Mar 23, 2009 7:32 pm US/Eastern
Wedding Pros Share Money Saving Tips
Brides Face Tough Money Choices In Down Economy
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
The financial crisis has eaten into millions of savings accounts and that means many brides are being forced to make some tough choices while they plan their big day. But wedding planner Gabrielle Stone of Cambridge says this year's brides can save money if they follow a few simple tips.
Wedding Saver Tip #1: Be flexible.
Stone says being flexible can help you save on almost every aspect of our wedding and your date is a big one. "A Saturday night wedding in June is going to be far more expensive than a Sunday brunch in November," she said.
Wedding Saver Tip #2: Watch your numbers.
Stone says it's not a very popular way to save, but trimming your guest list can make a big difference. "If you can pear down your guest list and make it a more intimate event, you can save an awful lot of money," she said.
Food and bar tabs are also bridal budget busters. That brings us to a question from Liz from Quincy who wrote into our
Curiosity Website, "Is it tacky to have an open bar for part of the night and then switch to a cash bar? What do people expect? Stone said most people are sensitive to the economic crisis. "I think if she can afford to do an open bar for a portion of her evening, I thing that's a lovely gesture on her part," Stone explained.
If you really want to save on the bar tab try…
Wedding Saver Tip #3: Serve Beer and Wine.
Stone says your photographs will be your lasting memory of the big day, so don't skimp on the photographer. Natalie Bergeron of Symbol Photography in Dorchester says you can still save on your bill. That brings us to…
Wedding Saver Tip #4: Go all digital.
"Many people don't really want that coffee table book anymore," Bergeron said. She suggests using online gallery to share your photos with friends and family.
Going digital can also help save on your music, simply program your iPod and pipe it through speakers.
Wedding Saver Tip #5: Choose in-season flowers.
You'll get a lot more bang for your buck if you choose flowers that are local and in season. A bride's bouquet can cost more than $200, but you can wow your guests for a lot less. "Seven stems of beautiful peonies white peonies are in season could be as low as $80 or $90 dollars," explained the owner of Cedar Grove Gardens in Dorchester.
Savings like these will help make your wedding both memorable and affordable.
More Money Saving Advice:
Wedding Rings, Wardrobe on a Budget
Wedding Cost Cutters
Save Money On Ceremony & Reception
10 Ways To Save on Your Wedding
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