Without getting too involved with details, all my life my parents told me they would be paying for my wedding. Unfortunately during the time that is supposed to be the happiest time of my life, my parents are going through a divorce. My mom is still telling me to plan on the budget we had discussed earlier, but I feel as though I shouldn't be doing that and feel I should find some ways to cut costs (my FH and I don't have much money saved either).
I am looking for ways to cut some of the costs down? Do I not hire a videographer and just have a friend tape the day? Do I forget the photographer and just have camera's on the tables? These are some of the suggestions I am looking for. I don't want to make a decision that I might regret in the long run, so I am hoping some of you will have advice for me. Thanks and happy planning to all.
(So far all we have booked is our wedding reception site... Fox Hollow in April of 2003)
Sonicstef
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Re: Advice on cutting costs please
Since your parents are paying maybe you can help them out with the cost with your own money.
There are lots of ways to save $$ but I don't think you should skimp on the photos or the video since that is something you could definitely regret.
I would suggest making a list of priorities for you - what is important and then only spend $$ on that list.
For example, if you all you want is a simple white gown - you can buy a bridesmaids gown in white or ivory instead of spending a lot on a bridal gown.
Limit the flowers to only small bouquets and try to think of non floral centerpieces.
Don't do limos at all (that will save you at least $1K)
Have a informal rehearsal dinner.
Don't do favors.
Get simple white invites.
The list goes on and on - the things you probably shouldn't skimp on are: food, music and photography. (but that is just my opinion - do what is important for you)
BRIDE-TO-BE
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Re: Advice on cutting costs please
Save by having a dj instead of a band, making your own centerpieces, and the way you can cut the most is keeping your guest numbers down. Hope this helps and good luck!
aug9bride
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Re: Advice on cutting costs please
I agree with the above, Skip the limos. They really aren't necessary. If you have a computer (which you obviously do) and a printer you might be able to make your own invitations. They sell invitation kits at Michaels Arts and Crafts. I cut costs by making my own bouquets and centerpieces. I got artificial flowers from Michaels and put them together myself. I also made my own favors. I got wine glasses for a very good price at Ikea and tied a ribbon with our names and wedding date on the stem. You could have a DJ instead of a band. There is a huge difference in cost there. We skipped the rehearsal dinner altogether. It was not in our budget to throw one. Instead we are having an informal BBQ the day after the wedding before we go on our honeymoon. Good luck. If I think of anything else I will post later.
Suzanne
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Re: Advice on cutting costs please
you can print your invites your self.. they have them at party city, with really nice paper and border designs...i would forget the limos but definatly NOT the video or the photographer..(you will want those later) you could use cheaper flowers...like if your wedding is in spring then tulips would be a good choice... and maybe candles for the centerpeices... i would check out to see which flowers are in bloom during the month of your wedding.. see if you can find a dress that you like that has been discontinued, thats what i did, and it cost only 400.00 if thats even to much .. davids bridal is having a 99.00 sale right now.. as favors i would do something cheap,.. i did chocolate from www.heresheis.com.. they are only1.30 each...Oh.. also as far as the photographer is concerned get the photo albums yourself.. i got mine at www.hallmark .com (bliss is the name of it) and mount your pictures your self...do your makeup yourself,. (i am) id rather look natural and like myself the day of the wedding than made up to look different than i look everyday... i have tons of these ideas.. so feel free to ask for anything else you need ( i am also on a VERY VERY tight budget)
DianaL
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Re: Advice on cutting costs please-LONG
There are so many ways to cut costs but not have to cut things out of your day.
We are on a budget, and I have not had to skimp on anything but video. We are getting a nice album and 500 proofs from the photographer, and I may try and talk him down on the video, or just have the ceremony videoed (spelling??).
Watch for sales on the little stuff. Most of the big wedding sites have monthly sales.
EBAY! They have some great deals there. I just got the shoes that I have wanted for $16.00! They arrived today and fit great!
Pew Bows: Got these on ebay for $5 ea. The florist wanted $10 for plain white bows.
The little bells: Ebay at $.17 ea. Some catalogues wanted over 50 cents ea.
Party City was our choice for the ring pillow, cake knife, and unity candle.
The dress: You can get a nice bridal gown for under $500 at most stores. You can also buy a sample gown.
Use the vendors that work with your caterer. I saved a lot by using the house florist for my other flowers...got an upgrade on the centerpieces! (Don't know if your caterer supplies centerpieces).
We went with the house DJ and got a great deal there too, including the cocktail hour for free.
Our caterer got us our invites for 50% off the list price.
Keep the numbers down. This is the hardest part. But on the conservative side, 20 people = $1,000.00.
Staples, paperdirect.com and the other places people mentioned are great for printing your own programs, invites, place cards, etc.
At first I started looking to see what I could cut, just as you had suggested, but if you investigate, you can get many things for a lot cheaper than in the bridal magazines and catalogs.
Please don't cut the photographer...you can just have the photog shoot the wedding and then put together a book when the funds are available...
don't have a bridal party - there are more expenses that go along with that
cut back on flowers...youd be surprised what a florist can do with a limited budget...
drive off in your own car and have it decorated...maybe have a freind even chauffeur you around!!!
no favors...I know we are all doing them, but most people don't pay attention and leave them there..
do not get any extras at the fox hollow...it will be great without any extras
have people over to your place for dessert and coffee rehersal dinner
good luck
michele31
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Re: Advice on cutting costs please
Here are some hints: Don't get the most expensive photographer in town but don't get one that you hate just because of a low price. Look around, negoiate and get the best deal you can. Cut out extra stuff like photo thank yous. Just send them to close family and friends. Send non-photo thank yous to other. Video- Don't skimp on this either, but don't go crazy. Find a company that you like and that has a good price too.
