September 30 marks the annual National Save Your Photos Day, reminding us all to take extra care in preserving all the precious moments we capture each day in pictures. If you are prepping for a wedding, chances are you are not only thinking of how best to store your pictures, but also the best ways to save on shots from your special day. Follow our easy guide and you'll be on your way to great pictures and invitations without breaking the bank.
Invitations
DIY Online
Pricey wedding invitations are quickly becoming a thing of the past. With a plethora of options for designing and customizing your own invitations online, there are a bounty of deals to be found. We love Shutterfly, which makes it easy to personalize your own photo invites in a variety of templates. Even better, right now Shutterfly is offering 40% off wedding invitations, and 5 free samples. Other great go-tos include vistaprint, with invites starting as low as $.39, as well as Wedding Paper Divas, also offering shoppers a great deal at 40% off.
Go Paperless
Do something good for the earth, and for your wallet, and go paperless. Paperless Post is a favorite for creating custom wedding invites for free to be emailed. If you have some guests who insist on paper invites, no problem. You'll be able to order printed versions if you so desire. This is a great, budget friendly option that will still yield elegant invitations customizable to your unique style.
Photos
Wedding photography doesn't have to break your budget. Have a photographer friend, or know an amateur photographer? Seek them out for your wedding photos. If the photographer in question is already planning on being a guest at your wedding, the photos can make for a perfect gift on their part. Another budget savvy option is to seek out photography students at local schools. These aspiring photographers will often have no fee in exchange for your willingness to have your photos included in their professional portfolios. Interview a handful of candidates to get a feel for their style and experience.
Prints
Instead of selecting photos for the photographer to have printed, cut out the middle man and the savings will be real. Request a cd or a link to the images, and print the photos you want at any time from the comfort of your home, or FedEx. You'll have plenty of time to decide, and you'll be saving a bundle.