The Smart Shopper is all about saving you money and that includes your big day. Weddings are a big endeavor, with plenty of details that require attention. While all of those details add up to a lot of spending, there’s no reason you can’t pocket Cash Back along the way. We’re here with lots of wedding tips to help you make your day memorable without going broke.
Our wedding tips will help you through the difficult decisions you encounter. Should you get the bridesmaids monogrammed wine glasses or personalized jewelry? Should you opt for the standard bubbles for party favors or the trendy candy bar? You know what you like, but that doesn’t mean you can easily narrow down your options. With DIY ideas and money saving promo codes, the decision process can be a lot easier.
The Smart Shopper is here to help you through the entire process. From the moment you’re engaged to the honeymoon, we’ll be here to serve you our best wedding tips. Whether you’re in a mad dash to say “I do” or you have an extended engagement, you’ll discover new ways to save on the items you can’t do without. Even the brides that are halfway through the process can get started with Ebates to save on the remaining elements.
Discover why brides everywhere are turning to Ebates to earn Cash Back and to find the best promo code for additional savings in their pocket. Planning a wedding can be daunting and overwhelming, but we’re by your side to work through the details and offer fun wedding tips that take away the mental and financial stress of planning your wedding day.
It doesn’t matter if you’re having a small backyard DIY wedding or a big to-do affair with a mile-long guest list, The Smart Shopper’s wedding planning tips will guide you through the maze of options to help you plan the wedding that is perfect for you.
First comes Valentine’s Day, then comes spring wedding season. Thankfully, with Ebates you can afford to stock up on a supply of sweet looks that will keep you outfitted for every party. Here, nine of our favorites.
Flower Power
This long maxi number is a bohemian way to play fancy. Pull your hair back for a dose of elegance.
Beads, Please
This 1920s-inspired dress works well for more formal fetes. Work a red lip to maximize the statement.
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Red Hot
For destination weddings, show off a tan with this cherry-red dress. Keep it simple with neutral makeup and sandals.
Stripe Now
We love this vibrant dress to take you all the way through summer parties too. Try it with simple gold jewelry.
Cold Shoulder
A little black dress gets the special treatment with this off-the-shoulder stunner. Try a colored heel to add a pop of intrigue.
Ladylike Luxe
This elegant little blue dress looks both pretty and polished. Try it with a fun nude heel.
Pretty in Pink
Don’t underestimate the power of pink. This dress looks smart paired with a stacked platform heel for a retro vibe.
The Pleat Life
Pleats and print give this look its character. Wear it with a swinging ponytail for a quirky kick to the classics.
Embroidered Elegance
This hippie-goes-dressy dress will make a statement at destination or outdoor weddings. Keep it simple with a flat sandal to tone down the length.
There are fewer moments more exciting than when that ring slips onto your finger for the first time. After you tell your friends and family the great news, this excitement easily can turn into a frantic realization of how much you have to accomplish between now and your wedding day. But don’t panic! Although it is a rather lengthy to-do list, first things first. Let us break down your top five post-engagement action items so you can kick-start your wedding planning without diving in too deep.
Step 1: Celebrate Simply
Always remember to take time to celebrate this momentous occasion. Traditionally, the parents of the bride host an engagement party for the happy couple. If you happen to be the one hosting, however, keep your workload light with easy engagement-party ideas. Remember: You have a lot of work ahead of you, so pace yourself! Don’t worry about registering for engagement gifts, either. Registering is best left for wedding gifts.
Step 2: Set Your Budget
This may sound complicated, but all we’re talking about is a basic estimate of how much you are comfortable with spending on your wedding. Now is the time to ask your parents and family if they are willing and able to help. Only when you have a general idea on budget can you move on to the next steps.
Step 3: Pick Your Planner
To hire or DIY — that is the question. If you have the funds, a wedding planner is truly invaluable. But if you’re looking to cut costs, all you need is elbow grease and a good wedding-planner book. This planner from Barnes & Noble is a complete workbook designed to be used with your partner to address what both of you want out of your special day. Plus, it comes with Cash Back at Ebates!
