Planning my wedding has made me come to the realisation that I am extremely thrifty. Its not that I don’t want to spend the money, but I do find that the wedding industry in general is a giant rip off!
For example, when looking at dresses my first search was bridal dresses:
TIP #1: When you put the word “bridal” in front of it, expect to add more zeros behind the price ie. Bridal dress, bridal shoes….the list goes on. If you’re a bride, it is so easy to get caught up in the mindset to Google items that have the word bridal in front of them.
TIP #2: Try searching for the actual item you need. If you want crystal chandelier earrings for you big day try searching, crystal earrings instead of bridal earrings. Or if you want white shoes for you big day without the hefty price tag, refine your search to say white shoes, strappy, heels (or any other descriptors you may have).
One of the major expenses in a wedding is flowers. They can help set the tone of your wedding, help to bring out your wedding colors, and if applicable represent the season that your wedding is being held in, and they also cost a bomb! Luckily with my simple ceremony, I don’t need gigantic flower arrangements, so I haven’t fretted in pricing them, but for those that are in need of fresh blooms:
TIP #3: In season blooms are more affordable, usually will be fresher and last longer due to their ability to thrive in the current climate, they will also be readily available in bulk which saves money. My bridal bouquet is one of my major DIY projects as it is going to be a brooch bouquet. I have gathered old and new brooches, and am going to attempt to make the bouquet with additions of silk flowers for fillers. Although the brooches can cost a pretty penny, at least it won’t be thrown at my guests at the end of the wedding, or cut up into potpourri, it will be my keepsake forever!
Being a bride with a lot of South Asian influence in my wedding, shopping in the Indian market for the necessities requires a gal to either a)be able to speak their dialect, which I don’t so I have braced myself to get royally ripped off or b) be able to barter and stick to your guns or c) bring a reliable ally to translate or d) all of the above and be prepared for a stand off over the jewellery counter if you are not getting the price you want. If yorue good, you will be able catch onto the language and interpret the multitude of head bobs and hand gestures, just remember that all shop owners want your business so don’t feel bad for trying to get what you want for the price you want!
To all my fellow DIYers, making it yourself is not always the easier/cost efficient way to get the things you want. I have learned the hard way and have decided to buy items that I initially wanted to make (I literally though I was talented enough to make my own crystal head wrap…seriously).
So alas, whether you’re a spender or a saver my best advice is that for your big day, try to find a balance between your lusts and musts. While its easy to say “Im only getting married once, this is my day and its going to be perfect, I deserve everything!” reel it in and remember that while it is your special day, try not to get overwhelmed by everything shiny and new, because your day can be special without breaking the bank. Im happy to say I have prioritized my lusts and musts so I have just the right amount of things that I want just for me, without feeling like a giant bridezilla!
Happy shopping fellow brides, because its what we do best!
