10 Budgeting Tips for the Frugal Minded :)

[Sllefebvr]

Great great tips!!
 

Originally Posted by FabiLara 

 

These are awesome tips, thank you so much, OP!

 

Here are mine

 

1- Take the 3 biggest expenses on your budget, and sweat to negotiate them. Truth is, most of the Western world is in a recession-like economy, so trust me, they need your business to pay the mortgage on their expensive house they decided to buy in 07 and prior, when money seemed to be growing on trees in this industry. Just ask! My wise dad says "What have you got to lose? You ALREADY have a NO! ". Gotta lov'im! For FI and I, we plan to spend the most money on our honeymoon, so I've already signed up to their newsletter and am waiting for discounts, or we might sign up to a vacation club and get some nice discounts. Remember: a tiny 10% discount off a big ticket item will be bigger than a huge 50% off a small ticket item. Go for the big stuff first!

 

2- Allow yourself time to change your mind. Although you've fallen in love with THAT 5k photographer, chances are, you can still find a better package or a better value photog. I've been looking into this for a LONG time, and trust me, if you fall in love with a photog or dress, or videographer, keep looking and in a couple of months you'll find one you'll love just as much, for much less money (own experience).

 

3- Be ready to slash things altogether. Some people on this forum are not having a bridal party, others not having a cake, or programs, or OOT bags, or open bars....the list goes on. If you don't really want it, consider scrapping it.

 

4- Think to yourself "If I wasn't getting married, would this be a good purchase on its own?". Most times, we think that because someone slapped the name "wedding" on a product, it's better quality or "worth it". Not always so!

 

5- Choose your location CAREFULLY. For us, it meant changing from Jamaica to Mexico - so far, much better value. We've also decided on a location that will allow us to have our own vendors, more freedom usually means better price. 

 

6- google locally! For a google search for whatever you want, but using google.com.mx for Mexico, or google.com.jm, select "pages from _____ only" at the left hand side and look for ideas and vendors!

 

Best of luck to all of us frugal brides!

 

 

 

[weddingaway]

Great Thread! I wanted to contribute some things that I have learned so far. Even if your resort uses an exclusive vendor (like a florist) you can get quotes from other local vendors to try to negotiate them to a lower price just be prepared to show them the competitor's quote for the same/similar items. Buying linens vs renting is cheaper. We are buying our table runners and sashes, and packing them in checked baggage. Cvlinens.com has organza sashes for 60 cents USD. Use a travel agent that has a low price guarantee, and check prices every couple weeks. We have already saved our guests over 20% from the original resort prices. You can do that if everyone books online, but I told my guests the only way to access the group rate was through my TA so that's what everyone did. Find out where your cheapest grocery store is. In mexico, there are wal-marts and sam's clubs. Jamaica is a little harder but I have still found a couple good stores to visit. Get to know the wedding classifieds. There is the one here on BDW, the knot, wedding bee, once wed and recycled bride. But realize that they aren't always selling for cheaper than you can buy online so do your research. I have come across several listings that looked good until I googled the item and maybe the bride over payed and is selling at a discount but if it can't beat brand new online than I won't buy it. Heartsy.com it is a discount site for etsy and who doesn't love etsy! If you have a small group of 40 or less than consider having one long table for the reception. It will save on centerpieces and no need for table numbers or the display seating chart. If you are having a big group than I would consider the Palace Resorts in Mexico because they give you several free cocktail parties and other perks and upgrades. Finally, figure out where to cut and what you really want. I really wanted a private reception but it was going to cost $ 2000 at the resort and for only 30 guests, that is way too high, so we are found the free semi private reception and renting the disco for 2 hours afterwards for only $ 500. And I am adding a little more to the OOT bags with just a fraction of the savings, and having nicer centerpieces. A word of caution about shipping - it is not as cheap as you think it is. I got a quote for a box of linens and it would be over $ 400 from the southern region of the US. GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE FRUGAL BRIDES. LET US KNOW HOW IT TURNED OUT.

[weddingaway]

Sorry. With regards to the TA paragraph, I meant to say you can't get a low price guarantee if you book online

[beachbride312]

Thanks this is really helpful

[Peach]

This is so awesome! Thanks for all the great tips!!!

[Aruba Bride]

Great advice!! Thanks so much for sharing!

[EleganceNov2011]

Haven't really been on here very much, but just wanted to share some ways that I have saved money on planning.

 

1 - ordered my wedding dress online for 180.00 CDN. Hardly needs any alterations, and I ABSOLUTELY love it!

2 - made my own save the dates which in the end cost 0.35 per card

3 - made my own invites from a clearance kit that I found at staples for 7.83 for 30

4 - doing the legal ceremony at home prior to leaving which saves a lot in translation fees

 

This has allowed us to splurge on OOT bags, our reception and just having fun with excursions and our families while at the resort. Can not wait! 3 months and counting!!

[cbandemer]

I am having a very large group going to Mexico 100+ plus a large bridal party of 22 so any ideas of being frugal with everything are greatly appreciated.

[sxcT]

WOW!! How are you managing that??  That seems overwhelming.  You must have lots of friends with money.  All of our friends used the finances excuse.  No suggestions but good luck!!
 

Originally Posted by cbandemer 

I am having a very large group going to Mexico 100+ plus a large bridal party of 22 so any ideas of being frugal with everything are greatly appreciated.

 

[Sllefebvr]

At least you have a good amount of time to plan and search around for GREAT deals!!! Stop in at the dollar store at least once a week!!! It could save you tons of money.. and if you are doing welcome bags and wanted them canvas I would wait for the dollar tree to get theres back so they are only $1.00 a bag and you can order them direct from the site in a case of 24!! Good Luck!!

 

Originally Posted by cbandemer 

I am having a very large group going to Mexico 100+ plus a large bridal party of 22 so any ideas of being frugal with everything are greatly appreciated.