Step 4: Get the Venue
Finding your perfect wedding venue will impact not only your budget, but also your wedding date. Many venues are booked well in advance. Once you have the date locked in, you can start booking all the services you need, from photographers to entertainment. But first…
Step 5: Save-the-Dates
Sending out save-the-dates is essential to giving your guests plenty of notice about your wedding day. They are especially useful if you are planning a destination wedding and want to give your guests extra time to book travel and hotels. Take some romantic engagement photos and upload them to Wedding Paper Divas to create your custom save-the-dates.
Planning a wedding can be a super fun endeavor but also incredibly stressful — especially when it comes to creating and sticking to a budget. But learning how to save for a wedding and figuring out how to cut wedding costs doesn’t have to be so painful.
As long as you start early, a few small, everyday changes can make a huge difference in your savings. Add in some wedding-budget tips and careful planning, and saving for a wedding will be as easy as a piece of multi-tiered cake. Check out these money-saving tips to help maximize your wedding budget without feeling totally bound by your purse strings. As a special bonus, you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates at each of the stores mentioned!
1. Stop Buying Coffee: Save $100 per Month
This one is a no-brainer. Skip the daily fancy lattes and set aside an extra $2 to $5 per day. Making your own coffee can swiftly add up to an extra $100 or more per month, depending on your coffee-buying habit. That extra money set aside can help you defray wedding costs such as table centerpieces and other small essentials. Treat yourself to a simple coffee machine and supplies online at Mr. Coffee and build savings for your wedding into your daily routine.
2. Pack Your Own Lunch: Save $200 per Month
Bringing your lunch to work can easily save you $5 to $10 per day, which, over a few months, could add up to enough to cover your wedding place cards, save-the-dates or even your invitations. Invest in some nice packable lunch boxes and use a promo code to save at Bed Bath and Beyond to double up on your savings for your wedding.
3. Cut Out the Fancy Dinners: Save $120 per Month
Dining out is fun, but when you’re saving for a wedding it’s an easy expense to cut that can save you some serious money. A meal for two at a restaurant can cost you $30 or more, and dining in could add up to an extra $120 or more per month for your wedding savings account. After a few months, you could easily save enough for a tux or flowers for your wedding day.
Invite your friends and family to help support your arsenal of ways to save by setting up weekend potluck dinners rather than eating out at restaurants. This is also a great opportunity to up your cooking skills if you can invest in a couple new cookbooks. Check out the great collection available online at BooksAMillion and get ready to impress your friends and family with both your cooking and saving skills. They may even thank you for all the money they save too! Other money-saving tips include making your own brunch on the weekends, which can add up to $50 to $100 extra for your wedding savings account each month.
4. Pregame at Home: Save $120 per Month
Whether it’s date night or time for you and your girls to hit the town, get started with drinks at home rather than at a bar or restaurant. Drinks and cocktails out on the town can cost you $5 to $15 each, so skipping even one drink each every weekend could add up to an extra $120 per month. Just think of your new cocktail fund as your wedding-favors budget and get something sweet for all your guests to take home with them. If you’re not ready to give up fun cocktails altogether, pick up a great guide and start mixing them yourself!
5. Don’t Impulse Buy Pricey Wedding Accessories
Just because you found the most adorable wedding-cake topper doesn’t mean you have to buy it right then and there, especially if it comes with a hefty price tag (products labeled “wedding” often come with a markup). With a little DIY creativity, you can create these flourishes yourself and potentially save $100 to $200 to put toward your other wedding expenses. Get a head start on DIY wedding elements when you check out the awesome wedding DIY section at Michaels. Save a bundle when you order the supplies you’ll need for classic wedding items such as cake toppers, table décor and gorgeous favors.
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6. Skip the Travel
Planning your wedding in your local area can help you save on wedding costs before the wedding even starts. Whether you are planning your bachelorette weekend or picking out your wedding venue, keeping things local can help keep hundreds of dollars in your budget to spend on other essentials, such as meals for your guests or that awesome live band you’ve been checking out. You can easily divert the money saved on airfare and hotels to other essentials. Another bonus of a wedding near your home is that it makes getting all the DIY wedding items to your venue even easier when the big day finally arrives.
Whether you’re one of the betrothed, a member of the wedding party, or simply a guest, you want to look your best on the big day. A high-end ensemble could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That’s not to mention the often high price of other primping preparations like hair styling or a manicure. But if your bank account can’t quite bear the blow of a designer suit or dress, or an expensive beauty regimen, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of options for looking stunning on a budget. Using Ebates’ Cash Back offers and promo codes, it’s easy to look like a million bucks without spending it.
