Lesson Learned: Full Price is Just a Suggestion

(Cue corny voice)
This is the first in a (hopefully) multi-part series called Lesson Learned.  I hope these tips help future brides during the wedding planning process.

I knew this from Day One but it keeps reappearing in the planning process.  The majority of the planning has to do with securing services from vendors for which you are mostly paying for their time.  Time does not have a price tag and some think that their hourly rate is worth much more than others.  This is up to you, the hirer, to decide.  In the process of making this decision, whatever you do, DO NOT accept their first proposal.  Time, while valuable, is also incredibly negotiable!

I'm also learning that items, other than services, are also worth bargaining for.  Example #1: my wedding dress purchased online.

I don't know if you know, but...

Like, seriously, love it.  (Ever watched Extreme Couponing? OMG!)

So here's the Bridal Party Attire Story:
The Groom knew exactly what he wanted to wear and exactly how he wanted the Groomsmen to look.
The Bride had no idea what she wanted the bridesmaids to wear as long as they look pretty :)
The Groom scouted out his preference, signed up for the email list and patiently waited for the right time to buy.
The Bride scoured websites, walked through the mall and not-so-patiently worried about finding the perfect dresses.
The Groom's time came over the weekend.
The Bride's moment arrived yesterday.
The Groom entered his favorite suit shop, coupon in hand (err, signs in the store), and purchased - not rented - SIX suits at the cost of Buy ONE Get TWO Free.
The Bride created an account on the discount designer flash sale website and purchased FIVE Vera Wang dresses at 55% off.
The Groom walked away with $2,202 in savings.
The Bride logged off with $605 in savings.

Not too shabby.

(I'm pretty excited about this, can you tell?!)