Below are the 10 budget management tips to help you have a dream wedding you have always wanted.
1) Ask for help!
There’s so much that can be done with the help of family and friends! DIY wedding favors, flower bouquets and centre pieces. Borrowed shoes, accessories and skills! Don’t be shy to ask for help.
2) Keep your guest list small.
Keep it small, and don’t feel bad about it. Starting your new life without debt is definitely worth having a small wedding.
3) Quality Control
When looking for wedding vendors, you don’t have to go to the “it” makeup artists or photographers. Look for quality and for talent! Don’t worry about names and brands.
4) Pick an Off-Peak Time
The difference in vendor prices from peak season to off-peak is drastic! Opt for a winter wedding, or an afternoon wedding or perhaps a weekday wedding. You will definitely rake in the savings.
5) Create a wedding website
I know we all love wedding cards in all their elegance and beauty but I’ve found a gorgeous and cost-cutting alternative! Make yourself a wedding website and email your guests the link. You will save hundreds of dollars on customized wedding cards and postage stamps and these websites are absolutely adorable! Find a template online for a very small cost, easily fill in the blanks and you’ll have a crazy cute alternative to paper invitations. These sites include countdowns, guest lists and even a photo gallery of you and your fiancé if you’d like!
6) Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate.
Don’t be shy to negotiate! And if you just can’t help but quiver at the thought, then bring along someone who will do it for you. Vendors will negotiate to a great extent if you are persuasive enough, this includes everything from videographers and photographers to decorators and venue managers. The sticker price is almost never expected from them, so speak up and give them a counter offer. You definitely won’t regret it.
7) Work with your venue
When you book your venue, ask them for vendor recommendations. This is an easy way to find decorators, florists and other vendors at a discounted rate.
8) No need for a fancy florist!
Who needs a fancy florist when you have Costco! I know I sound kind of silly right about now, but Coscto actually has fresh flowers at an incomparable price. Drop by your nearest Costco location a couple weeks before the wedding and speak to a manager about having extra flowers ordered the day of your wedding. That morning you can have a friend or family member pick up the flowers and deliver them to your venue! You’ll save hundreds of dollars and will still be able to pick from a great array of beautiful arrangements!
9) Ask for a referral bonus!
After you have signed up with a vendor, ask for a referral bonus. This is an easy way to cover wedding costs by collecting a bonus every time your friend uses your vendor upon your recommendation.
10) Don’t ask for Bridal Hair and Makeup!
A great way to save money is to ask your hair stylist and makeup artist for party or engagement hair and makeup! You can get the same result for half the price!