Mega Savings on Mani-Pedis
Manicures and pedicures are a common beauty precursor to any formal event. Especially at bigger chain salons, getting the full treatment can rack up quite a bill. To save a few bucks, opt for local independently owned salons, which are typically cheaper than their bigger counterparts. You can also request polish only as opposed to a complete mani-pedi. Beauty is at your fingertips, and to save even bigger, you can do it yourself. There are plenty of awesome, high-quality shades to choose from at retailers like Sally Beauty Supply.
View Tutorials and DIY Makeup and Hair
You can also go the DIY route with hair and makeup. Not everyone can wield an eyeliner pencil and create a flawless masterpiece in a single stroke with the skillful prowess of a professional. But if you have Internet access, a little time, decent lighting, and some quality supplies (available at retailers like Sephora), you’ve got all you need for a fresh-faced makeover. Practice makes perfect. If you usually opt for bare-faced beauty and this is your first time applying a full face, or if you’re feeling a little adventurous and trying something new, give it a trial run the day before the wedding so you won’t have to stress at the last minute. If you’re attending with friends, you can even set up a pop-up beauty parlor the day of the wedding and make it a party. Chances are someone in the group is ace at updos while someone else is probably the champion of contouring.
Find Some Second-Hand Treasures
Whether you’re a bridesmaid whose soon-to-be-betrothed bestie has asked you to select and buy your own dress, or a simply a guest with a keen taste for sharp dressing, finding the perfect outfit is essential. Formalwear is often pretty expensive, especially if you’re buying. If you’re certain that this is an item you’ll only wear once — like that bejeweled, puff-sleeved hot pink prom dress you’ve buried deep within your closet — renting can be a great way to go. For guys, check out Men’s Wearhouse for deals on suit rentals. However, if you’re looking to buy, it’s equally simple to purchase a knockout outfit without maxing out your credit card. Just head down to your local second-hand shop for some recycled fine fashions. Many thrift stores, thrift boutiques, and consignment shops have specific formalwear sections. You’ll find that these are treasure troves of gently used, high-quality items. You may even score some second-hand designer items, tossed off after a single use by a well-off fashion connoisseur with a more generous bank account balance.
Give a Lesser-Known Tailor or Seamstress a Shot
Especially in the Internet age, it’s common to look into reviews of products and services before making a decision. Established businesses with a heavier stream of clientele are more likely to boast a bevy of reviews than those just starting out. It’s easy, and reasonable, to settle the decision between two prospective places of purchase by the number of quality reviews alone. However, it’s often worthwhile to give the little guys a shot, especially if you’re working with a tighter budget. Smaller establishments are typically less expensive and are often eager to earn the loyalty of a new customer, who could well bolster their business with valuable word of mouth. Check out some of the lesser-known shops for your tailoring or seamstressing needs. Shop around, and choose a professional who provides good customer service and can offer you some samples of high-quality work. Similarly, both budding and established shops are often willing to haggle a bit on the price to make a sale. After all, ‘tis better to sell a discounted service than none at all.
Whether it’s walking down the aisle in Princess Buttercup’s gown or getting an entire chorus to sing “All You Need Is Love” after your first kiss, you’ve probably dreamed of how your own wedding could be just like the ones in the movies. That got us thinking: How much would it cost to throw some of our favorite movie weddings?
For the full infographic, read on!
First off, we gathered estimates of how much the iconic weddings from our favorite movies would have cost in their respective time periods. In 19th-century Denmark, the wedding festivities of “The Little Mermaid” would’ve set you back approximately 43,297 krones, which is equivalent to $64,496. Vito Corleone’s wedding for his daughter in the 1945 film “The Godfather” was $46,730. Next, fast forward in time to 1987, when getting hitched in “The Wedding Singer” would’ve been $7,763. In 1991, the “Father of the Bride” would be shelling out $34,365 to get his daughter hitched. The “Kill Bill” wedding, in 1999, was a bargain at $500. Then again, they never really made it to the reception. The event all six seasons of “Sex and the City” was building toward in 2008 would’ve been $229,869. Saying “I do” in “I Love You, Man” in 2009 came out to $48,061. Perhaps our most expensive wedding is “The Princess Bride,” which took place in the Renaissance Era and cost 20,000 ducats, which is equivalent to just under $3 million!
