tip #101

Tip #101: Add Some Variety

Alternate large and small floral centerpieces among each of your guest tables for a lovely look, and save up to 40% on the cost of your centerpiece décor.

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tip #102

Tip #102: Give Back

Charitable favors are all the rage, so visit heifer.org and idofoundation.org to see what you can purchase for $5 or so per guest.

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tip #103

Tip #103: Buy Simple Bags

Don't spend $5 each at a card store for decorative gift bags as guest welcome bags. Check the craft store or dollar store for pretty, solid-colored $1 bags.

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tip #104

Tip #104: Use Expensive Flowers as Accents

Lily of the valley is one of the most expensive flowers on the market, so if you'd like to include them in your bouquet and centerpieces, add them as tiny touches of filler only.

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tip #105

Tip #105: Use What They Have

Ask the site manager if you can use their patterned, coordinating table linens (usually within their free-to-use stock) for your cake, guest and gift tables for an extra décor touch.

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tip #106

Tip #106: Buy Candy in Bulk

The favor candy bar is a top trend, so save by shopping at a bulk candy store for color-coordinated jelly beans and fun retro candies. Buy favor bags and silver scoops at the craft store.

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tip #107

Tip #107: Use Floral Tape

Spend less for floral tape at the craft store rather than buying floral wire, which experts say can cut into your DIY flowers when wrapped too tightly.

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tip #108

Tip #108: Ask About Free Services

Before you ask your site to set up a speaker system for your outdoor ceremony and reception, ask if it's a free service. Some sites have added service fees in their contracts.

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tip #110

Tip #110: Review Your Contracts

Be aware that more wedding vendors are adding hefty service fees (a.k.a. 19% to 23% gratuities) to their contracts. Read carefully before you sign.

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tip #110

Tip #110: Avoid Cutting Corners

DON'T cut corners by ordering the cheapest snap-together dance floor squares from the cheapest rental agent out there. Cheap flooring separates and guests could get hurt.

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tip #111

Tip #111: Forget the Designer Purse

There's no need for a designer handbag, which sits under your table all night anyway. Skip the expensive labels and choose a simple style at Target or Kohl's for under $20.

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tip #112

Tip #112: Choose Tape Over Glue

If you're DIYing your flowers, don't buy a glue gun for the task. Hot glue can injure your blooms and stain your ribbon wraps. Buy floral tape and $2-for-24 craft store pins.

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tip #113

Tip #113: Borrow from Friends

Ask recently married friends what you can borrow from them (a tiara, ring pillows, their fancy guest book pen, etc.) and make this favor their gift to you. You both save!

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tip #114

Tip #114: Forget the Corsage

A single-stem flower costs way less than a wrist corsage, so allow the moms to carry a single rose, calla lily or bright Gerber daisy--whatever works with the wedding style.

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tip #115

Tip #115: Look for Group Discounts

Look into group discounts on airfare that you and guests can use, no matter where the wedding will be. Many airlines also offer a partner perk in rental car discounts, too!

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tip #116

Tip #116: Register for Gift Cards

Register right away for gift cards to stores where you'll do some wedding shopping—Home Depot, the craft store, Amazon.com (for beautiful wedding music) and more.

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tip #117

Tip #117: Join the Garden Club

If you're DIYing any of your favors as potted flowers or herbs, join homedepotgardenclub.com to get coupons and access to a fabulous flower and plant encyclopedia for free.

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tip #118

Tip #118: Join the Garden Club

Tell your videographer "NO in-camera special effects," such as switches from color to black-and-white or sepia. This saves you a bundle if your video pro charges for special effects.

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tip #119

Tip #119: Beware of Extra Fees

Be aware that fire elements such as tiki torches and fire pits set around outdoor wedding sites often require additional permits, deposit fees and potential extra insurance.

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tip #120

Tip #120: See What Your Site has to Offer

Ask to see the site's ceremony and reception chairs before you order chair slipcovers. Many sites set out pretty matching chairs, often in plain white, that don't need linen covers.

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