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Wedding Day Savings
by:
Declan Tobin
A
little strategizing can go a long way when trying to cut down on
spending for the big day. Invitations, flowers, and music can
cost a small fortune but by making some adjustments to these
elements you can have an elegant wedding without breaking the
bank.
The Invitation is the first taste your guests will get of the
type of wedding to expect. Formal weddings will have the formal
invitation and a more laid back wedding will have an informal
invitation to reflect the setting and mood of the day. When
ordering the stationary you should keep in mind how many
invitations you need, order half of the number of guests with an
extra 10-15 to provide for the single guests and any mistakes
you make and maybe a few extra envelopes just incase. It is more
costly to reorder another batch rather then order an extra 10 or
so, remember the minister and the wedding party receives an
invitation also.
Order all of your wedding stationary together, decide if you are
going to order your placement cards and thank you cards also,
this will probably get you a discount and it will save on the
proofing. If you have any special features on the Invitations
such as shells, feathers or ribbon buy it and do it yourself ask
your family or friends to help, this could save you a couple of
hundred dollars on labor. Keep in mind that using different
color print can cost extra contrasting colors can look good but
bump up the price, you can achieve the same effect by using
different shades of color of the card its being printed on,
maybe a gold print on a pale gold or yellow card can be just as
stunning or take a few lessons in calligraphy and hand write the
invitations adding a special touch.
The Facts about Flowers
Flowers that are in season cost less than flowers that are not,
Orchids cost more than roses these are general facts, but did
you know that flowers cost 20 – 30% more around the holidays
including Mothers day, Valentines day, Easter and Christmas keep
this in mind when considering a holiday wedding date.
Also low centerpieces cost less than high centerpieces so
consider using a mixture of both, make sure to add luscious
foliage to the center pieces this has a stunning effect and will
cut the cost of extra flowers. Take advantage of the candles and
other accessories offered by the reception venue, as it is a lot
cheaper than hiring candles and extras from an outside company.
Do not over do it on flowers for the church. The church is
usually presented beautifully enough on its own and you will be
there for less than an hour so spend your money on the reception
area and center pieces, as guests will be there for up to 5
hours.
Make your own table overlays instead of renting them. Ask a
sewing relative to help. You can create some beautiful effects
using organza or silk. The bridesmaid bouquets can consists of
several large blooms that are in season such as peonies in
spring and hydrangeas in summer and add some pretty foliage,
this will cut the cost of lots of expensive flowers.
This is okay for the bridesmaids but do not skimp on the bridal
bouquet, this bouquet will be captured in all the wedding photos
so each time the bride glances at that framed photo of her
special day she should see the flowers she always wanted in her
hands.
Merry Music
This will be a reflection of your own personal choice; the cost
will involve the number of musicians and the number of playing
hours. Obviously a 12-person band will cost more than a stringed
quartet. Once you decide on the type of music you want you need
to decide how long you require the musicians there is usually a
minimum number of hours they will play so decide if you wand to
use them for the hour long ceremony and the pre reception
cocktails as well. The number of musicians you require also bump
up the price so make sure you only have what you need, sometimes
musicians in the band can play an instrument also and if the
reception area is small or if the acoustics are good you can cut
down on some of the musicians in the band, this will lower the
cost.
Consider using a DJ instead this would cost about $500 - $600
compared to the band which could set you back between $1000 and
$1500 depending on the amount of musicians and how long they
will be playing. Don’t be afraid to shop around you can find a
cheaper band in your local collage costing half the price of the
pro band, be sure to hear them play first, maybe go and see them
playing a gig and if you like them why not hire them.
Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice
on purchasing a variety of Wedding Dresses which includes
Wedding gowns, Designer wedding gowns, and more! His numerous
articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of
interesting and relevant information for all of your wedding
interests.
http://www.no1-in-wedding-dresses.com.
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