When are wedding discounts really a bargain?

October 23, 10:28 PMHouston Bridal Scene ExaminerJan Cancila

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Sashes applied in a uniform manner. This bride was very happy!

If you are planning your wedding, budget concerns probably rank right at the top of your list along with finding that perfect dress. A wedding cost estimator is a great tool to help with wedding finances, but the estimators may be a little behind in reflecting the current spate of discounts we are finding in almost every category of wedding expense. In many cases, deep discounts are being offered on the very products and services you want and need such as florals, photography, catering and linens.

This can be a real boon to the bride on a budget – and face it, what bride isn’t on a budget these days? Please be careful, though. These discounts may also be cause for heart ache if you don’t go into the deal with your eyes and ears open.

    Closeup of 'Bargain' chair cover and sash

 With every discount comes fine print and/or trade offs. Read all agreements carefully. If you are offered a verbal discount, ask to have the details in writing so you are clear what is and isn’t covered, when the offer expires and what you may have to do in return to get the discount.

If you know the right questions to ask you are less likely to be surprised. The offers are in big bold print. The caveats are in teeny, tiny print, such as:

• Deep discount for using the less popular or outdated items
• Flat rate pricing for using a limited, lower end offerings
• Good price, good selection, poor service
• Good price, good selection, poor quality
• Deep discount, bigger deposit
• Deep discount, limited dates available for services

Chair covers before two events - one was supposed to be a bargain

 Each bride must decide for herself the value of the discount. While it may seem fulfilling to be able to fit everything you want into the wedding budget, step back and think. In reality, no one can afford everything they want. We have worked with brides who spent more than a million dollars on their weddings, and even they had to compromise in a few areas. Look at value. It is better to have fewer items on your wish list or lower your guest count to maximize the quality of what you do have. See the photos in this article. One bride paid a little more for her linens. The bride who rented the bargain linens got what she paid for but not what she wanted nor expected. It's pretty easy to tell which is which, isn't it?

It is up to you to decide what you value. It's only when you get what you expect at a price better than you planned that you've gotten a real bargain. Happy and careful bargain hunting!

 Jan Cancila is the owner of The Linen House and the Houston Bridal Scene Examiner.  Readers of this article may also enjoy:

• How much will this wedding cost?
• Weddings 101: What does wedding insurance cover?
• Finding the perfect wedding chapel in Houston