By TARA GREENWOOD
Inexpensive doesn’t mean cheap. There are many areas where couples can shave dollars without diminishing wedding quality. It is important, however, to have plenty of time to plan the event; those who can shop around will find the best deals. There are a few major areas to easily cut back the cash.
It’s a Party!
The first step in wedding planning is to choose the reception location and date. There are many great options for a ceremony location that are not just for the rich, but are a step above the cultural hall. Shop around for simple, but classy locations. Many places may try to charge you more for a wedding reception than for a party, even though the services are the same. This applies to most wedding services, so use the word “party” instead. Check the rates for different days of the week and different times of the year because prices will fluctuate.
Say Cheese
Next, choose a photographer. Photography services often come with heavy price tags. Try asking friends and family for contacts of independent photographers. Usually, they will be willing to charge less. This is great because you get to pick out your own photographer, rather than depending on a random freelancer with whom the company contracts. Make sure you get a chance to see samples of the photographer’s work and not the company’s compilation.
Decorating Details
When planning reception decorations, hire packages from wedding directors rather than renting separate pieces from reception halls. Wedding directors have all the supplies on hand and often work right out of their home.
Rachel Holmberg, wedding director and owner of Weddings for Less, offers packages for supplies, delivery and set up that cost substantially less. But, she does not hold back their money-saving secrets.
“Everything that we do not have on hand, we will make,” Holmberg said.
She emphasizes that wedding directors can save you money and time because you do not have to rent every piece separately.
Wedding Services
Avoid well-known and highly advertised wedding services. Garden Weddings, in the Wasatch Front area, is a small provider of wedding necessities. They have middle to low range prices, but maintain a sophisticated and elegant style. Plus, they save you money because their overhead costs are less.
Fredrich Schulltz, an employee at Garden Weddings, is very proud of this achievement.
“We cut back in advertising, operating mostly by word of mouth,” Schulltz said.
He claims most who contact Garden Weddings will choose to stay with them.
Time to Gown-up
When shopping for dresses, come prepared. If you enter the boutique with gown prices, research and competitive quotes from dress-buying sites clearly visible, the sales staff will be less likely to con or coax you into higher prices. Sometimes boutiques will cover or tear off brand name tags in order to prevent you from shopping around. This is illegal. Call them on it. You will usually pay for quality, but if you are willing to chance it, try shopping at outlet and discount stores or on eBay. There are thousands of brides who sell on eBay after realizing they spent more than they should have.
The selection of bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, groom attire, ring boy outfits, accessories and even wedding rings is also impressive. Overall, Internet research can help you save time and find the best deals without going cheap. Another option is to rent the wedding day attire. This could save you up to 60 percent of the cost.
Finishing Touches
A few more areas you can save include wedding invitations, cakes and reception
food. When buying wedding invitations contact party shops. Party shops will often charge less than those specializing in cards.
Rachel McBeth, a junior at BYU simply borrowed a good camera and somebody who knew how to use it. With the help of a local print shop, her and her husband designed and printed professional quality announcements without compromising their budget.
“Engagement pictures are an especially easy place to save,” McBeth said.
Rent cake toppers and check magazines for simpler wedding cakes. Instead of a reception dinner, offer finger foods instead. Be smart and patient with your planning and you will find that an elegantly memorable wedding is within your budget.
Copyright Brigham Young University 17 Feb 2005
