1. Determine a budget and set priorities.
2. Be selective with your guest list. Lots of wedding elements are determined on a per-guest basis. Inviting less people will help you save some cash.
3. When searching for a venue, create a comparison chart to highlight what is included in the price. And ask if the location provides any decorating items like candles, vases, etc.
4. Book one location for your ceremony and reception to avoid paying multiple site fees and eliminate transportation from one venue to the next.
5. Most places charge more for Saturday night. Ask the venue about Friday and Sunday night rates and inquire about afternoon versus an evening time.
6. Schedule your reception for three or four hours instead of the traditional five.
7. Stick to the basics with your invitations. Upgrades like foil stamping and calligraphy will boost your bill.
8. Avoid overage fees from your vendors by sticking to a prearranged schedule.
9. Cut down on the time your photographer needs to be at the reception. Schedule dances, toasts, cake cutting, tosses, etc. soon after dinner so the photographer can capture those moments and leave.
10. Most transportation services charge by the hour, so the fewer stops the cheaper the bill.
11. You can save some serious cash by becoming a DIY bride.You can make your own invitations and other stationary items. You can create decorations for the ceremony and reception.
12. Use plants, fruits, vegetables or branches for centerpieces instead of costly flowers. Or purchase flowers wholesale and pay a florist to do simple arrangements.
13. Flowers are typically 15 to 30 percent more expensive around popular floral holidays like Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and prom. Pick flowers based on what's in season. It will help cut your floral expenses.
14. Some reception locations will create and print menus for you. Find out if your venue provides that service.
15. Save hundreds of dollars by booking a DJ instead of a live band and save even more by creating your own playlist and asking a friend to play your selections.
For 12 additional tips for saving on your catering bill read this previous post.
No comments:
Post a Comment