cheap...1 round cake and a cupcake tier for my guests and he is giving me a very good discount as well. You don't need to make your cake fancy if you don't have the budget...they are expensive! Overall, it's all about who you know, who you're friends know, and your connections which will definitely help a lot with your budget.

Raina
September 27, 2010

If you live in the chicago area, I could help with your problem. Visit my website... hstrial-Rrevellweddings.homestead.com

A GREATER PLAN (Vendor Comment)
June 2, 2010

Small Correction: One of the above comments suggests that the bride and groom pay for everything for their wedding party. This is not the case. When friends/family agree to be part of the wedding party, they agree to the expenses (this is why many on-a-budget couples set a reasonable maximum for attendants' attire, and have the female attendants get dresses off the rack, or at trunk shows).

Wei
October 29, 2009

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A GREATER PLAN (Vendor Comment)
July 27, 2009

One: figure out, in a family discussion, who is paying for what. For example, when a someone accepts your invitation to be in the wedding party, they are actually expected to pay for thier attire (dress/tux, shoes, jewelry) and thier presentation (hair, make-up, manicures). The groom's family traditionally pays for his attire, his father & mother's attire, thier travel & lodging, & the rehearsal dinner (including site rental fees, if applicable). For more information see about.com "Who Pays for What at a Wedding".
Two: Decide what your priorities are (food, flowers, attire, etc.) Order them, starting w/ "1" as the most important, and divide you budget accordingly.
Three: Be creative about decor & design (or find someone who is). For instance, paper bags become pretty for favor containers with the right rubber stamp & some ribbon. Quilting fabric, by the bolt, can make gorgeous table runners. U-cut flowers in a variety of flea market vases can come together seamlessly w/ the right shapes & colors.
Four: Have fun with it all!

Tammy
July 14, 2009

Some cutbacks that you may want to consider taking:
1. Instead of having a 10 hour or an all day photography package, take one with 2 or 3 hours instead. Just get your most important moments, like the ceremony, pictures with family members and take your first dance at the beginning of the reception so the photographer is able to get that.
2. Although videography is really beautiful, it is definitely expensive. A friend of mine had told me that she is not going to have a videographer at her wedding and quote "How many times am I going to watch that after the first time?" Something to think about!
3. Sometimes getting your bridesmaid dresses made is cheaper than buying them from the stores (just because you have to buy the dress, and then at times you may have to pay extra to alter them.)
4. Get your hair & makeup done by a professional and have your bridesmaid do their own. It's YOUR day, not theirs!
5. Keep the bridal party at a small amount since it is traditional that the bride and groom pay for everything.
6. Limit the guest you want to invite to the wedding, list the most important people first and add on others later if it fits your budget. Also, consider having a lunch reception rather than dinner.

ELEGANT BRIDE,THE (Vendor Comment)
July 6, 2009

You will find some excellent bargains at a designer sample sale. The Elegant Bride Salon has over one hundred dresses that are dramatically reduced by 50 to 90% off. Call us for an appointment at 253 474 5675

CARA VINSON PHOTOGRAPHY (Vendor Comment)
July 3, 2009

If your employer can do it, have a set amount of your pay automatically put into a separate account via direct deposit. That way you can't 'forget to do it' and you'll know your budget.

Take stock in what is REALLY important for your wedding and what can possibly slide. If you are crafty, perhaps take a class and learn how to do silk flowers. Instead of a huge expensive wedding album, perhaps have a pro take your photos and make albums in a different way. Instead of a full blown open bar evening reception, a cake and punch afternoon reception.

There is no reason to go into huge debt for a wedding. But at the same time, there is no reason to do everything yourself and stress out on your big day. Just plan and prioritize.

Best Wishes!

Cara Vinson
www.caravinsonphotography.com

Paige
July 1, 2009

My fiance and I are on a budget also so we had to cut back on the wedding. For instance, My family and I are doing all the food ourselves and we are decoration the entrance way. I am also doing my own invitations on the computer (they are coming out really cute.) So if you really want to get married in 2010 just cut back on some of the expenses by doing things yourself. So far it is working for us!!!

Josephine
June 26, 2009

My FH and I opened a joint savings account and put in $100 each every paycheck. It will help a lot on our future wedding (01/08/11) since we started saving March of 2008. I got this idea from one of Martha Stewart wedding magazine. But before opening an account, you as a couple needs to discuss how comfortable you guys are with the "joint savings account" and make sure it's for your wedding not anything else. It works out for us. I hope this helps. Another tip that I got from Suze Orman, whenever you have change from your dollar bils, save your coins in a big jar and if you start now, it will add up. 8-)

My fiance and I REALLY want to get married in July 2010, but with finances we set our date for July 23rd, 2011. I was wondering what are little things I could do to save the most money I can?

10 RESPONSES

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