Re-selling 101

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Do you have items in your home you no longer use or clothing you have not worn in quite some time? Re-selling is a great way to make money from the comfort of your own home. Some moms are earning full-time income re-selling from home. 

If re-selling virtually isn’t your thing; try joining your local re-selling communities such as with VarageSale. I prefer re-selling online as I feel it’s more convenient for me. You could even do a mix of both.

 Having the flexibility to set my own hours and be my own boss is a great fit for me. The harder I work; the more I earn. It came down to consistency and finding great deals. I did make some mistakes in the beginning but at least I never lost a lot of money or bought things I could not eventually re-sell compared to other business ideas I tried that costed me thousands on inventories or business "kits."

I enjoy giving life to new items like children's gear, handbags, clothing; or finding new homes for cute interior decor items. Shopping for cool stuff; then re-selling it later could be in the future for you if you decide selling some things you already have is fun or worthwhile for you. 

Give it a try but it is NOT easy for most. I find it more of a numbers game; the more I post weekly...the more I earn.  If you want ten sales daily; post at least ten items daily. Your listings go up, you get more experience, and you learn what sells the best.

 I like to re-sell items like shoes, clothes, and toys my child has outgrown...they get so big so even paying full-price for baby and toddler items isn't something I enjoy. That is another reason I love spots like Kidizen or Once Upon A Child. I can re-sell items. 

Once Upon A Child is more of a cash upfront spot. You bring in gently-used brands they accept and they will offer you cash on the spot or a trade offer. You may have a location near you. There are mixed reviews from moms I chat with about Once Upon A Child. They can be picky but I understand; they get so many things so just cannot accept everything. 

Clothes Mentor is a buy, sell, trade spot for women's clothing too. I still feel as if I make way more re-selling on my own but some people like my mom are shorter on time and prefer to use this method when its time to clean her closet out. Or she gives her items to me to sell :) 

Not able to find things to sell on your own? Ask friends and family if they have garage-sale leftovers or items you can have for your new reselling small-business or hobby. I started off doing this for fun in order to get rid of items I hadn't worn in a year or more. Now I am able to have extra money for gas and groceries. 

When it comes to selling anything; I make sure it is gently-used and in good condition. This will save you time and it wasn't profitable for me trying to sell items no one would want...such as things with a hole or fading on it. Perhaps a handbag with a tiny mark wouldn't be a big deal; but post detailed descriptions with the flaw and include an image. 

I just like to use my own best judgment. I would not waste time re-selling something with a hole or visible flaws. A customer may complain or it just would probably sit a long time. Not saying people do not buy items with defects; it just varies on what you're selling I suppose. A luxury pair of shoes may still sell if a scuff mark is on the bottom where no one will see. I do make sure my items are clean and as wrinkle-free as possible these days. 

I like Kidizen for children's re-selling. Clothing moms wear; including maternity can be re-sold there. It is a great spot to shop also if you are a parent or grandparent who loves shopping deals. I love buying and selling clothing bundles; they are great for play clothing or back-to-school time. 

EBay, Mercari, and Poshmark tend to be what a lot of re-sellers who sell full-time use. I think most people will find the most luck with EBay due to its huge audience and popularity of course. Poshmark is my favorite because it seems super community-based and they have an optional yearly event called PoshFest with training. 

The reason I recommend Poshmark and find it my favorite is their shipping. I can get free priority flat rate boxes to ship my orders. This saves me so much money on postage, tape, and more while running a re-selling side-business. That stuff adds up so I do not get burnt out using Poshmark even if my sales aren't as high as if I posted the same stuff on other platforms. With other platforms I am paying for bubble wrap, poly mailers, and a shipping scale came in handy for more accurate shipping pricing. 

A wonderful spot for selling wedding gowns would be StillWhite. Be sure to let your friends getting married know about this site; a bride-to-be can save hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars purchasing a consigned gown. Who knows? A lady may also want to consign her dress after the wedding day. Queenly has attire for brides, wedding guests, and those parties like a bachelorette celebration. Why not find something for a good deal?

Why would people buy the stuff you may want to sell? Many are looking for good deals or unique items. Some people may even live in areas without much shopping options so love consignment or boutique-style shopping online.

