Frugal Tips for Planning a Wedding

Weddings are exciting, fun and, well, expensive. Even the most simply wedding can cost plenty but there are ways to save hundreds of dollars on the wedding of your dreams. Starting the planning early is one of the best ways to save since this allows you time to shop around and take advantage of specials during the course of time.

One way to get a fabulous deal on the bride and bridesmaids dresses is to call several stores in town. Talk to the owner or manager about making a deal with you. Tell them you will purchase all the gowns from them if they can give you a special price. Make sure you mention that you're calling several stores to see who can give you the best discount. Be sure and ask several stores for an offer before deciding on the store that gives you the best deal.

Visit craft stores. You won't believe all the wedding favors, decorations - and even attire - that you can make yourself. You'll find fabrics, lace, edibles, and other goods that will make crafting fun and easy. Online you'll find thousands of articles describing how to make everything from veils to tiered cakes.

Even if you can't envision yourself making the wedding accessories there are many ordinary accessories that you can add glitz to by using crafting supplies. Purchase ordinary shoes, for example, then add your own faux jewels or sequin. A hundred bucks or more for a veil? Forget it! Make it yourself and save a fortune.

Don't purchase wedding tablecloths buy lace and make them yourself. The same goes for invitations, place cards, table embellishments, bouquets, garter, and other necessities.

Simple things can look lavish when enhanced by you. Ribbon for bows, for instance, is inexpensive, but when you add your own fabric glitter, it looks like you spent big bucks on the bows. Bows can be used to decorate the tables, signs, entryways and more.

Look for coupons and other savings throughout the course of six months or a year. Having plenty of time to plan the wedding will help you save big time. Find coupon offers in newspapers, phone books, or even right in the store.