Avoiding Prime Time Can Mean Big Savings for You!

One of the best ways to save money is to plan your wedding and reception during a month and day that is not prime time. If you choose a day other than Saturday, and choose a month other than the very popular June for example, you just might be able to save at least a thousand dollars or more on your reception bill.

When you look into reception sites as you're working toward setting the date, look at their pricing policy. The brochure provided by the venue should clearly state pricing, along with the variations in pricing per person based on month (and even day) of the reception.

Save the Dates, Invitations, and Programs...

If you have a great printer, or access to one, you can save a lot of money on all the stationery for your wedding.

You could design Save the Date cards yourself, with your own wording and even wedding website information. The design of the card could have your engagement photo, or even a cool design that reflects the theme of your wedding.

There are inexpensive invitation kits that include everything from the invitations, to reply cards, and blank cards for directions and/or a map. The kits should include formatting information and invitation wording examples so that you can print everything from your own computer. Stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, Staples, and any craft store such as Michaels and AC Moore, carry these. Oh, and don't forget to check out these stores for any other wedding supplies you might need. Craft stores especially carry lots of wedding accessories such as favor bags (and even favors), thank you tags, ribbon, guest books, a decorative envelope box for your reception guest table, and flower girl baskets.

For our wedding programs, my husband and I found some beautiful program covers at the local Catholic store. They were like church bulletin covers with a wedding theme. The one in the picture is just one of the selections offered at the store, and we found a similar one that was just perfect!

Shopping Online for your Wedding

If you're looking to purchase anything online for your wedding, whether invitations or favors, it's a good idea to order a sample so that you see in person what you're getting before you commit to a large order of the product. This way, you can avoid the hassle and cost of returning something that you discover doesn't meet your needs.

Keep Your Feet Comfortable All Night Long!

Even a low, 2" heel can have your feet aching by the end of the night. I've experienced that for myself on my wedding day. Breaking in your shoes in advance by walking around the house in them several times can help the shoes feel more comfortable on your feet when it's time to wear them for the big day. Another way to make sure your feet aren't sore by the end of the night is to purchase comfort inserts to place on the shoes. David's Bridal carries them (you would probably find them near their registers in the store), though they aren't listed on their website. Last but not least, you can bring a pair of silver or white ballet style flats to change into if you need to get out of those heels. Enjoy, and have a wonderful time dancing the night away at your reception!