Wedding Cutting Corners

[lovethejewels]

Also, forgot to mention regarding the programs...

I was able to negotiate programs from the country club. I subtly made it known to the vendors that I was interviewing multiple vendors. I would often ask for a little extra in exchange for my business/ to win the job, ie asking the country club to make the programs to take that task off my plate. I would ask for things that were of of little cost to the vendors but collectively added up in savings.

 

[mrsv]

What about doing a wedding breakfast? I went to a wedding in Colorado where the couple was married first thing in the morning, the lighting was stunning! It did carry a somewhat more casual feel but she did a wedding brunch and it was super tasty. I do not drink so I am not sure how much this mattered to other guests...but because it was a breakfast there were mimosas, champagne and one or two other alcoholic beverages. I know it may sound a bit odd but it was truly lovely.
Basic ways to save, thermography rather then engraving
Having Publix make your cake rather then the bakery.
Dont buy expensive shoes to match your dress...dont buy new ones at all if you can avoid it.
Buy your invitations online even the truly nice ones like Crane cost less online then they do at your local shop
Skip the wedding web page
Do your own hair, make up, nails
Use found items for centerpieces, I had a co-worker who used wine bottles and sunflowers and though it sounded very odd to me in the photos it was charming, or you could do glass containers with sand and shells..which can be purchased online much cheaper then flowers
Make your own favors or skip them completely


Things I would say not to do: dont ask guests to pay for anything....even drinks it is supremely tacky

 

[Amandine]

For some really cheap printing, sign up on Vistaprint. I get emails all the time from them about free stuff. I ordered my sign for the road (think small business sign with metal stand) for free, had to purchase the stand. I also ordered business cards (250) with information on a website for the guests to upload their photos...free! That whole order cost me $16, which was mostly shipping. Its great, and the print quality is good! They have invitations on their website, too.

 

[ilovethiswebsite]

No transportation... I love the look of classic cars but can''t justify getting one just for 1-2 photos.

No DJ... we have a band who will finish at 10:30pm. After that point we are just going to put an IPOD on (restaurant is equiped with speakers and ipod dock).

Few decorations ... Wedding is in a beautiful restaurant so we don''t need to add much. We hired a florist but are keeping the decorations minimal...

 

[geckodani]

Have you thought about doing an evening wedding with a dessert reception, instead of a full meal? Late wedding also means less drinking time, which can cut down on the alcohol costs.

 

[Clairitek]

Date: 9/29/2008 3:50:33 PM
Author: dreamer_dachsie
I went to dress shops between seasons when they were clearing out there samples and got my dress 60% off retail, and it was my size too. That was a good deal!

Sorry to ask my own questions on your thread DiamondConfused...

Please excuse my ignorance, but what qualifies as "between seasons" for wedding dresses? In the winter months?

 

[Diva0413]

I''m cutting back on flowers for sure. My venue has a ceremony and reception areas as well as hotel rooms on-site so I plan to cut back on transportation too.