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Top 15 Cost Saving Tips
The most recent statistics indicate that the average cost of a wedding is now upwards of $20,000!. If that figure makes you a little wozzy, check out these ideas to help you save hundreds (maybe even thousands) and still have the wedding that you've always dreamed of.
1. Start planning now! The earlier you start, the more likely you are to find bargains along the way. The more information you have about what's available, the better informed your decisions can be.
2. The wedding dress - a huge expense. So you've seen a wedding dress you like in a magazine, store window, wtc. Identify the cut you like first. For example, a-line, ball gown, empire, etc. Then, you can start looking for similar styles in reasonable price ranges. Man-made fabrics are much less expensive than natural fibers.
3. Buy the alcohol yourselves. Some reception sites mark up the alcohol costs as much as 50 to 75%, so even with a corkage fee applied, this can save you hundreds!
4. Instead of a live band during dinner, make CDs of your favourite tunes, and get a trusted friend to man the audio equipment, change CD's adjust volume, etd. Again, you'll save hundreds on what is essentially just background music.
5. Get married in the winter. On a Tuesday. At 2:30 in the afternoon. Off peak prices can help you save thousands once you add up reception, catering and transport costs.
6. Choose flowers that are grown locally and are in season. If the celebration is informal and you've got friends with aspiring green thumbs, ask them to help grow your centrepiece flowers.
7. There are many computer programs available to help you make classic invitations, place cards, etc. Ivory card stock can be purchased in bulk from most office supply stores.
8. Purchase your own wedding album. The ones that professional photographers do can be quite pricey and you'll have fun putting together a personalized rememberance of your day.
9. Have a friend videotape the event informally. Spend an afternoon editing the tape down yourself and choose the music that you want to complement your movie.
10. Send out save-the-date emails instead of cards and you'll save a bundle on postage.
11. If you're keeping things personal and have the space, have the reception at home. You'll be much more relaxed and you can hire waitstaff to serve the food and tidy things up afterwards.
12. Serve only the basics - wine, beer and sodas. You'll avoid the expense of hard liquor.
13. Unless the groom gets a lot of formal invitations over the next few years, renting a tuxedo is definitely cheaper than buying one. Many men only wear a tux once in their life!
14. Make sure that everyone understands who is paying for what. Starting a family feud over payment for the church before you're even married is a great way to a ensure a stress filled day.
15. Purchase wedding insurance. This will cover you in the event of damage to your dress, theft of presents, cancellation of the reception (e.g. because of illness of a parent), double booking of the venue, and so on. Companies like WedSafe offer such coverage, although you may be able to get your current homeowners policy to cover such losses (check with your agent).
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