Hearing that title, I am sure has sparked a lot of attention. Seems impossible, unless you win a free wedding but with a little ingenuity, persistence, and flexibility you just may pull off one. Free Weddings don’t just grow on trees, though, you have to put in the work to get a "free" or inexpensive wedding. I will tell you some tricks and ideas to help you on your way there.
I can’t stress enough, the word to keep in mind is ADVERTISING! A company only survives by advertising, whether it be word of mouth or television commercials they need to get their name and what they do public. This is where you have a sweet advantage…you are getting ready to have a wedding, which can be a company’s jackpot. Here is a list to check off:
- Be Flexible - Keep your wedding dates open, some businesses may be able to help you out more if you can go by their schedule. Be open to whatever comes
- Seek out local businesses - when choosing bakery, or tuxedo rental shop find local company’s and see if they would be willing to trade the cake and tux for advertising at the wedding. You can put cards around the cake stating "cake courtesy of ___".
- Photography - Most photographers are freelance, self employed. This can be a great opportunity for both of you. You can get free photography and in exchange let the photographer have a table with business cards and samples of work or put up a banner somewhere. You may also be able to get your engagement pictures free or inexpensive by letting the photographer know you are willing to put them up at the wedding, that way everyone can see what great work the photographer does…..Great Idea!!
- Another trick for photography, in the invitations ask everyone to bring disposable camera’s (as a special gift) and have the guest’s snap away ton’s of pics…then get them developed and make your own wedding book. (I bet you get some great pictures)
- Invitations - Do them yourself. You can print them off the computer and add all kinds of scrapbooking items or you can go out and buy a do it yourself invitation kit. If that’s too much for you, ask to trade invitations for, what’s the key word, ADVERTISING.
- Wedding Dress - See about trading for advertising with a local boutique, you may end up with a gorgeous dress (borrowed of course) you never could have gotten. After all they want you to look your best when it’s their name on the line.
- Catering - have an evening wedding, that way you only need the wedding cake and hor’dourves, get family and friends to help out with those. (can also try trading services for advertising)
- Wedding location - try your family church or a country club that someone you know is a member, usually both places will offer free services for members. Also, keep in mind a beach wedding or a great backyard wedding with a garden reception. Combine wedding and honeymoon together, do a cruise or special location, both will give free wedding with reservations…do some research into it.
These are some ideas to get you started on your way. Start asking around and you may sponsors you never thought would go for it. I know I did when I needed them. I have had a dress donated, fitted and redesigned for me, so it can be done! You just have to look in the right places…..local businesses are a good place to start!Remember to be creative when thinking of things you may need or you want for your wedding. Have fun and have a happy free wedding!
Let me know what all worked for you and how you did it!!!
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