Does anyone have any tips on cutting costs of wedding?

Question

My fiance and I are planning our own wedding. We are also paying for all of it. We chose not to ask our families for financial help. Does anyone have any ideas?

Answer 1

Go to the Justice of the Peace and then have a fabulous dinner afterward.

Answer 2

Go to your local library and I'm sure they'll have a couple books on the topic. Here's a few things -

Avoid Saturday nights (brunch/lunch is cheaper than dinner). I know people who have done tea and cake instead of a full meal.

Find a bridal store that sells dresses that are a couple years old - the designs don't change much (or look online for used dresses, or rent).

I've heard of people who work out a deal with all their vendors where they put a card on the table that reads "flowers by such and such" or put all the names/phone numbers in the program. If you have a lot of local people at the wedding they might cut you a discount. Check your area for a flower market that you can buy wholesale, or you can always do silk bouquets.

For my wedding we're doing an iPod instead of a DJ and borrowing a PA system from a band (we're friends with them so they're setting it up for us too). I'm having a friend MC. If you want live music, check your local university (or even high schools) - ask to see them perform, or for a CD beforehand.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Well this depends on what you are willing to spend. My husband paid for all of ours. We catered it. We went to Hy-Vee and ordered a very pretty cake at half the cost of going to a regular cake person. I made the invitations on the computer and bought thick pretty paper. Also friends helped by decorating the house where we had the reception. A big barbecue. The bottom line is what makes you both happy and what is in your budget. Shop around if you want a hall, band, cake, etc. There are all ways discounts out there. Oh it helped that my dad is a photographer.
Good Luck and congrats.

Answer 4

The first thing you need to do is prioritize. Break everything down (photoghraphy, dress, food, ect.) and give it a number 1-3. 1's are areas where you will not cut corners. 2's A few cut backs may be neccessary. 3's are where you will try to look for the best bargains. This really does help. Also, if you can, try to diy as much as possible. To get ideas go to theknot.com messageboards and look up Iam4UK. She did some amazing diy projects!

Answer 5

There is Sooooo much to do!!! Here's a Few :

1. design your invitations on your computer and take them to kinkos.

2. Ask friends and Relative to help w/ catering "I love that orange salad you make, can you make a big batch for the wedding?" Or go to Trader Joes and get a half dozen platters of already made sushi

3. Prohibit alcohol or make it Byob

4 Keep the flowers down to a minimum, "simple yet elegant"

Answer 6

Elope

Actually, you can save in many ways...

USe the church social hall and cater a buffet.
Disk jockey instead of live band, or no music at all.
Lunch wedding instead of dinner...
Get a kegger and wine instead of full bar
Minimal bridesmaids, shop for wedding dress.
Take a loan for wedding and use money gifts to pay off
DO a picnic wedding...use the park shelter in case of rain.
.

Answer 7

Craft stores such as Michael's and Joann Fabrics sell lots of wedding items. If you have those in your area, check there and use the 40% off coupons that regularly come out. I collected coupons from friends and family or took them shopping with me. shop ebay - wedding items are used one day, so they are generally in perfect condition. skip the aisle runner - they nearly always rip, bunch up, and/or trip someone - your pictures will also look better because the strip of white in pictures becomes the focus rather than the people.

Answer 8

Have you thought of renting your wedding dress instead of buying it? The fact is: you'll never wear it again, it will end up in the closet, collecting dust. Then later, you take it out but it doesn't fit any more.....this is the truth. I'm speaking for myself here. Try to go to the Oriental wedding store. They have all kind of dresses and accessories for rent. Lot cheaper then buying them. Good luck.

Answer 9

have friends and family make squares and do deli type platters for the supper/ midnight lunch. Also if you have camera buffs in your family/friends you can ask them to take the pics instead of hiring a photographer.....we did both of these for my bro's wedding but my tip in doing this is to make sure that it's not just 1 person who is doing all the food, and confirm with everyone

Answer 10

Elope