Cheaper Weddings

Sales in the months of October through January tend to be the slowest in the bridal industry, making them the best time to look online for special discounts, buy-one-get-one-free, and clearance products. Most sites put their returned merchandise on "clearance." There is nothing wrong with these items, they just didn't meet the needs of the original buyer.

Flat rate shipping is another great way to insure cheaper wedding accessories. If you only pay one price for shipping, it's much less expensive than per-item shipping costs. Some advertise "free shipping on orders over $100." This won't do you any good if you're looking for two sets of earrings. Always look for flat rate shipping when you have a choice.

If your dream wedding is at the Moana Surfrider in Waikiki Beach, you're probably going to live and die by their rules. "Only a very minimal amount of neutral color-white or ivory-floral petals will be allowed for "tossing" purposes, and an automatic cleanup fee of $200 plus tax will be assessed should your florist or event coordinator not be available to provide cleanup following the ceremony." But come to think of it, visits to Hawaii were down almost 11% last year ($113 million dollars), so an Hawaiian wedding may be more of a bargain than expected.

1. When approaching any wedding vendor for a discount, be polite. Good manners impress. Showing respect to others makes them feel good about themselves. Their natural inclination is to be good to you.

2. Be honest about your budget. Tell them you expect to have the perfect wedding, even if it means carnations instead of calla lilies. Your enthusiasm will inspire them to do what they do best, at the most affordable price.

3. Sell yourself. Give them the value of your business in dollars and cents. Explain how a wedding reception in their hotel may result in booking more overnight guests. Always end each request by telling the vendor you value their services above the rest.

Choose affordable bridesmaids dresses, so that being in your wedding can be a joy instead of a job. Although colors are limited, Forever 21 has some satin and chiffon "dressy" dresses for less than $30, perfect for a casual or outdoor wedding ceremony.

Why are Ken and Tavon Ferguson an especially happily married couple?

"I was able to find a vendor who literally makes a Styrofoam replica of a cake decorated with fondant and regular icing," says Tavon. "I actually sent her some ribbon and lace and she put it on herself."

"There's a little slot in the back," she explained. "So we were able to have pictures of us cutting into our 'cake.'"

"Our cake was probably my favorite part of the wedding," said Tavon.

The staff then whisked the fake cake out of sight and served the guests $40 worth of sheet cake from the supermarket, compared to $600 for an actual wedding cake.

But what about saving the top layer for their first anniversary? The bride just laughs it off.

"I would have eaten that cake a long time ago."

1. Select a different stone than a diamond, such as a ruby or sapphire.
2. Purchase a ring at an estate sale.
3. Choose a silver ring instead of gold.
4. Look at antique rings at consignment shops.
5. Buy a smaller stone and "trade up" later on.
6. Have old gold jewelry melted down and molded into new rings.
7. Reset a ring or stone you already have.
8. Buy a diamond through the wholesale jewelry mart.
9. Look at rings at local pawn shops.
10. Purchase bands made of tungsten, which are affordable and scratch-resistant.

The traditional open bar is the most expensive drink option available. Here are a few ways to save money:

Limit the open bar to one to two hours and then go to a cash bar.

Serve wine and beer only

Stick with house-brand liquors and domestic wines where available; skip top-of-the line gold label liquors and expensive imported wine.

Skip a bar completely if there is no cocktail our. instead, provide a limited number of wine bottles on the tables along with sparkling water or pitchers of iced tea.

Provide an espresso bar where lattes and specialty Italian flavorings are available.

Skip the alcohol and consider providing non-alcoholic drinks only with the exception of a champagne (or non-alcoholic champagne) toast.

source "Priceless Weddings For Under $5,000"