Save Money
What are some easy ways to save money when planning your wedding?
We are looking to get married in the summer of '09 and we're paying for everything ourselves. What are some things we can do to save money or even do ourselves?
You can DIY most of it...just give yourself a lot of time to get things done. For the stationary, just print them using your home printer, and decorate simple paper with a really beautiful stamp and perhaps a shimmery ink color. You can repeat this stamp image on everything from the place cards to the programs.
For the centerpieces, keep it simple-a nice candle in a simple hurricane lamp that has a ribbon tied around it, and toss some silver or gold confetti on the tables (it will catch and reflect the candlelight).
For the dress, shop sales and you can potentially find a really fancy bridesmaid's dress in white and that can save you money too.
Keep the flowers seasonal and regional...lots of websites can give you that kind of information.
Don't worry about favors: no one notices/misses them.
When looking at reception sites, don't forget to look into places like local museums, park district buildings, little art galleries and even little family-owned restaurants. Sometimes you can get a really interesting venue for a reception for a really good price if you keep your eyes open to the possibilities of a space.
Also, space out your purchases....weddingchannel.com has some REALLY good sales on things, as does some Ebay wedding stores, so buy things when they go on sale and hold on to them. It also gives you time to pace yourself and save the money.
For the honeymoon, consider spending a few days at the nearest large city-it will save you money on airfare, and if you tell each place you are going to that you are on your honeymoon you usually get upgrades and free things.
