Year-round, dollar stores are indispensable sources for wedding incidentals.
From paper lanterns to garbage bags, these retailers sell everything cheap.
Candles and lights are essential to any wedding's theme, and dollar stores sell
both. Stock up on Christmas lights and votives and barely make a dent in your
budget. Peruse thrift stores and garage sales for wedding accessories. You never
know what you might find. Not only is merchandise dirt cheap, it's always
unique. Antique vases and a wide variety of table linens can always be found.
Ask Friends to Help
Call on friends to contribute. People love showcasing their talents. An
artist friend can help with invitations (or buy packets of card stock at craft
stores and print them yourself). Printing on unconventional surfaces creates
one-of-a-kind invitations. Doilies, cloth, and wallpaper are just a few
innovative invitation ideas. For a more personal touch, print your invites on a
photo of you and your intended.
Let your musical friends play on your big day. Be sure to listen in during a
practice session to ensure that performance expectations are understood.
Avoid exorbitant catering costs by calling on friends' culinary capabilities.
Certain foods are easy to prepare in large quantities. Enchiladas, lasagnas, and
other casseroles can be made in advance and frozen until the wedding date. Sides
like rice, salads, and beans are simple to prepare in bulk and are easy on the
pocketbook.
Wedding cakes can take a huge bite out of your limited budget. If you're not
comfortable entrusting a friend with such a task, look into culinary academies.
Eager students are willing to make the cake of your dreams for next to nothing.
Look to wholesale distributors like Sam's to stock up on sodas, beer, and
wine. Contact grocery stores in your area about buying-in-bulk specials.