Brides, you don’t have to see your inheritance or your own
hard earned savings account disappear on your wedding day.
With a little foresight, patience and
creative thinking, considerable costs can be saved without compromising.
When looking for your perfect wedding
dress, consider choosing a simple style with less beading, lace and intricate
detail. If you really want the fancy beads and sequins, ask your trusted family
seamstress or friend to add them, later.
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After deciding upon the dress you want, order it
is our current dress size. Resist ordering a smaller size in hopes of losing
weight. It is always easier and less expensive to have a dress taken in that to
have it “let out.”
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Purchase your dress and those of your attendants
from the same bridal shop. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount and free
alterations with the group purchase.
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If your attendants’ dresses a are no purchased
at the same place as your gown, shop department stores where they are typically
less expensive and have a better chance of being worn again. The same goes for
mothers dresses.
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If you find a specific style for your attendants
that you can’t live without, show it to a reputable seamstress. Many times the
same style can be made for half price or less.
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You may also find good deals in the classifieds
or online for used wedding apparel. Most will be like new, in good shape and
affordable. After a trip to the cleaners, it will look good as new.
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Renting is also cost-effective for wedding
attire, especially if you’re not big on sentiment, and can’t see storing your
gown in the back of your closet, never to be seen or worn again.
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Forget spending money on a new going away
outfit.
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Put your wedding dollars where they will receive
the most attention, using the most expensive floral arrangements to decorate
the altar, or wherever the bridal party will be standing. Large ferns are
inexpensive and have a lovely affect when grouped together.
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Forget decorating every church pew, but
alternate every other one. Use ribbon and bows mixed with inexpensive greenery
or skip all but the first few pews for family members.
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Use tall candelabras, which the venue may own
and allow you to us. Decorate with simple elegance greenery and ribbon.
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Consider smaller bouquets, especially for the
attendants. A few white roses tied with colored ribbon are lovely.
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Visit local craft stores in search of silk and
dried flowers that can be easily transformed into keepsake bouquets.
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Save money on your reception. Ask the caterer
about specific package deals to fit your budget.
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Consider, also, having caterer to provide the
main dishes for a dinner type reception and have family and friends contribute
the salads, sides and beverages.
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Forget the shrimp and lobster if your budget
really is tight. A selection of hors d’oeuvres can appear elegant with a few
garnishes. It’s the presentation that usually makes the biggest impression.
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Make sure you and your caterer understand each
other and agree on a menu and price long before your wedding.
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Seek experienced photographers from within the
family/ friend circle for your pictures, as well as a videographer.
Professional photos can run into big bucks, but keep in mind, you usually get
what you pay for.
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Don’t skimp, just for the sake of saving. Make
sure you are comfortable cutting corners so you will have no regrets later.
Don’t overspend, either, if you can’t afford to do it. Being I serious debt for
a wedding is not a good way to begin a marriage.
