If you have a pretty good idea what you want your centerpieces to look like and you know how much you're willing to spend, the it's time to start scouting for
supplies! Unless money is not an issue for you, you'll need to be getting the
best bargains you can find. Don't expect to get everything during one shopping
trip or even the first time you start looking.
|
|
You've spent this long trying to
find the perfect partner, don't rush into buying your
centerpieces!
Here are some ways to find great prices for your
centerpiece supplies...
- Consider the resources already available to
you. Do you know anyone in the floral business that could provide flowers at a
discount? Do you have any friends working at the local craft shop who get an
employee discount? Do you know a business owner who can get you into wholesale
decor stores? I think you get the idea... if you're looking for something more
rustic those old mason jars sitting in your parents root cellar just might come
in handy after all!
- Does the hall provide a caterer? If so, ask the
caterer if they have any contacts where they normally shop for their catering
supplies or if they know where the best prices are. We ended up getting classic
glass bowls for $2 each from a shop recommended by our caterer that normally
retail for $15, and our guests had no idea.
- Start checking the sale
flyers early and collecting those coupons. Sooner or later almost everything
goes on sale. If you start watching for sales well before your wedding date you
should be able to get at least some of your supplies for less than retail price.
Before purchasing anything on sale, make sure to ask about the store's return
policy for discounted items. If you think you might change your mind about your
centerpiece idea later you will want to have the option of returning the already
purchased merchandise.
- Ask friends where they purchased their
centerpieces. Often just-married couples know the best places to get things on
sale! They've already been through it and have already done the leg-work you're
just starting to do. Save some effort and benefit from their
discoveries.
- You might be able to find some good prices online, just
remember to check the seller's return policy in case you don't like what you
get.
- Consider items that are cheaper during a certain time of the
year, such as fresh flowers when they're in season.
Finding the cheapest
supplies doesn't have to take a lot of time, possibly just a few minutes when
the weekly sales flyers are delivered. These ideas may sound like a lot of work,
but they aren't. You'll be in contact with most of the people we've suggested
anyway, so why not ask a simple question about centerpieces? One final thing to
remember is to have fun. Start early and you will save time and money while
ending up with the centerpieces you want.
