Do you want to get married but worried about the cost? Fear not, the wedding of your dreams need not break the bank. Barnardos’ Wedding specialist Bernadette Harrington has researched the market and compiled her Top Tips to get the best bang for your wedding buck.
Following even just a few of Bernadette’s Top Tips could make all the difference as the money you saved on, for example, buying your wedding dress at Barnardos which you may only wear once, can be used towards your honeymoon or your wedding rings which you will have forever.
1. Research, Research Research – sure you get at least 3-5 quotes for everything and compare them to get the best deal.
2. Set a budget and keep to it
3. There is no need to spent thousands on a designer wedding dress. Visit one of Barnardos Bridal Rooms in either Dun Laoghaire or Carlow town to take advantage of their beautiful brand new wedding gowns retailing at a fraction of their high street price. The gowns, which are donated by wholesalers and retailers are available from â‚ ¬250. Sizes range from 8 -18+ and the friendly staff are also on hand to offer advice and help. An added benefit is that your money will fund Barnardos work with children & families. – Now that’s what I call money well spent
4. Think about hiring clothing for the groom, best man and bridesmaids
5. You can make your own stationary including invites, booklets and table place names. Visit www.diyweddings.ie for some great ideas.
6. Regarding photography, if a friend of yours is a photographer, ask them to take the main photos as a wedding present and then leave disposable cameras on the tables so that your guests can take silly snaps you otherwise may not see!
7. Venue wise :
1. If you want to use a hotel ask about booking your reception mid week to cut costs and avoid booking any time around New Year or Valentine’s Day as prices tend to increase at these times
2. For the meal, try a buffet instead of 3 courses or a set menu of two courses
8. Book a DJ instead of a band or upload your favourite music on to your Ipod and have your guests dance their hearts out to your play list instead
9. Gifts -
1. Barnardos’ Wedding favours – Instead of sugar coated almonds or chocolates for your guests on your special day, present them with a really thoughtful gift by making a donation to Barnardos on their behalf? Barnardos can provide you with tent cards for all the tables at your wedding reception informing your guests about your donation to Barnardos on their behalf
2. Invite your guests to make a donation to a charity of your choice as your wedding gift
3. If you have an item in mind ask for a donation towards it or ask parents to gift the photographer, flowers or food
4. Alternatively, you can ask for a gift of money towards the cost of the wedding or your honey moon
The secret to looking stunning on your big day for less†¦
The two Barnardos Bridal Rooms have proved hugely successful over the past year with many new brides eager to save cash yet not have to compromise on the most important aspect of the big day: looking gorgeous.
Barnardos Bridal Rooms have stores located in Dun Laoghaire and Carlow are filled with stunning brand new designer wedding dresses that have been donated by top bridal retailers, wholesalers and designers and are now being sold for a fraction of their previous retail cost.
Every bride to be that visits the boutique is treated to an individual consultation with the store manager who can professionally advise and help them to find their dream gown. There are sizes and styles to fit every one and a wide range of accessories.
The stock is kept up to date with many designers donating seasonally so it is easy to find styles that track up to date catwalk trends.
Prices start from â‚ ¬250, the proceeds of which go directly to Barnardos, funding projects that work with children and families in Ireland whose well being is under threat.
Buying your wedding dress at Barnardos Bridal Rooms is one more fabulous way to make you feel great on your wedding day. Not only are you looking your most beautiful, you have also saved money that could have been put towards adding more friends or family to the guest list or upgrading the honeymoon, and you personally have given Barnardos much needed support that will help to give venerable children in Ireland a better future.
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Brand New Bridal A: Barnardos Shop, George’s street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
(Please note, the shop is on George’s St., Dun Laoghaire, not Dublin city centre. Two public transport options include the 46A bus route from the city centre or the Dart)
T: 01 280 1246
Bridal Room and Boutique A: Barnardos Bridal Room and Boutique, 48 Dublin Street, Carlow
(Now only an hour’s drive from Dublin)
T: 059 9132918
Please visit – www.barnardos.ie/bridal
