Cut down the wedding bill

Want to know how to cut down on your wedding costs? Here’s how: If you want a discount when buying supplies for your wedding, ASK for one! What so many brides don’t realise is that almost everything really IS negotiable, but you do have to “ask” for what you want. So for example, if buying craft supplies, candles, candle holders, rose bowls or what-have-you in large quantities, ask the store manager if you can get a quantity discount. This won’t often work in wedding specialty shops where almost all of their customers are purchasing in bulk, but it does work in craft stores, decor stores, and other such stores where you may be picking up items for decorating at your wedding. Major department stores are less likely to be open to discount negotiations.

Ask your caterer about the availability of children’s plates. You may not be aware that you can usually save about 50 per cent by ordering these special meals for the little people on your guest list who are 12 years and under. The child’s plate is usually a smaller portion that the adult meals and, in fact, often has more appeal to the little ones as well, such as cheese burgers or chicken fingers and fries instead of the more fussy food you and your adult guests will likely be dining on. Many caterers will not mention the option of children’s plates unless they are specifically asked because they make a larger profit by selling adult plates. So, if you have a number of children on your guest list, take this tip to cash in on the savings.

Holding your wedding on a day other than a Saturday can often save you money. Many halls, caterers, and other wedding service providers will often give you a discount if you hold your wedding on an “off-day”, such as a Friday or Sunday. Ask them about discounts for “off-day” weddings. If they don’t currently have such a policy, try to negotiate one with them. Having your wedding during the less popular months of October through April - the so called “off season” - can often save you money. Many halls, caterers, and other wedding service providers will often give you a discount if you hold your wedding during their slow season when they have far fewer bookings. Ask them about discounts.