Practically every couple dreams of a Pinterest-perfect wedding, but not everyone can afford a big-ticket design team to execute their dreams. If yourgoal is a wedding that looks amazing at a great value, you’re going to love our smart shopping tips for wedding décor!
Start Early
Once you have a color scheme, theme, or general vision for your wedding in mind, start sourcing the pieces you’ll need early. Compare pricing on different websites, and remember to take into account the hidden costs like shipping and rush handling.
Also, do your research and take advantage of discounts meant for e-newsletter subscribers and members, if available.
Save by the Season
Another great reason to plan ahead is the ability to make sale or clearance purchases at the end of certain seasons and holiday periods. If you’re hosting an autumnal wedding, for example, you can pick up substantially discounted fall supplies after Thanksgiving when retailers are transitioning to winter stock. Most weddings are planned at least a year in advance all you need to save seasonally is to be ready to purchase the year before and to store your spoils until they are needed.
Purchase in Bulk
When purchasing something that you know you will need a lot of, it’s almost always better to purchase in bulk. Supplies needed for guest favors, sweets tables, welcome bag, centerpieces and tablescapes can often be purchased at a discount if you meet a minimum. Just be wise when you purchase in bulk, and be certain that you need most or all of what you are buying. It doesn’t do you any good to purchase 500 ivory guest gift bags if you’ll really only use 50, no matter how great a rate you find.
If you do find a great deal that you simply can’t pass up, you might be able to find another couple to split the cost and the quantity with you. Pairing up is a great savings strategy!
Eliminate Last-Minute Expenses
Timing truly is everything when shopping smart. Do everything in your power to avoid making last-minute purchases. Not only will you be stuck with accepting pricing that might have been more advantageous at another time of year, but you will spend more on shipping and processing rush orders than you would if you had more lead time.
It’s not hard to be a smart shopper when it comes to your wedding décor. All you need is a clear vision for your design, some lead-time, and the patience to compare prices and sources. Follow our tips, and you”ll enjoy great décor at an even better value. Get started today!
Audrey Isaac is the spokesperson for 100 Candles, a wholesale market for candles and lights. Since 2002, thousands of wedding and event professionals have entrusted 100 Candles with their wholesale candle accounts. For more information, please visit https://www.100candles.com