The average cost of a wedding today in the United States, excluding the honeymoon, is approximately $32,642. Catering alone costs $68 per guest. With that figure in mind, let’s see how much each of the movie weddings would have cost based solely on the number of guests in attendance: “Kill Bill,” $748; “The Little Mermaid,” $5,100; “Meet the Fockers,” $6,936; “I Love You, Man,” $9,560; “The Graduate,” $9,656; “Father of the Bride,” $10,200; “The Wedding Singer,” $11,900; “It Happened One Night,” $12,376; “The Best Man,” $12,240; “The Princess Bride,” $14,960; “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” $16,320; “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” $16,864; “Wedding Crashers,” $20,400; “Love Actually,” $21,080; “Bridesmaids,” $21,800; “Sweet Home Alabama,” $24,840; “Sex and the City,” $30,600; and “The Godfather,” $37,400.
Next we compared where these weddings took place. In “Love Actually,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and even “Kill Bill,” the couple decided to exchange vows the traditional way, in a church. The average cost to get married in a church, based on our movie wedding estimates, came out to $32,161.
Some of our on-screen couples decided to go no farther than their own backyards, as was the case with “It Happened One Night,” “Father of the Bride” and the memorable Corleone Estate of “The Godfather,” filmed on Staten Island. The average cost of the backyard weddings from our collection of films came out to $66,565.
Other movie weddings took place in unique locales, like “Sex and the City” in the New York Public Library or “Bridesmaids” in the scenic Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia, California. We even learned from “The Little Mermaid”that the perfect place to marry a mermaid is on a ship. Our average cost for a movie wedding at a venue: $86,013.
So who actually made it down the aisle? Couples in “The Little Mermaid”; “The Godfather”; “Father of the Bride”; “My Best Friend’s Wedding”; “The Best Man”; “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”; “Love Actually”; “Meet the Fockers”; “Wedding Crashers”; “Sex and the City”; “I Love You, Man”; and “Bridesmaids” all were pronounced husband and wife. Meanwhile, fate or just cold feet halted couples in: “The Princess Bride,” “It Happened One Night,” “The Graduate,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Kill Bill” and “Sweet Home Alabama.”
What’s the worst way to crash a wedding, you may wonder? In “The Princess Bride,” it was dashing heroes coming in for the rescue, while assassins stopped the wedding and gave the bride something to avenge in “Kill Bill.” Perhaps the crasher we all remember is Dustin Hoffman’s character in “The Graduate,” banging on a glass panel, screaming, before escaping with the bride. Hopefully your wedding has a far better outcome — and it’s death that makes you part, not Dustin Hoffman.
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Fall wedding invites are starting to hit mailboxes and if you’re one of the lucky ones who made the A-list, it’s time to start shopping for fall wedding outfits. However, we’ve noticed that unless otherwise noted, fall wedding guest attire tends to be on the formal side. Since plummeting temps make way for glamorous dress styles, expect a “black tie” notation on those invites. But this doesn’t mean you have to take out a loan just to be a good-looking guest. Here are four easy tips on how to shop for fall wedding attire that will save you big bucks or make the most of a big purchase while stacking up Cash Back at Ebates.
1. Shop Fast Fashion Brands
Some of your go-to brands for everyday looks can really come through with luxe-looking fall cocktail dresses. Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe have a fabulous selection of fall evening dresses in both straight and plus sizes. And if you want to take the crash course What To Wear to a Fall Wedding 101, the answer is always a cape dress like this amazing one in cobalt. It’s dramatic without getting too flashy or fussy.
2. Get it Slightly Loved
Remember that it doesn’t have to be brand new in order to be a show-stopper. With Rent The Runway, you can even rock a designer look often for $100 or less. This Badgley Mischka gown in siren red is a perfect example. ThredUp is also a fantastic option for designer lovers with fall evening dresses and more for up to $90 off!
