Joined on
10-24-2009
ATLANTA 4122920063164338
Posts: 4399
First: 12/3/2010
Last: 4/30/2012
|
Hey there! Here are my tips:
1. Limit your guest list. This is SO important. It will determine your venue size, catering bill, alcohol bill (maybe), number of tables so therefore number of linens, centerpieces, etc, number of invitations, number of favors, and so on. 2. If you really want to save on food/alcohol, have your wedding at a non meal time and then serve light apps or cake and punch. Example would be wedding at 2, reception at 3 until 5 or so, or perhaps an 8pm wedding with a 9-11 reception. 3. Keep your WP small, if you can/want. 4. Look into DIY centerpieces and other arrangements. You can resell the silk flowers. Also look into DIY other things such as invitations, favors, etc, but be careful. It can sometimes cost MORE to DIY, if you are not crafty and don't already have a lot of the items needed. 5. You can skip favors. 6. Don't buy into all of the "stuff" the wedding industry says you need. Skip an aisle runner, personalized cake cutter, fancy cake topper, guest book, limo or shuttle transportation for you and/or WP, etc. 7. Use an iPod and speakers in place of a DJ, if your venue is small and/or your reception is casual. 8. Anything you DO buy that is WR, try to sell it here on the Knot classifieds or on eBay! Most people try to get half of what they paid for but anything is better than nothing! You may want to hold on to certain items for sentimental reasons though. 9. Look into having a student or beginner photographer shoot your wedding. He/she may not be the best, but photography is one of the major budget killers.
My number one piece of advice: do not ask friends and family to do anything that puts them out. I am ALL for saving money but not at the expense of my loved ones. They should not have to act as servants on a day they should be enjoying themselves as guests, not workers. Now they may offer and in some circles this is totally normal, but at least be considerate of their schedules and needs like getting dressed/ready the day of the wedding and whatnot.
|