RANK YOUR PRIORITIES
What facets of your wedding are most important to you? Focus on areas that make your heart go pitter-patter, and you’ll feel OK about skimping on the rest. As for what guests tend to remember, according to a survey conducted by St. Louis Bride and Groom magazine, 81 percent of guests say the entertainment is the most memorable part of a wedding.
RECRUIT FRIENDS
Think of it as cost-free outsourcing. Gather your inner circle, play to their strengths (e.g., assign lettering to the friend with the most beautiful handwriting), and turn the prep into a party.
BE RUTHLESS WITH THE HEAD COUNT
Quick tips for whittling your guest list: Omit children and coworkers (making cuts categorically is less likely to cause rifts); and when it comes to couples, invite spouses, fiances, and live-ins only. Keep the numbers down for your wedding party as well: Fewer attendants means less money spent on bouquets, boutonnieres, presents, and transportation.
INITIATE AN OFFICIANT
There are many unexpected costs that can inflate your budget; an officiant can be one of them. If that’s the case for you, consider having your vows administered by a trusted relative or friend. Universal Life Church (ulchq.com) and Esoteric Interfaith Church (northern way.org) are two organizations that “ordain” laypeople so they can officiate weddings, which most of the 50 states will recognize. Laws in a few states, such as Virginia, are strict, requiring officiants to be active in their ministry. To be sure you’re in the clear, check with the county clerk about the laws where you’ll be wed.
EMBRACE THE OFF-SEASON
Whoever decided that June brides had more fun, especially when there are 11 other equally lovely months clamoring for your attention? Those that don’t fall during peak months will help out your bottom line. “You can save as much as 15 percent off high-season rates,” says James Jay, director of catering at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Texas. Just remember, in places such as Florida or the Bahamas, summer is the off-peak season.
THINK OUT-OF-THE-BANQUET-HALL
“Pick a venue that already has a chic ambience,” suggests Abby Larson of wedding blog Style Me Pretty. “Restaurants are usually the best option. They have gorgeous tables and chairs, and the decor is often easy to fall in love with. You’ll save an absolute bundle.” Las Vegas Wedding Venue
SWAP CITIES
After moving her wedding from Brooklyn, New York (her current home), to a beach town in Michigan (her native state), bride-to-be Vicky Sherman watched catering quotes drop from $140 per head to $40 — a savings of $15,000, based on her 150-person guest list.
HIRE AN EXPERT
Save money by spending it on a planner? It sounds counterintuitive, but wedding planners 1) are not shy when it comes to haggling, 2) can draw from years of experience working with brides on budgets, and 3) have working relationships with vendors — all of which can amount to big bucks shaved off your final bill.
SEEK FREE FONTS
Finding the perfect typeface that’s also free is a bit like searching for the Holy Grail. Here’s reason to rejoice: four decidedly un-tacky fonts that don’t cost a hard-earned dime. Top row from left: Customize place cards, coasters, menus, or thank-you notes with simple Kontor serif or Lane sans serif, from dafont.com. Bottom row: Use the more stylized Monogram kk and Hoedown fonts from abstractfonts.com to stand in for a calligrapher or give a “Just Married” sign a retro Western kick.
SAY YES TO ALL-INCLUSIVE
“Choosing a venue that comes with extras built in, like a wedding coordinator or an on-site ceremony location, means significant savings,” says Christina Latvatalo, wedding sales manager at the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. All those extras can add up to thousands you won’t have to spend.
Source: marthastewartweddings.com
The post 10 Must Know Money-Saving Wedding Tips appeared first on Downtown Vegas Chapel.
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