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I don’t have to tell you that weddings are expensive these days. The average Atlanta bride will spend over $25,000. just to get married. That’s fine, if you have it.
But I HATE to overspend, and throw money away just because the word “wedding” is included. As the owner of Peach Brandy Cottage, a popular North Georgia wedding venue, I probably shouldn’t be telling you these money saving secrets.
Here are 5 EASY ways to save big bucks without compromising a thing. Everyone will believe that you spent THOUSANDS more.
Invitations – You don’t need to spend big bucks to get the wow effect. Check out stores such as Target and Wal-Mart. You can often get a box of 50 Invitations, including response card and envelopes, for under $30. Use your own printer with a nice font. Upscale touches: Get photo stamps printed for the invitations. Buy sealing wax and a seal for a royal finish. (Drip a few drops of wax on the back of the sealed envelope and press with the seal. These will need to be hand stamped at the post office.)
Photographer – Be sure that your photographer is a professional who will let you keep a high resolution copy of your pictures, and give you the rights to reproduce the photos. I don’t understand folks who will agree to pay someone to shoot their wedding photos, then agree to pay $10 - $30, or more per photo for the prints. If you don’t know of any photographers who will let you keep your photos, check out our Vendors We Trust page.
Centerpieces – Florists can do amazing things, and who has ever heard of a wedding without flowers? But do you really need a professional to put your centerpiece flowers in a vase? For a fraction of the price of a florist, you can buy your own flowers in bulk, and arrange them in vases yourself. For an evening wedding, a pillar candle in a hurricane globe works as a lovely centerpiece. Scatter flower petals, seashells, or whatever best matches your wedding theme, while saving $20. - $30. per table.
Choose the right venue – this is the most important decision of all. Prices and offerings vary wildly, so you can be forced to pay double or triple the cost for the same guest count, menu, and amenities.
Consider a Friday night wedding – you can save a bundle.
Watch out for hidden costs, like corking fee, cake cutting fee, parking and being forced to use required vendors. Be sure that your tables, chairs, and linens are included in the package price.
An on site caterer is always able to offer fresher and better food. Delivered food costs the same price, but has to be prepared, packed, travel, and be held for several hours before being served.
BONUS TIP: Before you buy anything for retail price, check eBay!
While you’re here, please check out our Packages and Prices. And let us know if there is anything we can do to help you have the wedding of your dreams. Caroline
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