Saving Some Green

No matter how big your budget, chances are you still need to save a few bucks somewhere. Here are some tips to help you pinch those pennies.

1. Party in the off season. Since “wedding season” is usually includes June, August, and September, think about getting married in different months. This may mean cheaper rates and better deal, working with vendors that might normally be booked two years in advance, or just being able to relax and enjoy the time, knowing that you’ll have to attend fewer weddings at the same time.

2. Enlist family and friends. Be careful with this one. Often asking friends and family to take care of major wedding-related tasks can be disastrous, but if you go about it the right way, it could save you time and money. Perhaps you do have a cousin who is a professional photographer, an aunt who plays the harp, or a friend who can work magic in the kitchen and could make you a fabulous cake. If this is the case, ask them about what they can do for you. Maybe they will offer you a deep discount or help you out as a wedding present. (Make sure you write up a letter of agreement, even if you trust the person completely. It’ll help both you and him or her stick to the plans and could help you out if they don’t come through.) If you don’t have any “wedding people” in your family or circle of friends, ask those close to you to do other things, like assemble invitations or favors, set up for the reception, or make sure the day runs smoothly.

3. Cut back. We all have our wedding vision, but perhaps you could tweak a few things. For example, maybe you could cut your guest list from 300 people to 250. Or, if you have a huge wedding party, trim it down a bit. Cutting back can go beyond people. Instead of using the super expensive deluxe cream envelopes, use the matte ones. No one will know there was a more expensive option, and you’ll still get the same feel.

4. Pick your favorites. If having a full open bar is really important to you, but you can’t afford it AND a $2,000 dress, try looking for a $500 - $1,000 dress, in a similar style but different fabric. Or if preserving the day in photography and videography is more important to you than having a five course meal, shave off a few courses and pop for the better photography and videography packages.

5. DIY. Don’t underestimate your abilities! Give yourself a lot of time, make a list of the things you can do yourself, draw up a detailed schedule, and get to it! Make your own invitations. They could cost your $200 rather than $700 or more. Maybe you’re great with a needle and thread and you can crank out a great wedding dress, or save on your bridesmaids’ dresses. And even if you’re not all that crafty, surely someone you know is! Like we say in number two, ask your friends and family what they can do for you!

6. Don’t go pro. What could this possibly mean? Just because someone doesn’t own business or doesn’t have an established one doesn’t mean they can do for you exactly what you want. Hire a design student to make your dress. Hire a culinary student to bake your cake or do h’our derves. Rent some nice cameras and have two film students record the day, then send the tapes to the pros to have them edit it. Or maybe there is someone trying to break into the business. Check them out and consider giving them a chance.

7. Take a break. You don’t have to have the best of everything right here and now. Maybe you’re just dying to have a platinum wedding band but it just doesn’t fit in the budget. Get the platinum on your first anniversary. Or maybe honeymooning right after the wedding is just impossible. Wait a month or two, or go in the tourist off season.

8. Be open-minded. Maybe you’ve always dreamt of a black tie affair. But those formal evenings are much more expensive. Try kicking it down a notch. You could go with a bit shorter bridesmaids dresses, or not as fancy tuxedos. The list goes on.

9. Time it right. It’s pretty much common knowledge that most weddings are on Saturday evenings. Consider having your wedding on a Thursday, Friday, or Sunday, or having it earlier in the day. Morning weddings are not that common, but can be absolutely beautiful. Plus, a brunch can be a lot cheaper than a full dinner.

10. Just relax! How, you ask, can relaxing save you money? Like this: If you’re relaxed and roll with the punches, you won’t freak out and do something unexpected that could cost you a lot of money in the end. For example, at the last second you realize you never ordered place cards. Instead of calling up your stationer and asking her to whip you up 200 place cards, ask someone in your wedding party to make some, or forgo them all together and have your ushers seat guests at the reception as well! It may cause a little confusion for the caterer, but you won’t have to pay for the place cards and the charge for getting them completed in a few hours.

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Related posts:

1. Choosing Your ‘Maids
2. “Hiring” Family and Friends
3. Announcing Your Engagement
4. Starring the Bride
5. How to PROFIT From Your Wedding!