3. Shop Investment Pieces
So you’ve got a taste for high end. Don’t worry. It’s not a crime! Just keep in mind that while you are shopping for a special occasion, it doesn’t have to be the only occasion your purchase will ever see. When shopping from tried-and-true luxury stores like Bloomingdale’s, go for timeless cuts and fabrics. Find something that fits your body like a glove, makes you feel unstoppable and will not fall prey to passing trends. Avoid those prints! Solids can fit more easily into any soirée. This lace dress from Kiyonna is one of our favorite fall evening dresses and will be sure to give you plenty of mileage.
3. Dress Up Your Own Basics
Every woman should own a little black dress. If you already have one, now is the perfect time to break it out and score some stunning statement accessories to make it wedding worthy. A jeweled bib necklace like this masterpiece from BaubleBaris an instant upgrade for any neckline. You can also shop amazing, budget-friendly jewelry pieces at Charming Charlie. Find the perfect pair of shoes and a clutch, then you’re all set to dance the night away knowing everyone thinks you spent a fortune on your look. Secrets are fun, aren’t they?
Wedding season is in full swing and the odds are good that you are going to be invited to at least one bridal shower this summer. Every relationship is unique, as is every bride, and this can make finding the perfect bridal shower gifts for her a challenge. That’s why we’ve created this guide to shopping for unique bridal shower gifts that covers the spread by focusing on five essential types of bride. So, prepare yourself with a bridal gifts promo code from Ebates and follow our guide to where to shop for gifts for the bride. We will help you find the perfect bridal shower gift ideas for her, and when you shop with Ebates you can earn Cash Back to spend on a little something for yourself, too!
She’s the one everyone’s always trying to keep up with. Her wedding binder has no post-its, no bent corners, no hasty scribbles and no tear stains. She’s never frantic, never unreasonable, never irrational and she never yells. Mrs. Jones is the bride every bride secretly thinks she could be if she could only relax and recharge. So if there is a little bit of Mrs. Jones in a stressed-out bride that is just yearning to come out, we recommend Spafinder Wellness 365, the most comprehensive resource for wellness-related products, services and insight. A Spafinder Wellness 365 Gift Card can be redeemed at participating spa and wellness locations all over the country as well as stores online. She can have access to facials, yoga, massages and more, anywhere she likes.
She’s perfect. He’s perfect. In fact, everything is perfect. Her groom may not ride a white horse, wear silver armor or be set to inherit a kingdom, but he’s her prince. Just as long as at the end of the day they get hitched, this bride welcomes any adventure her wedding might bring. Neither rain nor cancelled caterer will upset Mrs. Charming’s happy ending and she will take it all in stride. For her, we recommend shopping at Cameta Camera for the best cameras, accessories, cases and more for bridal shower gift ideas that won’t break the bank. With a digital camera she can capture every moment and every smile on her big day in high quality and save it forever. Browse their wide selection with a photography promo code from Ebates for amazing savings.
She has a lot of feelings and it’s a guarantee that she will cry during her vows. She has a heart as big as the neighborhood and can’t wait to put on a cardigan and change into flats after the first dance. Mrs. Rogers will have craft activities at her bridal shower and she’ll make cookies shaped like little wedding cakes. For this bride, we recommend shopping at Etsy, the largest collection of unique, vintage and handmade goods online. Etsy has it all, from keepsake jewelry and handmade bridal accessories to personalized gifts like handkerchiefs and stationary, direct from the maker. Plus when you shop for unique bridal shower gifts with an Etsy promo code from Ebates, you can save with every purchase.
She may not have a license to kill, but Mrs. Bond is fearless, fierce, fashionable and never too far from a martini. This bride loves a good challenge and she’s always ready for anything. For her, we recommend shopping for a membership at Rent the Runway, the “Netflix model for Haute Couture,” that will bring her the latest and greatest clothing and accessories. With flexible delivery and return dates, pre-paid return envelopes and no-cost dry cleaning, Rent the Runway will allow her access to a never-ending closet of designer and couture fashions at a fraction of the cost. She can rent evening gowns, cocktail dresses, even sunglasses, bags and jewelry at Rent the Runway. In fact, there’s even a huge bridal and wedding apparel collection!
