SPECIAL REPORT: Top 6 Ways To Save On Weddings

UNDATED—Tavon Ferguson started saving by sitting down at her computer. This one step alone saved time, and money, by eliminating a lot of driving around from store to store.

You can save on invitations and programs by printing your own. Tavon found online coupons for 95% of what she needed.

Tavon Feguson:  “I really had my heart set on this one.“

Tavon fell in love with a $650 dress at David’s Bridal, but refused to bust her budget for it. Instead, she spent a day online, searching by name and style number on Craig’s List.

Tavon: “The same exact dress, with tags still on, brand new, and was selling it for $200.“

Save $200-$500 on your engagement picture…you really only use it once, for the newspaper announcement.

Jennie Montgomery, reporting: “You don’t have to go to a photographer’s studio for portraits…this is the Garden City!! Grab a friend and a camera, and go outdoors!“

Denton Adkinson, from Bryton Entertainment, in Augusta, offers this tip to the bride and groom…

Denton Adkinson, Bryton Entertainment: “At your reception, have the bouquet toss, garter toss and cake cutting at the top of the reception. That way, the videographer and photographer can get those shots, some crowd video, and leave. You’re not paying for all that extra time.“

When it comes to caterers, check around. Most charge the same, or even less, for a full menu as they do for hors d’ourves. The Fergusons found that time of day makes a difference, too.

The Fergusons started with a package deal at a nice wedding site, that included food, drink, and staff to serve a hundred guests. Hidden costs that often add up like nice place settings and covered chairs were also included. And, because they were willing to have their wedding in the morning, instead of the afternoon…

Tavon: “We were able to save thousands of dollars just moving it up a couple hours.“

Save on flowers by sticking with what’s in season…and what you can get, locally. Rather than pay a fancy florist, Tavon went to Costco and asked the floral manager to order extra blooms the week of her wedding.

To keep down the cost of your wedding cake, the bottom line is, the simpler the better…elaborate designs run up the tab. Ask a florist to create some flowers to add to each teir, then add a piece of ribbon around each layer. As for Tavon, you won’t believe what she did to save money…who knew you could rent a cake? “There’s a little slot in the back,“ she explained, “so we were able to have pictures of us cutting into our ‘cake.‘“ The staff then whisked the fake cake out of sight and served the guests $40 worth of sheet cake from the supermarket! Compare that with $600 for an actual wedding cake.

Here’s something else you need to know, if you’re planning a wedding: the Convention & Visitors Bureau can help…and best of all, their services are free! They can help brides find locations for the wedding and& reception, securing hotel room rates for wedding guests…and recommend the best caterers, DJ’s, and photographers in town.