Dear DIY Bride: My fiance and I are on a tight budget for our May 2011 wedding. We are considering approaching a local restaurant, DJ, and photographer to see if they’ll consider swap their services for advertising at our wedding. Is there a best way to do this? What advertising is best (mention in our programs, signs displayed on tables)? [Original question edited for clarity.]
Answer: The short answer is that there’s no way to tactfully ask for strangers to fund any part of your wedding. Etiquette-ly speaking this falls directly into the land of “Do NOT do this” .
The long answer? Nothing makes vendors bristle more than being asked for to work for no pay – and rightfully so. Why do you think these vendors should fund your wedding? This isn’t a sarcastic question; it’s an honest one. Unless it’s a charity event or you’re a mega-celebrity with huge press coverage at your wedding, there’s really no upside for them. They may get minimal exposure at your event and might get future business but that probably won’t compensate them for what they’re investing which is their time, resources, employee pay, supplies, insurance costs, overhead and reputation.
You can have an amazing wedding on a tight budget and without sacrificing your dignity. I encourage you to look into things like cutting back your guest list, fun-but-offbeat wedding venues, eBay or second-hand gowns, and potluck receptions (or culinary schools for discount catering) to help save some cash.
Best of luck to you!