Invites- Don't go crazy. Either make you own or get inexpensive ones. Use RSVP postcards if you can- save postage costs.
Flowers- Go to Burtons. I got a great deal there. Lot of girls have. Keep the bouquets simple. Don't go crazy with centerpieces either.
favors- do something simple like kisses wrapped in tulle on each plate.
Your gown- get one that you love but again, don't go crazy. Be careful. Stay away from high-end bridal shops too. Don't go to Bridal Reflections Carle Place with an under $2500 budget. Try Bridal Suite in Centereach (ask for Debbie). That is where I got my Demetrios gown. She is wonderful. Alfred Angelo makes some beautiful gowns for under $1000 too. Get your headpiece off the Internet.
Bridal Party- don't go crazy with BM gifts. You can make them really cute baskets full of bath stuff or something like that.
In other words, be smart about your choses.
tarakinspa
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I hear ya!
I am too so this is my tips so far to share with you...
I shopped around for a dress and got style numbers and am ordering online, it saved over 200 dollars, I couldnt just buy without trying on and they dont like to part with the style numbers but you can probably find the dress if you look around.
I agree with ebay i just won a tiara for 45$ compared to the 300$ you will see at the bridal shops!
I hear burtons has great prices for flowers, I am meeting with them wed. Ill let you know. I do know high centerpieces are more so candles and low settings will save you.
As far as honeymoon i hear the travel agents jack up the price if they know you are honeymooning so dont tell them.....
Thats all i have so far i am still on the budget hunt myself. I think these websites are a great help!
brit03
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Re: I hear ya!
Tara that sounds so great. Where did you get the dress from and how much is it? Who can you get to do alterations,and how much will that cost?I think thats the one thing I would be real nervous about. Can the website give a suggestion about alterations?
Mishy626
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Thanks ladies
Thanks to everyone for getting back to me. I feel confident now that there are ways to cut costs without making drastic cuts. Everyone's advice is truly appreciated.
tarakinspa
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brit
Im not really sure about that I am sample size and the 10 fits perfect, plus Im tall so i wont need a hem, but even if i do need some sort of alterations Im sure saving as much as I did (210$ with free shipping) will be worth it, sorry for not specifying. If this is something youd like to do maybe go to a seamstress and ask in advance
pepper102002
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x
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cw0904
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pepper102002-Calligraphy & kate
What are you doing for your envelopes? Are practicing how to write in calliigraphy? I plan on doing the same thing. I heard its really easy once you get the hang of it. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!
cw0904
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Re: pepper102002-Calligraphy & kate paperie
Here is my entire message, I pressed enter without finishing it!
What are you doing for your envelopes? Is there anything that you are using that you can recommend? I plan on doing the same thing. I heard its really easy once you get the hang of it.
Do you have a website address for Kate's Paperie? I actually found a website that sells paper in bulk and its not expensive at all. But it just so happens I got a new MAC at work and I didn't save any of my favorites before they changed the hard drive so I will have to post the website when I get home. Any info is appreciated. Thanks
KGB
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Re: pepper102002-Calligraphy & kate paperie
...
cw0904
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kate paperie
I found some information on kate paperie and they are actually holding a free event on how to save and cut costs on your wedding. The link below gives you more info on the event.
http://www.katespaperie.com/bridevjun4th.html
cw0904
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Website for nice invitations
I found the website I was talking about on the make your own invitations. It really is worth looking at when you can save money if you take the time to do it yourself. They don't look any different when done on your own. I hope this helps! Wanda
I can totaly relate. Here are some of the things we did to save. With all the suggestions Im sure you can find some great ideas. For favors I got butterfly ornaments from LTD- 6=$4.95 and then ornament stands from national crafts for .65 each. They look great and only cost $1.47 each. We also went to The Wedding center in Commack for the combo: Video, Photographer & Limo (What a savings!) I am also getting my tiara from Ebay and veil from Fantasy land. If you have time search the web. You can find great deals if you have the patience lol Best of luck!
susanlynn
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Re: Advice on cutting costs please
I am also on a budget. I suggest that you get the book, BRIDAL BARGAINS by Denise and Alan Fields, my sister used it for her wedding and it saved a lot. I use it a lot also. Suggestion: Go to Estelees on Rt110 for your wedding dress, my sister got hers for 400.00 I checked it out a few weeks ago and the back room for bridal is not too hectic, I was there on a saturday afternoon. Also, do not skimp on photgraphers, these are your memories, if you have to splurge go with a decent photographer. Skip the limos, and have a family member drive you, I do not know what denomination you are, so if you need to decorate the car for a wedding, paper bells,streamers, etc. Try to make your own centerpieces, the 1.00 stores have a lot of candles , etc, with a little imagination and a glue gun, you can make your own centerpieces. Do your own invitations thru software on the computer and print it yourself. Hire a DJ and not a band. Try to go to a place that has packages, like the CrytalBrook in East Meadow, they have packages from the caterers to flowers for about 8,995.00 about- don't quote me on it. For favors you can give out Krispy Creams... 1.25 for two in a box. Different and unique! Best of all, try to keep sane and have fun planning. Good luck!
