Bridal Bargain Hunting

If you are anything like I am, you likely appreciate the power of a coupon when keeping your wedding planning within budget.  There are plenty of ways to incorporate traditional coupons, Groupons, and an old-fashioned discount shopping into your planning that aren’t very time consuming.  A few examples that have jumped out at me early in the planning process are below.  I hope this is helpful. 

Since I recognize not everyone is wedding planning, let’s start with a pro tip for those just attending a lot of weddings this year: Almost everyone I know getting married in the foreseeable future has a Bed, Bath and Beyond registry.  BB&B accepts expired coupons, so instead of tossing their junk mail in the trash, stockpile those bad boys.  They’ll come in handy the next time you find yourself wandering in to purchase someone a knife block or a crystal vase.  (Save more money by shopping in person as opposed to online.  Online orders over $49 instantly get free shipping, but if you apply the online code for 20% off, depending on your gift's price point, that could cancel out the shipping deal.  The weight of your purchase will likely result in you paying more than you would have without the 20% off deal if you are getting heavy items, such as bedding and kitchenware sets.)

Stationary: Groupon regularly has deals on companies that create wedding stationary.  We got a great Groupon deal for EverMine invitations.  (Hint: If a deal can only be purchased once but doesn’t afford you enough invitations, your partner can create their own Groupon account and get the same deal.  That doesn’t break terms and conditions.)  Vistaprint may not be as fun to browse as websites like Wedding Paper Divas, but their Save the Date postcards can be every bit as beautiful and a lot more economical if you have nice photos to set as your background.  We lucked out and found them on Groupon, as well.  Start looking early because these deals seem to cycle in and out of availability.

If you are more sustainable, websites like The Knot can collect your guest RSVPs online for free and do not require you to pay for response cards or the stamps that go on them.  We considered this, but we thought it might not be a friendly option to the older guests in our crowd.

General retail: If you are going to shop for anything wedding related in person, regardless of whether it’s crafty things for your centerpiece or shoes that match your dress, do not go into a store without checking for online coupons on your smart phone.  Retail Me Not is typically first website that will come up.  For a good number of major retailers, it will populate a list of coupons that are good during that particular time.  Just be careful—some of them are codes for online use only.

Photo prints, gifts and guestbooks: If you create a Shutterfly account, they will regularly send you emails.  I’m generally opposed to this, but I’ve only had an account for a few months and I’ve already racked up on several deals that only required me to pay minimal shipping and handling. These have included things that could easily be incorporated into cute little gifts for wedding party members to say “thank you” along the way, such as photo magnets and customized stationary sets. In terms of bigger items, I’ve had several emails about free photo books, which can be used as guest books or used to show off those engagement photos.  While we’re on the subject, Shutterfly (and most of their competitors) will allow you a certain number of free photo prints after you sign up, which can be used to print some of those engagement pictures for your future home together or as a sweet present for your families.

Regular Sales: When my sister got married, part of my bridesmaid’s gift was a bottle of perfume from Victoria’s Secret that I used until it was gone.  As a bride-to-be that’s budget savvy and planning my own wedding party gifts, this made me remember that Victoria’s Secret, Bath and Body Works, and other stores have semi-annual sales where it would be easy to stock up on those kinds of items in advance for just a portion of their regular prices.  I’m not saying you should skimp on your wedding party.  They certainly deserve the pampering after putting in the work to help make your day memorable.  You just don't have to go broke doing it.  Even if someone doesn't like the spa at home thing, pretty much everyone likes to smell good.  

Bonus points for other educators in the house: A good number of major retailers have an educator discount, so when you’re shopping, make sure you ask!  Some stores with such discounts that could help you with wedding related items include Michael's craft store (decorations) and J Crew (wedding dresses).

If you’re curious about why I dropped J Crew in for dresses, a colleague of mine wore a white dress from J Crew for her elopement and was absolutely stunning.  I’ve been surprised by the major clothing retailers that have wedding lines—including Target, which has some gorgeous options for bridesmaid’s dresses under the Tevolio brand that won’t break the bank.

It’s the smaller things that are easier to bargain hunt.  Larger ticket items, such as your caterers, are a whole other ballpark.  If you are a reader that has tips, let me know—I’ll pay it forward by sharing them.