SAVE SOME CASH when organising your big day with our helpful budgeting hints!
If you don't ask...
Ask for discounts and negotiate. You'll be surprised how many companies agree to give you money off.
Don't miss out...
Sign up to receive newsletters from your favourite bridal shops so that you know when they're holding end of season sales. And sign up to our very own e-newsletter for loads of exclusive deals every month!
Talk is cheap...
Talk to your suppliers about your budget - they will hopefully offer some suggestions to make it work for you. Most of them (especially small companies) would rather have your business than not, even if you can't pay the standard rates.
Book at wedding fairs....
Exhibitors often offer ten,15 or 20 percent off for booking on the day.
When to wed...
Off season and midweek weddings often cost less than Saturdays in the summer - plus you'll find it easier to book suppliers as they aren't so busy!
Have two weddings...
Keep numbers down for the wedding meal, just celebrating with those closest to you, then hold a massive party the following week with everyone - it means you can wear your dress twice!
Do your homework...
Dig a little deeper to find alternative venues that simply don't have much of an advertising budget. Investigate council or community owned buildings for example.
Prioritise...
Take on board advice about average costs, but remember to spend money on the things that matter most to you, whether that's food, entertainment or a designer dress!
Shop around...
Why not browse eBay for wedding supplies? And don't underestimate what's available on the high street either.
Careful cutbacks...
Think carefully before you
cut back on certain areas - photography for example is one of the few
wedding supplies that will serve as a solid memory of the day once it's
over, so try to economise elsewhere.
Family favours...
If
you have talented friends and family, rope them in to help. Only if
you're sure they have the required expertise though, otherwise you're
asking for trouble.
Don't get ripped off...
Get
receipts for everything and pay by credit card if possible (it's easier
to claim money back from the credit card company if something goes
wrong). Remember that wedding purchases may be more romantic than most but they are still business transactions
- get the details of the deal in writing, even if it's just an email.
Got a budgeting question? Get help from other brides-to-be at the SWD Forum... CLICK HERE!
