It's no surprise with the current financial climate that couples are considering cutting back on some wedding costs, though, naturally, no one wants to appear cheap. I've taken a look round the blogs to see cost cutting advice from some of my favourite bloggers.
Wedded Bits took a look at a wedding that featured on Good Morning America where the bride wanted a $20,000 wedding on a $6,000 budget... and got it.
My former colleague Abi at Bridalwave took a look at the five least popular ways to save money at a wedding and had some great suggestions on how to over come them. Booze cruise, anyone?
Meanwhile, Colorblind Productions say bartering is making a comeback. Do you have exchangeable skills? If so, you could swop them for discounts etc.
You could start entering competitions too. Check out Rock 'n Roll Bride for a free wedding photography comp and The Budget Brides Handbook for details of the Alfred Sung wedding dress competition. Polka Dot Bride's competition is now open if you fancy trying to win four Henry Josef bridesmaid dresses by Henry Roth for your bridal party.
If you have any excellent cost cutting tips, I'd love to hear them...
I'm a wedding planner and one thing I always have to remind my clients is that you have to negotiate everything on your budget - but your budget is non-negotiable. People start getting into debt over weddings, going over budget because they *need* something.
In my past experience when you find something you love (whether it be certain flowers or centrepieces or a photography package), and it's $X amount of dollars, and you only have $A amount of dollars to spend, let the florist/photographer/etc know that my budget only allows for this much. Can we do anything? What can I remove so I can keep this? It's fairly easy and most are willing to help.
Stick to your budget! Most my clients come in under budget!
Posted by: Margarita | 03/05/2009 at 01:49 PM
Thanks for mentioning bartering. It's a great idea for wedding services when you have something not exchange. It's definitely worth asking your vendors as many people need things and you never know what your skill or item can get you an exchange for.
Posted by: Dianne @ Colorblind Productions | 03/05/2009 at 02:56 PM
That's a very good point, Margarita, it's so important to stick to a budget. You'll thank yourself later!
And you're welcome, Dianne. I found your post through Twitter and would never have thought of bartering before.
Posted by: Camilla | 03/05/2009 at 09:22 PM
cool.... thanks for the ideas!
Posted by: Wedding Forum | 11/21/2009 at 11:23 AM