Community Operations
Consumer Affairs Tip Sheets
Wedding Planning
Wedding bells don't always have to be followed by wedding bills. If you are a little bit creative, here are some ideas that may help you save yourself some money.
Plan Ahead. These are key words for special events like weddings, especially if you are planing a summer wedding. June and July are prime wedding months and bookings will be hard to make at the last minute.
Invitations are a necessity. However, you don't have to have them professionally engraved at a print shop. Some shops use a new method called thermography. The final invitations look engraved but are much cheaper.
Consider store-bought plain invitations which you can complete yourself. You could also get a calligrapher to help you with the script.
Of course, if you are artistic and imaginative, you may even want to make the invitations by hand. Dried flowers glued on linen paper look very pretty.
Receptions can take various forms. A lunch or afternoon tea and snacks are less expensive than formal sit-down dinners. Be sure there are no surprises. Get the catering, food and hall prices guaranteed at the time you book the hall. If you plan to serve alcohol, ask if you can provide your own. This will save money because you won't have to pay a "corkage" fee to the hotel or hall.
Photographers often sell complete wedding photo packages. Check these packages carefully. Don't pay for items you don't want or need. You may be able to get a discount if you don't choose to buy the full package.
Even if you do chose a professional photographer, be sure to ask friends and relatives to bring cameras as well. The photos they take will be more casual, intimate and entertaining.
Flowers are often one of the higher expenses of a large wedding. Check with the florists and choose "in season" flowers for arrangements and attendants' bouquets. If your favourite flower is not in season, just have one or two to complement your bouquet.
Wedding dates are another important factor. Although Saturday is still the most popular day for a wedding, Friday evening or Sunday afternoon may suit you just as well. This will probably cost you less because the hall, caterer and photographer won't be as busy on these days.
Wedding gowns can now be rented or purchased second-hand. Sometimes these gowns have only been used for modeling or displays. A gown can often be home- made by a dressmaker for less than a ready-made, store-bought gown.
Be sure you read and understand any contracts you sign for photographers, bakeries, caterers, halls or car rentals.
Don't let anyone talk you into something you are not sure is right for you. Take your time and talk things through with your fianc/fiance, a friend or your parents.
For more information, call collect or e-mail our Consumer Affairs Officer at MACA headquarters in Yellowknife at: (867) 873-7125.