A recent survey conducted by The Knot Inc. revealed that the average cost of a wedding is close to $27,000, excluding the honeymoon. With the hundreds of details that go into planning the big day, costs can easily get out of hand, and it's no surprise that half of all couples go over their wedding budget.
With all the cake tasting, dress shopping, fitting room frenzies and in-law pleasing you have to do, why not save yourself some time and a thousand bucks, by taking advantage of online shopping. I know, clicking is hard work and you could possibly break a nail, but saving money will take the pain away (in many ways).
1. SITUATION: HIGH GAS PRICES
SOLUTION: Start your shopping online. Take advantage of stores that offer free shipping and you not only save money on gas and parking fees, but you'll also save your precious time by not having to drive from store to store.
POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $100
2. SITUATION: WEDDING ACCESSORIES
SOLUTION: You're going to need wedding accessories such as garters, fashion jewelry, headpieces, veils, cuff links, cummerbunds, ties, pocket squares, bouquet baskets, ring pillows, favors and so much more. For all the tiny nuances, think of the Costco concept: The more you buy, the more you save. Most online stores have stock up deals where you can save a larger amount by meeting a minimum purchase amount. For example, 15 percent off any purchase of $85 dollars or more.
POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $200
3. SITUATION: WEDDING CARDS
SOLUTION: Unless you love to waste money and paper, skip out on the "save the date" cards. You're better off putting that time into designing your cards online and saving the planet. Stores like VistaPrint.com, Zazzle.com, and Beaucoup.com have high quality paper and printing services. You can even go a little further by adding your own decorative accents from local art supply stores.
POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $210
4. SITUATION: HONEYMOON TRAVEL
SOLUTION: The average couple spends just over $5,000 on the honeymoon alone. Comparison shopping on travel websites like Expedia and Travelocity will save you a little money, but comparing flights directly with the airlines can immediately save you hundreds of dollars on just one trip. For example, a recent search for a flight from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on multiple airlines showed a difference in price of $260 from one airline to another. Go the extra mile by comparing vacation packages to individual hotel and rental car offers. Sometimes, it's better to book them separately.
POTENTIAL SAVINGS: $500 per couple