Ok, so I'm trying to be real savy here. MY question is how are you gals saving money on your wedding???
How are those DIY invitations from target & michaels???
Can I ask the photographer to take out thankyou cards to cut cost after we agreed on contract?
We still need Limos, make-up??? I'll be getting ready in massapequa & my FH in holbrook//
Thanks Gals, This wedding planning can make you crazy!!!!!!
pa56
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Re: Saving money & vendor suggestions???
Ways that I saved money:
- I made the placecards and programs myself from supplies from Michaels. - I didn't have fancy photo thank you cards. Instead, I just used the same design that were on the invitations. - I printed the addresses for the invitations on my home computer instead of fancy calligraphy. - Didn't do engagement pics (saw no need for them) - Made my own photo guestbook using picaboo.com for $32
MrsC2010
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Re: Saving money & vendor suggestions???
Posted by trishfas
Ok, so I'm trying to be real savy here. MY question is how are you gals saving money on your wedding???
How are those DIY invitations from target & michaels???
Can I ask the photographer to take out thankyou cards to cut cost after we agreed on contract?
We still need Limos, make-up??? I'll be getting ready in massapequa & my FH in holbrook//
Thanks Gals, This wedding planning can make you crazy!!!!!!
i dont think the photographer will take out the thank you's if they are already in a contract....he might be willing to give you something in place of them...but i dont think you will be able to get any money back
jonsgirl04
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Re: Saving money & vendor suggestions???
DIY invitations worked out well for me. My AUnt is a computer wiz and she helped me with mine. We bought them from AC Moore. We also did our church programs also bought at AC Moore. We added a bow and a blue jewel to them. I loved them! Most people throw these things out so why spend tons? I also bought all my centerpieces which saved me some. Flowers were still costly just not as much. We cut cornere where ever we could. I also made my own Table numbers using pics of our Dog. Frames were bought from Dollar tree.
A great Limo company Is Elegant Limo. Not too badly priced!! We cut corners with them too. Using only one Limo!
Don't be afraid to ask if they can give you a better price or if they can throw something else into the package.
For limos, you have a lot of options, so shop around...Royalty and Camelot are known on these boards for having good prices, but there are other companies, too.
For hair & make-up, try going to your local salon...have a trial to see if you like what the locals can do since anyone who comes to your house will most likely charge a traveling fee.
DIY invites can be nice, if you have a good quality printer. Factor in how much ink you will use, then shop around for prices from companies. Costco has very cheap but good quality invitations, and Party City takes off I think 30% from the prices in the books they have. Also, a lot of internet invite companies offer discounts periodically, so sign up with them to receive their email specials (check out exclusivelyweddings.com and now-&-forever.com)
Finally, talk to your photographer about re-negotiating the price or changing the package, especially if you've been affected by the economic crisis in some way, they might be more sympathetic. The last thing a photographer wants is to have you be worried about paying, or not be able to pay, so they might be willing to change something for you.
Also, I don't know if you've gotten a lot of the smaller things yet, but that's where you can save money. Shop around at Party City and Michaels for the flower girl baskets and ring pillow vs paying shipping fees from ebay vendors. Pass on the toasting flutes and cake serving set since you can use the ones from the RH. Don't go overboard with the cake topper (maybe ask your florist to just decorate it with flowers instead). You don't have to have a card box or slipper basket. Table numbers can be done inexpensively on your own or not all.
Good luck!
MnM182008
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Re: Saving money & vendor suggestions???
I was in the same boat as you. I refused to spend more money than I had to. I didn't do a lot of DIY just because I work 75 hours a week. The only DIY I did was I printed my invitation envelopes, no need for Calligraphy, and I did my own place cards for the RH. I didn't do menus, I had the RH read the menu to our guests, worked out great! I didn't do bathroom baskets, or hotel bags. I didn't get a purse either, no reason for one.
DH and I purchased an good video camera and had a family member tape our ceremony and our reception, came out like a professional video.
Saved money on our hm flights by leaving on a Monday rather than Sunday. I have to say I used my costco membership for a lot purchased my save the dates from them, invitations and booked our hm, literally saved thousands using them. They also do flowers, we didn't use them for that but wished I had.
There are a lot of things you can do to cut costs, my main advice is don't spend money on things that aren't a necessary.
EsquireBride
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Re: Saving money & vendor suggestions???
The main way I saved money was by having an off-season wedding (which I guess you can't do). But maybe it will help other girls out there. I saved thousands of dollars at the RH by doing a winter wedding, and then a non-Saturday night to boot. Plus I got a lower minimum. I also negotiated with vendors - the DJ didn't budge much, nor did the florist (because obviously roses are expensive right around V-day!) but the photog package came down significantly (close to 2k). I chose all RH-recommended vendors so all vendor meals are now comped. I ditched limos because the hotel is 5 minutes from the RH.
MnM182008
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Re: Saving money & vendor suggestions???
Posted by EsquireBride
The main way I saved money was by having an off-season wedding (which I guess you can't do). But maybe it will help other girls out there. I saved thousands of dollars at the RH by doing a winter wedding, and then a non-Saturday night to boot. Plus I got a lower minimum. I also negotiated with vendors - the DJ didn't budge much, nor did the florist (because obviously roses are expensive right around V-day!) but the photog package came down significantly (close to 2k). I chose all RH-recommended vendors so all vendor meals are now comped. I ditched limos because the hotel is 5 minutes from the RH.
I forgot to add that we booked in the winter as well. I was orginally looking at a date in April, January was 25.00 cheaper per person, you do the math, that is a lot of money, and the same thing our vendors most of them had winter specials, save so much $$$$
trishfas
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Re: Saving money & vendor suggestions???
i love the dog table pics Too cute! The invites look great Thanks
trishfas
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Re: Saving money & vendor suggestions???
And I'm gonna check out costo. The whole thing is It's sooo crazy to spend soo much money if you can use a few tricks here & there to save.
All great ideas Girls!!! YOu definately helped me out. THANKS!!!!
vnv126
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Re: Saving money & vendor suggestions???
Okay here goes how I am trying to budget my wedding. FH & I look around for photographer (probably around like seven photographer). We ended up with Amanda Picone (Check out her work). She is very reasonable.We are paying $1200 for an all day event, unlimited photos, DVD slideshow and all the pics on a DVD disc edited, an album.
Instead of hiring someone to do my menus and program, you can do it yourselves. THe DIY menus & programs from Michaels & Target are great. One of my friend bought it and did them for her wedding. On the back it shows you how to do it also.
Try to go to the bridal showcase to see vendors. Usually you will get a cheaper price and a better deal in limos, florists and makeup. I went to Jericho Terrace and book with Manny from Royalty Limo. Definitely recommend him! Very reasonable price and cars are clean (Lots of ladies use him)
Makeup-When I start to look for makeup, I know I don't want to spend more than 150 for makeup or hair on my wedding day so I ended up booking with Elisa Bello (pics are in album). She's great & great price (85.00 for bride the day of , 25.00 for trial).
All of the vendors I listed above will travel and they do not charge traveling fee.
