☛ Bridal and Wedding Expos
Around the times of year that weddings are about to begin, local businesses will host bridal expos. These businesses usually involve catering, photography, wedding party gowns, and more. The idea is to show you that you have these pros right in your backyard, but brides may also benefit from discounts for the participating businesses.
☛ Giveaways
It may sound crazy, but if you see a giveaway at your local grocery store or retail store, even for a $20 prize or gift card, enter it. Sure, you may not win, but there is a chance that you will. Again, when you are paying for a wedding with no money or a low budget, you do all you can.
☛ Yard Sales/Garage Sales
You have probably heard it 1,000 times, but yard sales are a great way to make money. You just might pay a large chunk of your wedding expenses by selling stuff you no longer use. I know a few people who have made up to $800 and $900 in a weekend. I myself have made hundreds on quite a few occasions. And before you think that we had really valuable items to sell, think again. The majority of my money came from selling outfits that I never wear and my children’s clothes that no longer fit.
Men’s t-shirts are usually a hot yard sale item. Ask your dad or a cousin if they have any they would like to donate to your sale. Ask your best friends if they have any clothes they can donate to your cause. Chances are they do. Do not be afraid to ask for what you need. If you have to choose between paying for a wedding with no money or being vocal, this is the time to be bold.
Also, do not resist putting something in the sale because you think no one will want it. Some of the things I sold the fastest were things I did not expect to be sold at all. Gather your items, advertise your sale, and make some money.
☛ Forget Going Pro
If your budget is really tight, try to resist hiring professionals for your wedding items. It is very likely that you, a family member, or a friend know someone that can provide what you need just as well at no or low cost. You might consider hiring high school or college students for some of the work. They are always in need of some extra cash. You could hire them for things like serving guests at the reception, setting up the reception hall, cleaning up the yard if you are having an outdoor wedding, stuffing invitations into envelopes, and more. If you have a cosmetology school near you, the students will often cut or fix your hair, nails, and makeup at a good discount simply for the practice.
☛ There Is No Shame In the Thrift Store Game
It often makes me laugh that so many people are ashamed to shop at thrift stores and consignment shops. It is true that you will find some junk in them. However, I have kept my kids in nice, name brand clothing by shopping at thrift stores. You can find gorgeous dresses, accessories, shoes, decorations, and more.
Another overlooked treasure trove is places like the Dollar Tree. Most people have one of these around. When I was a kid, it was not an impressive store, but that has changed a lot. Every time I need to decorate for a party or event, I get those decorations at the Dollar Tree. I can decorate an entire child’s birthday party for around $20. I would pay at least double for those items in larger retailers. You may find that you can spend much less on the decorations for your wedding.
☛ Social Media and Craigslist
Though you need to be careful, you can often find items such as wedding dresses and bridesmaid’s dresses on sites like Craigslist and yard sale sites on social media networks. Take a look and see what is available to you there.