She Strengthens

Smart Savings on Engagement Photos and Invitations

When it comes to planning a wedding, every little expense adds up quickly. One area where you can easily cut costs is on engagement photos and invitations. By taking a DIY approach, you can save a significant amount of money without sacrificing quality.

Take Control of Your Engagement Photos

Forget about hiring a professional photographer and instead, take matters into your own hands. If you have a DSLR camera, use it! If not, borrow one from a friend or rent one online. Find a friend willing to take your photo, and make sure you have good lighting. Take plenty of shots – you’ll want options to choose from. And don’t worry if it’s not a lavish photo shoot; the goal is to capture your love, not win a photography award.

Harness the Power of Creative Friends

Reach out to friends with design skills and ask for their help. Many creatives would be happy to lend a hand, especially if you’re willing to return the favor in the future. If you’re tackling design and photo editing yourself, websites like Picadilo, Fotor, or PicMonkey can make the process easier.

Print Smart, Not Hard

Use online printing services like Moo, Overnight Prints, or Printaholic, which offer downloadable guidelines, PDF proofs, and often run deals and accept coupon codes. Opt for front/back postcards instead of traditional fold-open invitations, which can save you a pretty penny.

Order Wisely

Don’t fall into the trap of ordering too many invitations. Calculate your guest list carefully and order only what you need. Remember, each couple and family only needs one invitation. And, make sure to order in advance to avoid expedited shipping fees.

Add a Personal Touch

Address your invitations by hand and stamp them yourself. It may take some time, but it’s a small price to pay for the savings. By taking a DIY approach, you can save money and allocate it towards more important things – like your honeymoon, dress, or favors.

The Bottom Line

By following these tips, you can save a significant amount of money on engagement photos and invitations. For example, I was able to get everything done for just $55! With a little creativity and effort, you can achieve similar results and make your wedding planning process more affordable.