She’s a rebel, she’s tough and she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She likes to make a statement, and she just might even have her own catchphrase. This free-spirited bride deserves a gift as uncommon as she is. For her, we recommend shopping at The Grommet, a collection of products with purpose, invented by people with stories. The Grommet features incredible gifts for her, created by individual makers and selected because each item is something thoughtful, inspiring, innovative or useful. You can earn Cash Back at Ebates when you buy at The Grommet on top of already deep discounts on travel gear, garden tools, bath products, home décor and kitchenware. The Grommet is a great source for innovative and unique gifts for your one-of-a-kind bride.
Summer is one of the most popular wedding seasons of the year. However, summer weddings can be a tad uncomfortable for guests as well as the bride and groom. Here are some tips on what you need to beat the heat and say “I do” to some Cash Back at Ebates while you’re at it. Preparing for your dream summer wedding will be easier than you think.
1. Play it Cool
Having an outdoor summer wedding? Skip the sweltering heat and keep guests comfortable with gear to cool them off. Place handheld fans on their seats or in baskets at the entrance to your venue for guests to grab. Umbrellas and tents are a great option to create shade and stay protected from the harsh sunlight. Large portable fans make keeping your outdoor tent space cool as a breeze. Fabric seat covers or cushions will keep guests from burning themselves on hot rental chairs. If possible, opt for a location that offers both and indoor and outdoor space in order to provide guests an air-conditioned sanctuary when they want to beat the heat.
2. Warm-Weather Worthy Food & Drinks
Hot, greasy food and scorching weather just don’t pair well together. Choose light entrees, cool salads and sweet seasonal fruits to keep guests feeling festive and ready to celebrate. Visit FruitBouquets.com for Cash Back at Ebates on fruit baskets and bouquets sure to make a scrumptious statement on your buffet or snack table. Be sure to keep appetizers and food over ice or on chilled platters so they don’t spoil. Add ice water pitchers to guests’ tables to keep them hydrated and cool, too. Dress up your drinks with fresh slices of fruit or berries for a stylish way to sip and serve frozen adult beverages for the perfect refreshments. Don’t forget to keep the little ones hydrated by keeping ice buckets full of water bottles and no sugar-added juices within their reach. Check Overstock.com or Crate and Barrelfor great beverage dispensers, drinkware and more. When it comes to dessert, traditional wedding cakes are great, but unique ice creams, gelato or shaved ice will keep guests cooled down and delighted.
3. Summery Styles
Don’t get weighed down by a bulky dress or tux. Opt for light and breathable fabrics for summer-appropriate style, especially for outdoor ceremonies. Encourage guests to sport flowy summer wedding dresses or airy shirts, shorts or pants for maximum comfort. Open-toed shoes or comfortable sandals will keep you from overheating, too. Visit Shoes.com and save on tons of summer-friendly styles with Cash Back at Ebates and a money-saving promo code.
4. Hot Weather Hair & Makeup
Hair and humidity are mortal enemies. Prep your locks with a smoothing serum or humidity protector before walking down the aisle on a sticky day. If you have medium to long hair, think about skipping the flowing ‘do for a more summer-friendly style off your neck and shoulders. Stay cool with a chic bun, pony or chignon and don’t forget to set your look with a humidity-fighting spray. When it comes to makeup, the drippy, sweaty style that comes with summer just isn’t flattering. Be sure to visit ULTA Beauty to find your perfect primers, powders and matte setting sprays to make your look last all day, shine-free. Score amazing wedding makeup deals and save with an ULTA Beauty promo code!
5. Flower Power
Wilting, brown flowers aren’t what you signed up for on your wedding day. If you want to add pretty petals to match your summer wedding colors, be sure to choose heat-resistant blooms that thrive in that sizzling summer weather. Succulents and vines are beautiful options that won’t wither in the great outdoors. Talk to your florist or check out FTD Flowersand save with a promo code while earning Cash Back at Ebates on beautiful blooms. Don’t forget to keep summer wedding corsages and boutonnieres in a cool place until you’re ready to go.
6. Don’t Bug Out
The hot summer sun means bugs come out to play. Skip the mosquito bites and gnats by providing plenty of bug spray to combat those annoying insects. Set up a warm-weather refueling station complete with bug spray, cold water bottles, sunscreen and ice water spray bottles to keep guests comfortable. Light citronella candles around your ceremony for a little glow that’ll keep you protected, too. Toss them in a stylish lantern and you’re golden!
