“Seeking a great wedding photographer who can shoot my wedding, from getting ready to the end of my reception, who is not so expensive.”
“In need of a cheap live painter for my wedding.”
“Looking for a hair and makeup team for my wedding that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.”
“In search of a cheap florist for simple greenery and centerpieces.”
The truth is that most vendors would run like crazy if they saw posts like these. Matter of fact, you'll find these kinds of posts rarely have replies from actual vendors. In the world of weddings, “cheap” and “simple” are the words that are all vendors’ worst nightmare. If you plan to use these social pages to get referrals, post exactly what you need—and for heaven’s sake, be polite. A basic, “Searching for a great wedding makeup team for 10/18 in Houston who can work with my $1500 budget.” Stating your budget—and need—upfront allows vendors who are an ideal fit to respond directly.
Looking for “cheap” wedding vendors? We get it! Weddings can be expensive. As planning progresses, expenses begin to add up and budgets tighten further. Eventually, most couples face the ultimatum choice: going over budget or cutting some things they would like to have at their event. Let’s be real, we all have our Pinterest life and our real life. Not every wedding can be one hundred percent social media perfect, but you can still make the occasion perfect for you.
Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Vendors
All wedding pros understand that you are on a budget. To create your dream event, you need to consider the following when looking for and choosing professional wedding vendors.
DO NOT tell a wedding professional that he/she is “too expensive.” A good wedding vendor knows his/her worth and what the current market will support. Their services may be more than you can afford or would like to spend, but they’re not “too expensive.” If that professional is working in the industry, then there are a lot of couples who can pay their price. The vendor is not “too expensive.” They are just not in your budget, and that’s OK.
Don’t assume that you can’t afford a really in-demand wedding pro. If you are simply in love with a particular vendor, take the time to reach out to them. Be up-front about your budget, and ask politely if they have smaller packages or services that would work for you. Some wedding pros have cost-effective budget programs that they don’t really advertise. It certainly doesn’t hurt to ask.
Be flexible with your wants and even your date. If you have your heart set on a certain venue that is out of your financial reach, ask about alternative days. A Sunday brunch wedding is charming, and a Wednesday or Thursday evening cocktail hour event can be elegant and fun. Weekdays are usually less expensive than a Friday or Saturday booking. If you are getting married in a slow month, you may be able to negotiate a better price as well. Wedding season starts in early spring—mid-March—and runs through June. July and August are slow months, with the fall season kicking in after labor day and slowing down a bit for the holidays. You’ll never get a discount if your wedding is in October, aka the busiest wedding month of the year, but a vendor may be willing to work with you in July, when he/she only has one or two bookings.
Make sure you prioritize those things you love over those you simply want for your event. Spend your budget on those things that really matter to you, instead of solely seeking out cheap wedding vendors. Are your friends and family big foodies? Then focus your budget on an amazing food experience. Create beautiful tablescapes, and get the best caterer you can afford. Are you and your guests party animals? Then keep your décor simple and splurge on that open bar and an awesome DJ or band who will keep the party pumping all night. In love with a floral design that is way out of your budget? Select one element that can be recreated or use the color and idea as inspiration rather than trying to recreate the entire look. Remember, your guests are not going to remember the monogram mints you left on the table.
Your Wedding’s Unique Story
Now you have how-to knowledge to choose wedding vendors that meet your one-of-a-kind wants and needs. Think about you and your partner’s personalities and incorporate little details that reflect you as a couple. You can add a lot of style to your event by layering small, inexpensive details that tell the story of who you are. Build your wedding around the things that are important to you. Forget about doing things cheaply, and look for the best quality you can afford without busting your budget.
Remember, having a meaningful wedding is far more important than a Pinterest-perfect occasion.
XOXO-Mayra