Ten Money-Saving Tips When Planning a Wedding on PEI
First off, congratulations on your engagement! I am so glad you are considering PEI as your wedding destination. This East Coast province has so much to offer from the red cliff sides, sandy beaches, and peaceful scenery. You will find the venue of your dreams! Here are 10 tips to save money when planning your wedding on Prince Edward Island...
#1 Customize your Photography Package
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Photography can be a large portion of a wedding day budget. It is important you find someone who will have open communication throughout the entire process and deliver great images within a reasonable timeframe. While “customizing” a wedding day package may sound pricey, it can very well save you money. If you know you would prefer no add-ons and partial day coverage discuss this with your desired photographer. Many are happy to adjust to their client's needs! I would love to chat to see if I am the right fit for you!
Contact me here…
#2 Join Buy & Sell Groups
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Facebook groups are a wonderful tool that should not go underutilized when planning your wedding! After another person's big day is over they tend to sell off items, most of which would be in “like new” condition. Before you buy centerpieces, candles, plates, baskets, etc… look for second-hand items. No one will know the difference and it could save you hundreds of dollars in the end. Join one from Prince Edward Island today!
#3 Send Free Invites with Canva
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Utilize the free and/or affordable tools provided on the internet. I regularly use Canva for my Instagram stories, Facebook posts, etc… The website is easy to use with many free templates to pick from. On a more personal note I have used Canva for baby showers, save the dates, and birthday invites. Design a free, personalized wedding invitation, then send it electronically to guests.
This is an easy way to save some money before the big day and put that cash towards something that really matters to you.
Feel free to print one off for yourself as a keepsake item to view years down the road.
Your wedding photographer would also love to capture a shot of it!
#4 Get Creative with your PEI Wedding Venue
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Wedding venues tend to eat up a huge portion of a bride's budget.
Depending on the size of your guest list this may have a simple solution. Go through Airbnb online, you can make them specific to your desired location, set a price range, and read reviews from previous guests. There may be several large Airbnb that you can rent for 48 hours at half the cost of a popular venue. Not only will this double as overnight stays, a place to get ready, and a beautifully unique wedding photography background, but can allow for more intimate moments with your family as well. When contacting the Airbnb host, be respectful and upfront about your plans. The host may become a wonderful asset through your wedding planning journey.
#5 Follow Local Businesses on Social Media
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Use social media to your advantage! Similar to joining the buy and sell groups, also follow local businesses on Instagram/Facebook. Many vendors will do flash sales leading up to the busy season or post-last-minute discounts due to unforeseen cancellations.
This can easily save you hundreds of dollars, while you still receive everything you desired!
Are you interested in a photo booth on your wedding day?
Check our Photo Booth, we may have a deal going on right now!
#6 Add Greenery
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It’s no secret that fresh flowers can cost a pretty penny and many brides long for beautiful displays and big bouquets on their wedding day. Consider adding greenery! Not only does this add texture and depth to the decor, but it looks incredible in pictures! Greenery can cost significantly less than florals, you may be able to even find it for free! This is one of my personal favorite tips as a wedding photographer. It is simple, but can add a lot to the overall wedding day style!
#7 Spend the Full Day at One Location
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Spending the full day of your wedding at the same venue can help alleviate costs that add up very quickly! This can be as simple as receiving a better value wedding venue package. It is not uncommon to get the meal at a discounted rate or a few complimentary bottles at dinner when purchasing venues full service. Having your wedding photographer drive around less will also allow for more coverage time. In reference to the smaller details, not having to purchase transportation for your guests to move around and not needing to purchase decor for two separate wedding venues will save a significant amount of money.
#8 Get Cupcakes from a Small Business
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Small businesses or “up and coming” bakers may be very excited about the opportunity to help vendor your wedding day. Not only may they have flexible availability, but could have more budget-friendly rates. Scroll through Facebook, and Instagram and see what they have worked on in the past. Communication is key, a multi-tier wedding cake may be asking too much if they do not have past experience doing such design.
However, delicious cupcakes with fluffy white icing may be easier to execute and cost-friendly!
Local Tip: Buns & Things Cakes on Prince Edward Island has INCREDIBLE cupcakes at an even better price point. You can find them on Facebook today!
#9 Weekday Ceremony
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Want to get married at the trendiest location, with the most popular photographer, and have the best catering in the town? Consider a weekday wedding! Not only are they more likely to have the date available, but some vendors may offer discounts for off-day events. If you are worried about some guests not being able to attend due to work obligations, have your ceremony during the beautiful PEI golden hour while the sun goes down over the horizon. A candlelit reception is not only romantic but will bring a unique aspect that your guests will always remember!
#10 Buy White Dress not Marked as a Wedding Gown
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Shows such as “Say Yes To The Dress” have normalized spending thousands of dollars on your dream wedding dress. However, that is simply not possible for many couples as they have a strict budget to follow through with their wedding planning process. Buying a white dress that is not specifically a wedding gown does not mean it has to be untraditional or cheap looking. Many online retailers have options for “bridesmaid” dresses to be purchased in white.