When you do start re-selling try to take your images in good lighting or open a window next to you during the day time to take advantage of natural lighting. Now I include measurements on most of my clothing listings but it is not something I did at first. When you get an order; ship promptly and try to get great reviews. It helps with future sales when users see nice reviews. I include a thank-you card with my orders and wrap them in white tissue paper. 

I also enjoy fashion blogging as a supplemental income. If re-selling is just not your thing but you love fashion or writing; look into it HERE. Basically fashion bloggers can post fashion and accessories they love or brands they want to promote. Some gain sponsorships or use strictly affiliate marketing with fashion brands.

You do not have to use blogging or social media to promote your listings but I find it helps if you are doing this more long-term. Many platforms allow you to share listings on social media platforms; so why not? 

You probably wonder where re-sellers get items to sell once they run out of items of their own. Well; you can budget and re-invest in your business by finding deal days at second-hand shops. You may want to try garage sales or outlet bins thrift shops have. Everyone has different places in their area...or not much of a variety. If you do not have thrift shops with low deals (I try getting items around $1 a piece if you're newer) then you may have to drive to other cities.

A lot of thrift shops near me aren't so cheap so I only get items I think I could profit over $10 on. Many choose items that profit them at least $20-$30. I just get items I like and feel like I could sell fast. Sometimes I am shocked at what sells and what takes quite awhile to do on. 

Some re-selling platforms do allow you to make offers and bundling-style deals on them so just take time to play around, see what others are posting, and take images in clean areas when you begin.

 Each company has their own rules, policies, and items they accept. I suggest not just using one; and trying two or three to post on. Start with posting 3 items a day then adding more. If you want to do this full-time; try posting 20-30 items daily. 

To help prevent re-seller burn-out; do not purchase a lot of items if you already have tons you need to get photographed and listed. Just because you think it will sell; it may not for awhile so do not go overboard with shopping for your re-selling business. 

When it comes to my thrifting technique; I tend to wait until I find those special deals like thrift shops with half-off days. I think brands like Victoria's Secret or formal wear sells best for me. I cannot usually find those items under $1 but I do tend to make more profit selling more popular brands. 

Just because something is mall-store brands does not mean it will not sell either. For awhile I was selling a lot of those styles. Sure the profit was lower than selling designer bags but it was all I could find at the time and in my budget. You'll learn what works for you and what sells best for you overtime if you pay attention.

If you come across vintage items, band concert merch,  or cool graphic tees you may want to try spots like DePop. 

Another thing I did once I started re-selling a lot more was join a fitness center, make sure I got outside plenty, started listening to thrifting podcasts, and learned more time management skills.

 It does not have to be overwhelming if you perhaps choose to list or source for new items Monday through Friday from noon to five versus every single day without breaks. That is hard for me but I am doing so much better. I do not feel as bad anymore when I take an off day; but sometimes when you find something so cute; you get excited to post it! :)

If you are a mom and later down the road start earning enough extra income; for a sitter to help out a few hours a week while you thrift; it could be helpful. This is not necessary but just an idea if you just happen to grow a larger re-selling business and it would help you out some. Especially for single parents or to do something nice for yourself if you need to go to a salon or make a post office run.

I do not think you even need a car to ship on Poshmark since you can set up those services where you get shipping boxes sent to you and your deliveries picked up. Another reason I always recommend Poshmark. 

Some re-sellers like to brand their online shops with cute color schemes for example. Or perhaps a logo for their seller profiles but I would not worry so much about that if you are new to this or just trying it out. 

A beginner re-seller should possibly focus on listing and learning what sells well for them. If you spend too much time "training," and creating this perfect space; you are wasting time on not really beginning or making the money you could be by listing. 

Re-selling as a hobby, part, or full-time may not be for everyone and I totally understand. My ideas may not work for the next but this is my own personal experience so far. I genuinely love fashion and have tried a lot of other work at home ideas. I find re-selling more fun and overall my cup of tea. 

Fashion re-selling is not easy. Many people choose to sell things that are not clothing-related such as electronics or only coffee mugs. I'd think with any shop or boutique; there are slower sales weeks at times and you can not make everyone happy. 

All I can do is my very best and provide amazing customer service for my customers who shop from my online pre-loved shops. No business or job is perfect but I enjoy shopping; and I get to profit a bit from it. My goal is to make full-time income although I just restarted after taking years off thinking I would enjoy a regular job better. Fashion just seems to be my passion I learned after time.

