Cost Saving Tips

Ice Sculptures

If you're Paris Hilton or Donald Trump, maybe you could afford it. While they look nice, they are often expensive and are going to melt your dollars away. It's merely eye candy. Don't let your money melt away!!!

Wedding Announcements

Do you really need a wedding announcement? An announcement informs your family and friends that you're engaged. Why not design and print one yourself on your home computer rather than spend hundreds of dollars? Better yet, make up an announcement and email it to them. It won't cost you anything but time!!!

Wedding Invitations

Why go to a print shop and get overcharged? You can order invitations from one of the small catalogs advertised in wedding magazines? You can even order invitations online. Either way, you can request samples of your paper and save over 40% of having it printed locally. Chances are, that local printer will just send away to have it made anyway.

Or better yet, why not design one yourself using one of the numerous software programs available? You can create your own special invitation exactly the way you want it.

Flowers

Instead of real flowers, rent or purchase artificial flowers for table decorations. They will not die and can be used again and again. Sure, you're going to need real flowers for the boutonnières, the bridesmaids, and your bouquet, but only purchase what you will need when it comes to real flowers. Don't let your money wilt away!!!

You can also save money by using floating decorative candles in little glass bowls as your table centerpieces instead of flower centerpieces.

Photographers

Just like entertainment, the pictures are the next most important part of your reception. Hire a qualified photographer. Look at pictures in their studio. Make sure they are individually owned and operated. You, for sure, want to know exactly who your photographer is just as well as you DJ. Never hire the cheapest photographer. The two things people remember long after the reception is over is the music and the pictures.

Disposable Cameras

At one time, I thought  they were essential but now I consider them a waste of money. Most often, the picture will not come out right, mostly due to people hastily taking pictures, kids snapping shots, poor lighting conditions, and so one. You can save yourself a few hundred dollars on the cameras and film development and put the money to better use elsewhere.

Balloons

Balloons have become popular for decorating wedding receptions. But considering how long they last, is it really worth spending that much money for just a few short hours they will stay afloat? At the end of the reception, they are going to get popped and your guests are going to suck the helium out of them. Do you want to take on the liability of someone getting brain damage because they thought it was "fun" to talk in a high squeal. Wouldn't it make more sense to spend a few dollars less on balloons and a few dollars more on entertainment?

Wedding Cakes

Keep it simple, yet elegant. When it comes to cakes, don't overdo it. Take into consideration that some of your guests may not eat cake because of their dietary restrictions. Just like the food, I have seen a great deal of cake go home because there was simply too much. There are other places to get very nice looking wedding cakes than a cake shop. Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, and Albertson's all make fantastic and beautifully decorated cakes at a fraction of the cost!!!

Wedding Ceremony Music

Why hire a band to play and have "Dead Air" in between songs? I have the same classical music for wedding traditions as a band has. As long as I do not have to move any equipment, I include ceremony music as part of your package price.

I recently did the music for a bride and groom where they hired a quartet to play the ceremony music at the same location as the reception. The quartet had so much "Dead Air" in between songs, the bride was getting frantic and wanted to know if I could do something about it. Unfortunately, she learned the hard way. She spent over $600 for the quartet for less than 45 minutes worth of music. A total waste of money!!!

Consider a cash bar

Coffee, tea, and punch are much cheaper than alcohol!!

If you must have alcohol, consider having a "cash bar" instead of a "hosted" or "open bar". You will save a tremendous amount of money. Alcohol is marked up quite a bit at an event. If you would like to have alcoholic beverages, wine and a keg of beer are economical choices.

 I recently did a wedding reception where the bride and groom had an open bar. At the end of the evening, the catering manager provided the bride and groom with an invoice for over $3500 worth of alcohol their guests drank!!! Do you want to take the responsibility of a guest driving home impaired? Again, your money can be better shuffled to help pay for the entertainment.

Wedding Favors

They are nice to have, but are they a necessity and do they fit into your budget? Scrolls, Bells, Matchbooks and Notepads are just a few things you can do without. If you must have bubbles, consider just handing them out without having them wrapped in Toole and ribbon. They are all getting thrown away when the reception is done!!!

Butterflies

There is a trend to order live Butterflies from a company out of state. Don't waste your money!!! The Butterflies arrive to you the day before your event. They are kept refrigerated and warm to room temperature for a few hours prior to release. The weddings I've done with Butterflies had half of them dead upon release!!!.

Sparklers

Some have chosen Sparklers upon departure. Check with your facility first, but also consider the liability of someone getting burned. They are more money than traditional Bird Seeds.

Chair Covers

Some catering facilities try to "Up-Sell" you on chair covers. Is it really worth the added expense of covering the chairs for a few hours? Could you use that money elsewhere? Sure you can. Your guests will never know the difference between sitting on  padded chair and one with a chair cover.

Tuxedos

Shop for bargains. You want the men to look good, but they're only going to wear and return it, not buy it. Some Tux Shops have special bargains where the Groom gets his Tux for free. Some have other specials. Shop early to get your best bargain!!!

Wedding Gown

Once again, shop early. Don't wait until the last minute. Certain times of the year, Wedding Gowns go on clearance to make room for new arrivals. As long as the gown is brand new, no one will ever know if it was last year's model.

Food

 Here are a few tips to save you money, big money, and save the food from going in the garbage after the event.

Hoer D'Oeuvre's

Can your guests wait until the main meal or buffet is served? While these appetizers are intended to hold guests over until the main meal, they are often costly as well. If you're really looking to save money, consider doing without. I did a wedding last year where the bride and groom spent $1299 on appetizers alone.

Buffet

I know most people like convenience of going through a buffet line and making their own plate of food. With today's diets, people like flexibility and choices. Be sensible when ordering your food from the caterer. If you order too much food, your money is being thrown away and could be used elsewhere. Often times, I'm the last one to leave the reception facility and I see quite a bit of food thrown away. Sadly, that's your money being thrown away, not the caterer's. Keep this in mind, the caterer will always try to sell you more food than you need.

Sit Down Dinner

A Sit Down Dinner will save you money and save on wasted food in the long run. Sit Down dinners aren't as common anymore, but do offer a more intimate dining experience than a buffet does. It may also cost a few dollars less per person than a buffet  because the food choices are limited. 

Limousine or Trolley Service

Did you know it's cheaper to rent a nice luxury car than it is to rent a Limousine or Trolley? If you really need to budget your wedding money, you may take a look at your transportation arrangements.

Honeymoon

The wedding's over, now it's time to begin your new life together and go on your honeymoon. How can you save money? Shop early for best bargains!!! If you wait until the last minute to book airline or hotel reservations, you're going to pay more. Consider flying during non-peak hours as rates are usually lower. If you're a member of a Travel Club or Sam's Club, you can save even more!!!