Personal touch can make your day extra special
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YOU want the elegance, you want the sophistication, you want the class, you want your wedding to be remembered as the best day of your life... But at what price, and does a tight budget mean you and your guests will be missing out?
If you’d prefer to avoid a phenomenally high price tag then try some of these ideas that promise not to give the game away.
Getting married certainly doesn’t come cheap and the event is likely to make a large dent in your savings.
If sparse isn’t your thing, then get into the habit of bargaining. Never underestimate the power of asking for what you want then haggling your way to a better deal.
Hide your excitement and enthusiasm for things you are really taken with or you’ll be seen as an easy target. The company will be less likely to budge on price if they feel you’re desperate for their product.
Establish through conversation how busy the supplier is around the date of your wedding because if they’re quiet, they’ll be keener for your business. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to choose a time of year such as October to May, and a day other than Saturday, to put you in a better position for striking a deal.
Make sure you give off the impression that although you’re considering other options, a discount might sway you to put your business their way. Shopping around is a great way of helping you say this with conviction because you’ll know what else is out there. Businesses always want to beat their competition.
These tips go for everything, from venues and catering to dresses, flowers and stationery.
Remember that if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Be strict with your guest list and keep it to a minimum, especially for the afternoon reception where you’ll be spending on more substantial, costly meals.
Why not consider a more DIY-orientated approach? For example, do you have a friend who has a swish car you could borrow, or know someone who does very professional photography in their spare time? People usually feel privileged to be asked to help and this added personal touch can make the day extra special.
Consider also if friends and family are excellent cake makers or could help with the food and drinks, or if you could buy what’s needed wholesale. Both these options will save you getting caterers in.
Auntie Mildred and cousin Bob might be a dab hand at making stationery and favours for guests, or have hidden talents in flower arranging. You could even enrol on a short floristry course yourself so you don’t have to fork out for professionals.
Be creative with table decorations by having small glass tea lights with guests’ names in gold or silver as place settings. This way they’ll double up as pretty favours to take home.
Try shopping online for anything you need. Web-based services cut out the middle man, so to speak, and are often cheaper than the high street or other stores and suppliers.
With entertainment, a DJ will be cheaper than a live band, and when it comes to flowers, go seasonal to keep costs down.
Consider hiring dresses and suits. But if you feel you must buy, then sell them on to hire shops once the big day is over to make some money back.
Above all, plan as far in advance as you possibly can so that you have plenty of time to consider alternatives, and shop around for the best prices.
By doing your homework and avoiding last-minute, unforeseen “extras”, you can have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of at a cost that isn’t a nightmare.
