Many couples are cutting back on the professional vendors to save money on their wedding. DIY weddings allow the bride, groom, their family and friends to pitch in and do much of the work that they would normal have to pay outside services. You can certainly make your own wedding favors and arrange your own flowers, but there are also many other DIY wedding tips and tricks.
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Call on talented friends. Ask a friend or relative to make your wedding cake or take your photographs in lieu of a gift. You can still provide them with the supplies or offer a token payment if you like.
Buy liquor in bulk. Head to the largest liquor store or supplier in your area. Tell them it’s for your wedding (they might give you a break!). Buy wine and hard alcohol by the case. Consider kegs of beer for additional savings.
Go wholesale. Purchase food and beverages, along with disposable napkins, cups, etc from a wholesale restaurant supply company. Believe it or not, many of them are open to the public and you can get a big discount compared to retail.
Be thrifty. Don’t think everything has to match. You can find beautiful vases (and other goods) at thrift shops and dollar stores. You don’t need 16 of the exact same vase. Just choose the same type of material or color family.
Get sponsored. Sponsored weddings sound tacky but they don’t have to be. You don’t need a big sign over the reception door saying, “Sponsored by Sam’s Crab Shack” but you’d be surprised at the donated food, beverages, napkins, matchbooks, decorations and other items you can get for a little signage. For example, you can get a local bakery to bake/decorate your wedding cake for free in exchange for their sign and business cards on the cake table.
