You're engaged to the love of your life and you're planning a wedding! But you've started to research venues and vendors and you're realizing how much this whole "wedding thing" costs and you know you have champagne taste but you're on a beer budget. Is there anything can you do to save yourself a few bucks? And more importantly, can you save enough that you can justify buying the Michael Kors bag you saw online last week? (You'd look really great walking into your bridal shower with it.) Luckily you've come to the right blog. There is certainly a lot you can do to save yourself a few bucks.
Say Yes to the Sample Dress
Did you know you can find almost any style of dress at David's Bridal for a fraction of the cost?
The key is going to Davids Bridal Online - Brides- Shop by Price -Sample Sale. You can also click here. I purchased my dress this way. I had tried on similar styles in store, so I already knew my size and the style I wanted- so I decided to pull the trigger and saved over $800 dollars off the tag price alone! The dress arrived boxed and covered in plastic and was far from what you'd normally consider a "sample". Don't be afraid- you can always request for a refund, get a return label and ship the dress back if it is less than perfect for you. Oh look- now my dress is even cheaper than when I wore it! Check me out over to the left. I had my gown altered to fit perfectly right at David's Bridal itself and it fit like a glove on the big day. I wore a hoop skirt underneath to really make my mermaid skirt pop. I purchased my hoop skirt right on Amazon and my full body petticoat at David's Bridal (but definitely check Amazon first- you'll save literally hundreds).
The Venue
Weddings are unique, especially today and you can never be too creative! Ever consider having your reception at a new restaurant or even a museum? You'd also be surprised- even some colleges have low cost rooms they will rent out for formal events (and the areas are usually modern, clean and gorgeous. One of my favorites is Lincoln Hall at Kean University. Check it out here.
The Date
If you are flexible on the time of year that you are getting married, you can plan your wedding during the “Off Season” which is between November and March (what us photographers refer to as engagement season). By doing so you can save a ton of money and make it easier to bargain with venues. Why is this, you ask? Because there is less competition for dates this time of year, you have more room for negotiating- and venues would rather make a little bit of money on a date rather than make nothing.
The Day
This one is simple. We know Saturday is the most popular day of the week for a wedding. If you're looking to negotiate and save- pick a Friday or a Sunday and you’ll be saving tons. If you like nighttime weddings, Friday is the way to go. If you don't mind a daytime wedding- then Sunday is perfect for you!
Cake
In Northern NJ, it's not that hard to find a venue that will include you cake in your package. Palermo's in Ridgefield Park supplies most venues with their wedding cakes and they are simply beautiful. If you find yourself with an affordable venue that doesn't include your cake, you can go with a fake cake. I know, it sounds tacky but you can potentially save hundreds of dollars by getting a real/ faux cake. The top tier of your cake will be real (for you two to cut in and keep) and the bottom tiers will be fake. This will allow you to serve your guests a low cost sheet cake (which tastes just as good) and will allow you to not skimp on a beautiful cake that will add to the finished and classy look of your wedding.
Photography
Use a LOCAL FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHY VENDOR! They know their stuff, have experience and will offer you a less expensive package than most large vendors would ever consider. Keep in mind that photographer’s usually base prices on the hours they work and that you do not need them to be there the entire time! Having them there for the last 30 minutes of getting ready will be more than enough and you don't need them there after you cut the cake! Also keep in mind that you can do your own prints and wedding album on websites like Shutterfly! Looking for an affordable wedding photographer in New Jersey who can work with your budget? Look no further! Check my website out here and reach out to me today!
Check out my new packages for 2018-2019 couples and families! There is a package for every need at a cost everyone can afford.
Chynna DeStefano-Pasquale is the owner of Bridoll Photography and an avid lover of weddings. She has been serving the Wedding industry since 2016 and also offers family and party photography.
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