The Limo

Want to save some money on a limo? Here's three quick tips.

1. Surely you have a friend who owns a top end BMW or a Jag. Ask for a favor. Have the friend drive you in luxury and save the money.
2. Chances are, there are many other couples getting married on the same day. Work with some friends to get a package deal with a limo service. Maybe they'll give you two for the price of one.
3. Don't think automobile. Be adventurous. How about riding to the reception in a rickshaw? Seen the Seinfeld episode?

Something Borrowed

Many couples are discovering the added value of passing along family heirloom rings and jewelry as engagement and wedding rings. In lieu of purchasing new jewelry, couples shouldn't forget that some classics don't go out of style, and a ring can always be sized to fit. Furthermore, a diamond can always be removed and reset.

There's savings in reusing. But don't think of it as recycling. Giving a family heirloom is away of passing along the heritage, the love, the joy of giving.

Invitations

Wonder what the newest fad is in low cost wedding invitations? It's sending invitations via email. Many people send e-cards for birthdays and anniversaries. Why not for weddings?

How much can you save? It all depends on how many people you want to invite.

Wedding Marketing

One of the costly developments of the past thirty years is the proliferation of the "wedding market" and the now myriad number of stores/websites/and all things wedding related that couples can visit. There are more bridal magazines than ever before, and studies show that most brides gather handfuls of these magazines as their wedding day approaches.

Couples should take care that they don't become trapped by the "wedding" frenzy. There are so many special "wedding" cakes, "wedding" books, and "wedding" supplies that often couples don't realize they are paying a premium for these specially designed wedding items.

When possible, eschew the word "wedding" when making your purchases. You'll likely save some money.

BOGO

Brides often ask: "Is there anything related to wedding planning that can get me a BOGO?"

Perhaps. Try out a few of these ideas:

If you've got a large wedding party...will the seamstress throw in a free bridesmaid dress?
Can you get one free tux with a rental of six, eight, etc.?
How about flowers?
Those little rice bags? Bubbles?
Food?
Pew decorations?
How about candles?
Shoes?
Makeup kits?
Favors?

Starve a Wedding, Feed an Account

Many of the expectations that people bring to their wedding plans have nothing to do with their own desires, but seem to be built around societal expectations. Foremost among these is the dinner reception, complete with buffet, desserts, wine, etc.

Increasingly, however, couples are forgoing fancy receptions for toned-down affairs, or just cake, or travel. Many are eschewing the reception all together for other experiences.

More importantly, couples are finding the ability to pay themselves first when they are making their wedding plans, putting in equal parts wedding costs and personal investment. It's a great choice.