7. Favor Faves
Skip the melty chocolates and other ooey-gooey sweets and opt for mini summer wedding care packages to keep your guests comfortable. Parasols, personalized fans and sunglasses make great additions to your summer wedding favors. Mini bubble bottles are the perfect outdoor wedding favors for kids, just make sure they’ve got their UV protection on first, of course.
8. It’s All Fun & Games
Perfect summer days are ideal for outdoor play! If the temps don’t skyrocket, keep guests having fun outside with entertaining summer wedding ideas like bocce ball, horseshoe and other fun lawn games.
Did you tie the knot during the summer season? Comment below and share your favorite wedding ideas for summer!
Congratulations! Getting married is cause for major celebration! If you’ve already begun planning your big day, or even if you are just helping out, you probably know that wedding planning can be an expensive endeavor. But with these DIY wedding ideas and tips, you’ll be on the path to your happily-ever-after with some awesome savings along the way, thanks in part toCash Back at Ebates.
Be Your Own Wedding Planner
Hiring a professional wedding planner generally comes with a jaw-dropping price tag. Spend that money elsewhere and rely on your own planning skills to make your budget wedding a reality. With some proper planning, the right online resources and some DIY wedding moxie, you can easily plan the gorgeous wedding of your dreams without compromising your bank account. Have a dedicated notebook, like The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner, or digital document to keep yourself organized. Make a timeline of the tasks that need to get done early, like picking a venue and sending out save-the-dates to your friends and family. Try to tackle your to-do list consistently to keep the ball rolling and to make your wedding planning workload manageable. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your friends and family if you’re feeling overwhelmed and make sure to allow ample time in anticipation of the inevitable challenges and hiccups along the way.
Print Your Own Paper Products
While many folks go straight to a calligrapher or a fancy print shop for their wedding invites and place cards, this is one of the easiest ways to save money with some well-planned DIY. Rather than shelling out an arm and a leg for paper goods subject to the dreaded wedding markup, shop cardstock in pre-cut sizes and print it yourself. If you have any inclination to buy a new printer, this is a great time to do it. You’ll be able to print professional looking invites, place cards, DIY save the date cards and DIY wedding invitations. Plus you’ll have a new printer when it’s all over! Staples has a fantastic selection of high quality printers and wedding paper products that won’t compromise style and will keep your budget wedding on track. Start early and keep an eye out for a printer or wedding invite promo code online at Staples and earn Cash Back from Ebates while you shop!
Save Big With DIY Centerpieces and Wedding Décor
Building your own centerpieces and other wedding decorations may seem like a daunting task but you can do it! How-to blogs on design and Pinterest are going to be your best source of inspiration and information to help you determine what you like and how to make it happen. Considering creating your own flower arrangements? You can save a bundle by shopping for vases or other unique containers at thrift stores. Head online to craft stores like Michaels to check out the selection of wedding decorations and DIY wedding centerpieces, plus get Cash Back from Ebates on your purchase! Michaels is also a great resource to get supplies for a DIY bride hanger and other wedding essentials. Save on your wedding décor by starting to plan it out as early as possible and cashing in on deals like a wedding centerpiece promo code or seasonal sales as they pop up.
Fashion Your Own Wedding Favors
Wedding favors help show your gratitude to each of your wedding guests for being there to help celebrate your special day. DIY wedding favors are an awesome way to say thanks and to help keep your budget wedding on target. Making something special for your guests is a big task so this is a great place to enlist the help of friends, family and the wedding party. Check out go-to DIY wedding favorites like Jo-Ann Fabrics for photo favor supplies and save a bundle with a frames promo code to give each guest a classic keepsake. Whatever wedding favors you pick, be sure to get Cash Back at Ebates to save even more on your DIY wedding. Over the course of the next few months, you and your helpers can easily make all the favors during just a few crafternoons. Enjoy the wedding prep process, it will be over before you know it!
Step 1: Celebrate Simply
Step 2: Set Your Budget
Step 4: Get the Venue
Step 5: Save-the-Dates
Summer is one of the most popular wedding seasons of the year. However, summer weddings can be a tad uncomfortable for guests as well as the bride and groom. Here are some tips on what you need to beat the heat and say “I do” to some 
Save Big With DIY Centerpieces and Wedding Décor
