Ten Cost-Saving Ideas for Your Wedding

May 11, 2009

During any economic time, but most especially now, it's good to pare down your wedding expenses as much as possible. The list below will assist you in reigning in your wedding budget and stretching your hard-earned dollar.

1). Buy flowers that can be found in abundance in the area where the wedding will take place as well as during the season it will take place. Incorporating orchids into a winter wedding is going to cost you a pretty penny. Instead, visit your local flower market and select seasonal white Calla Lilies or deep red roses to form your bridal bouquets or table centerpieces.

2). Have your wedding favors double as your place cards or guest escort cards. Indicate the guest’s name and table assignment on a label or hang tag and attach it to the favor box or bag. Place the wedding favors / place cards on a central table at the entrance of the reception room. As guests collect their wedding favors, they'll also find out what their assigned seats are.

3). Instead of couture bridesmaids’ dresses, check out the clothing racks of popular mall retailers. By selecting a color and style that the bridesmaids can use after the wedding day, you'll assure that they can prolong the use of the dress and thus get extra value from it. And if your bridemaids are spread out across the country, they'll be grateful for the convenience you've given them by allowing them to shop locally.

4). Think about holding your wedding on a Friday night or on a Sunday. This alone can save you tons of money.

5). Craft the wedding invitations yourself. Many discount stores now offer stylish wedding invitations, thank-you cards, and wedding ceremony programs that you can print yourself in the comfort of your own home. It’s never been so easy to purchase a box of affordable embossed wedding invitations as you shop for milk and eggs.

6). Have several family and friends arrange your bridal bouquet, bridal party bouquets and boutonnieres as well as table centerpieces. Beware: arrange flowers no later than the night before or else the flowers will wilt. By assigning this task to a group of trustworthy individuals, you can certainly save hundreds of dollars.

7). If you know someone who is just starting out as a photographer or videographer, they may be willing to cover your wedding for free in an effort to build their portfolio and gain some experience.

8). Do not use an odd-shaped invitation which will increase your postage, use only standard shaped ones.

9). Your hair and makeup can be styled and applied by a family member or friend, or even by yourself.

10). Limit the size of your bridal party to family members and best of friends. Involve the others in other important tasks like passing out wedding ceremony programs or ushering guests to their seats at the ceremony.