Hi Friends!Since it's wedding season, our busiest time of year, I've been talking to a lot of brides and grooms. The resounding theme this year seems to be SAVING MONEY. Not surprising. The economy is the main topic of converstion everywhere right now - especially in Michigan. You are not from Michigan if you don't know at least one person who has lost their job! Most of us know several.
While we are all tightening our belt, brides and grooms still want to have a beautiful wedding with all of the trimmings. Time to think outside the box! Just about every wedding site has a list of things you can do to save money - make your dress, make your flowers, make your food, all good ideas, but I wanted to find ways that are a little different...ways that the poor economy can work in the favor of the bride and groom! (Of course, using Orange County Entertainment as your DJ/Photography/Videography service is one of them). Here are a couple of things I have heard from my customers that struck me as really good ideas that don't involve you making something:
1. THE HALL Banquet Halls are running really good specials right now, but you can save even more if you dig into what you are getting, piece by piece. Many places are trying to reach out to increase their contact list by having you give them your email address. If they are not offering anything for the privledge, ask for a deal. I have heard of at least one place that is offering $2 off per plate if you sign up. They need these contacts right now - their mailing list is probably one of the most valuable things they own. They will send you their newsletter, or their specials, and hopefully you will pass them to your friends and family.
If there are three meats on your menu, you might consider trading one of the meats for chair covers, or chair bows, or some other decoration that the hall typically charges for.
2. THE LIMO Here's my limo tip: NEGOTIATE! Service companies are all fighting for your business right now. Call a few places and use your best negotiating skills to get your best price. My sister told me that she told her limo company what she needed and what her limo budget is - and the limo company went even lower than what she was willing to pay. They wanted to make certain that she didn't go somewhere else!
3. THE INVITATIONS Ebay is a great source for really unique, beautiful, inexpensive invitations. You can conceivably get your invitations, with all of the inserts, for less than $1.00 a piece. I've seen invitations that were ordered from an Ebay vendor, they were gorgeous. 
4. THE CENTERPIECES Here's a cool idea I never thought of until one of my customers brought it up to me; Craig's List. She's looking on Craig's List for someone who is selling their centerpieces. I thought it was a great idea. How used can a used centerpiece be? They sat on a table for one evening. If she can find a style that she likes, she'll be able to save a lot without having to make them herself. I'll let you know how this works out for her.
4. THE CENTERPIECES Here's a cool idea I never thought of until one of my customers brought it up to me; Craig's List. She's looking on Craig's List for someone who is selling their centerpieces. I thought it was a great idea. How used can a used centerpiece be? They sat on a table for one evening. If she can find a style that she likes, she'll be able to save a lot without having to make them herself. I'll let you know how this works out for her.
I think the bottom line for saving money on your perfect wedding is to; plan as far ahead as possible, don't accept the listed price as the price, and use some of the internet resources that are available now.
I would love to hear the money-saving ideas that have worked for you! We can use all the help we can get in these financially trying times!
Have a great day, friends!
Sharon
pssst....don't forget to visit our website: www.partywithorangecounty.com
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