Bounce Back In Style 2nd Edition Feb/March/April | Page 29

Get creative You will be amazed how many things you can do with your very own hands for the big day, like wedding invitations, place cards, seating plans etc. These can save you a lot of money, but not only money, when you look back at pictures/film a proud feeling is achieved as you know it was your personal touch that created things. You can even make it more fun, and get your bridal party involved in helping to create things. Family connections You know how the saying goes… „I know someone, that knows someone…that knows someone‟, well that always comes in handy when there is a wedding. If words gets around within your family and friends circle, people are bound to say they either can do things or know people that can do things i.e. Make Up Artists, Decorators etc, you can book consultations, trials, tastings with these people for you to see if you like their products/services and if you do, then hopefully there will be a friends & family discount waiting for you! Who to invite Now this can be tricky, because you have probably got loads of different category of friends and family - friends that you went to school with, friends you made at work, family that you only see at Christmas or on special occasions – So the question is how do you prioritize who to invite? The smaller your wedding, the lower the cost it is as simple as that. So do your own screening test of ‗How well do I know you?‟ and answer the question genuinely and that should help to narrow down your guest lists, or if you feel that will cause offence, then you can split your wedding day into day and evening guests. Sale Sale Sale If you have at least 6 months planning time prior to your wedding, you can get some good bargains in the sales, be it bridesmaids outfits or your wedding dress, never under estimate what you can find in the sales, but you may have to shop around to 2 or 3 of the same store to get everything you need – but I guess that is all part of the Wedding Planning fun! Social Media Be sure to sign up to lots of different wedding related groups on Facebook, Twitter, Blogs etc, you would be amazed about how much information and advice you can pick up from these forums, and I always say to brides ‗No question is a silly question, just ask‘. Ebay You will be so amazed as to what you can find on Ebay from favour boxes/bags to your wedding bouquet. Ebay is fantastic, and with time on your side, you can order even more cheaply from sellers as far as Hong Kong – just make sure you leave enough time for delivery. Be true to yourself Between yourself and your future husband, you would have discussed finances, so make sure you stick to your budget. Do not get carried away by what other people may be saying, at the end of the day, it‘s a financial cost between the two of you and no one wants to start married life thousands of pounds in debt (excluding mortgage). It‘s a fun and exciting time for the both of you, explore it and enjoy it! For more useful advice on wedding planning visit us at www.360hype.com or email myself at [email protected] 29