Budget-Brides

Guide to Saving Money

Do you want a Fairy Tale Wedding without mortgaging the Castle?

We at Budget-Bride strive to provide the utmost in quality and service without compromising quality.  For your wedding we will show you tips of the trade which will keep your wedding budget low - without sacrificing the quality for your wedding!

DID YOU KNOW?????

Florists often do not price their wedding flower picture books because they alter the price depending of yours and your mother's appearance.  Leave your engagement ring, gold watches and furs at home!

A rose doesn't cost a florist any more to purchase during the wedding season than any other time (except Valentines Day)

The cost of a fresh cymbidium orchid is low?  They range from $1.50 to $3.00 per bloom and less when purchased by the stem.  Most florists will have you believe these are rare flowers and expensive.  Actually they are one of the easiest to buy and available all year round!

A wedding veil usually only costs $20 to $30 in supplies to make!

Some hotels will waive the rental cost of the banquet rooms if you use their caterer!

If a florist gives you the name of a flower that no other florist has heard of, that is most likely because it doesn't exist.  If you can't order it anywhere else, the florist forces you to do business with them.

The materials in a ring pillow generally cost no more than $7 to $10 and a garter no more than $3 to $5.

There is no such thing as a three thousand dollar wedding dress, only a three thousand dollar price tag?  Check for designer copies, rentals and outlets before you send a famous bridal gown designer of his next holiday!

Department store portrait studios have beautiful wedding backdrops and will accommodate a variety of photos for a fraction of the price.

Most flower shops charge three times the labor cost necessary because it takes them longer due to lack of training to make your bouquet?

Most florists are inefficient in ordering the accurate amount of fresh product for your wedding and usually charge the bride accordingly so the florist doesn't assume a  loss.

Florists pay more for a longer stemmed rose than a shorter stem.  Only shorter stems are necessary for bridal bouquets, but often florists will charge brides for premium long stems and design with short stems.

Fresh gardenias will turn brown if touched by the human hand.  This makes them highly expensive.  Silk gardenias look the same, without the risk and expense when designed with fresh greens.

Check back often as budget-bride strives to make you wedding the best it can be at the best price possible.  Many florists are angry with the honesty that budget-bride advertises.  No hidden costs, no extra charges and the best prices you will find anywhere.  These and other great money saving tips will give you the information you need to make an informed purchase whether you are buying your wedding gown, renting tuxedos, ordering a cake, or planning your photographer. 

Our staff have worked and been trained in the wedding industry for years.  We have the experience to help you get the best deals you can and have a fairy tale wedding on a beer budget!  Please do not hesitate to e-mail me with any questions you have regarding your wedding sent your request to answers@budget-bride.com

Here is an e-mail sent to us by a Toronto Florist regarding our prices:

"There are many florists on the web and there is an unspoken understanding between us that any money matters are discussed privately with each individual bride who contacts us.  Since you have been in the industry so long and now own your own floral business, you must know how frustrating it can be to have prices questioned or second-guessed - I don't particularly want to have to explain why I charge the mark up I do to every bride who comes into see me.

There is plenty of business there for you if you play your cards right.  I only ask that you not divulge any more "trade secrets" - even though I love what I do, I am not in it just for the good of my health; I am trying to make a living.

Believe me, I am as disgusted as you are with florist that take obvious advantage of weddings - one of the brides who booked with me last week said she had gone to another florist after meeting with me and they quoted her $5000 for the exact same arrangements that I had quoted her $1700 - reinforces all the old stereotypes, doesn't it? "

Here are some comments from a florist in New York:

"I am disgusted at your prices - you have made it impossible for me to make any money.  My wedding business is one of the most profitable in New York, and now brides are questioning my every price.  I will do everything in my power to stop you from being successful in your business as you are hurting all of us!!"