If you prefer other things to do while you re-sell; I have heard of moms grocery shopping for families, baby equipment rentals, teaching virtually, or baby-sitting occasionally. Since I aim to be a full-time reseller I stick to mainly Poshmark so I can avoid traffic more and spend more time at time. It seems to be easy if you are already busy with other tasks like other business ventures, children, school, or homeschooling for example. 

When it comes to getting paid; each platform varies. Many pay via check, venmo, direct deposit, and/or pay-pal. It is a good idea to keep track of your monthly expenses or print out statements if you have them such as monthly reports from Poshmark. 

Happy Re-selling!

EBay

Depop.

Curtsy App

Wedding Gowns

Current Boutique

 

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3 apps to find experienced baby-sitters and nannies

Could your family benefit from a reliable and trustworthy baby-sitter or nanny? Wouldn't it be so nice to find someone you can trust in order for you do to more things such as self-care, travel, or your career goals this year?

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Here are my top pick, second, and third recommendations for finding experienced baby-sitters in your area. Having baby-sitters you know in the area make occasional date nights, working from home, or relaxation more possible. It is nice for Summer months when some children are out of school or to just get some grocery shopping or housework done interrupted. 

I wanted to share the companies I use and love for baby-sitting and nanny searches. When you spot a baby-sitter who seems like a good it; I have some suggestions. It is good to read their profiles well, schedule a phone call, then meet in a public and busier spot. I think it is great to have a couple baby-sitters that you interview and meet in case your main or current sitter moves one day, is busy or needs a free day in the future. 

All I have suggested I have used and felt that were great; just in their own way. The first choice of mine is because I think they tend to have less fees it seems than some services and more perks. The second is probably the most popular, and my third favorite still has cool options, and an easy-to-use app.

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Finding a family photographer

 

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Are you searching for a photographer to capture timeless photographs for your family? Is it time to update your children's photographs? I have a wonderful company you may find useful to share with you. 

Best of all...apparently you can do a FREE photo session! You would just pay for the images you like.  

I like how on Thumbtack; you can read reviews of photographers PLUS the number of times they've actually been hired from the site. You can see their reviews and a profile of them as well which makes it more personable. 

Ever heard of Flytographer? They seem to have some talented photographers you may consider booking with; even if you are on a vacation. I hope you find a wonderful photographer to capture your incredible memories for you. I hope this blog helped you or let you know about some companies you have not heard of before. 

10 work-from-home job ideas for moms...and scams to avoid!

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   Have you been considering working from home? How would you like to find a way to generate additional income from the comfort of your very own home; without purchasing products or doing those home parties? I was beginning to think it was not even possible unless I wanted to do some form of telemarketing or sales. Now I am pleased to say; there are actually quite a bit of legitimate career opportunities from home. And the opportunities are growing more than ever as employers are learning and reaping the benefits of hiring remote workers.

   You have probably seen plenty of work at home and telecommuting job ads; yet wondered if they were too good to be true. Unfortunately; there are a lot of scams on the internet preying on vulnerable moms hoping to find a way to supplement their family's income. 

    Chances are you have also received one of those cringe-worthy cold messages on social  from an old acquaintance that reads something like, "Hey hun," "Join my team," or the infamous "Become a boss babe!" Some may label these as companies known as multi-level marketing companies or pyramid schemes. Beware of these predatory business models in which prey on women, single moms, military spouses, and those already in either debt or dealing with addiction. Especially shopping addiction... 

    Recently I stumbled upon the docuseries LulaRich and the podcast 'Life After MLM with Robera Blevins; a former top-seller with the controversial multi-level marketing company, LulaRoe. Upon doing more research; I noticed Discover + came out with a binge-worthy series titled, 'The Rise and Fall of LulaRoe.' I was a customer of many multi-level marketing companies and loved supporting friends who were a part of them. I found out many are based out of Utah, some have plenty of ongoing lawsuits...and many sue their former sales consultants if they speak out about their personal experiences. 

   I spent hours upon hours studying videos from content creators such as CC Suarez and Not The Good Girl. Intriguing was an understatement. In these docuseries and podcasts; you will hear countless stories and information regarding people who have lost everything from money to marriages while involved in multi-level marketing. Some refer to MLM as "Moms losing money." Everyone has a different experience when trying direct sales or network marketing; my advice is to just do your due diligence. 

   In no way am I saying do not try an opportunity that seems worthwhile to you. It could just be easier and cheaper than you think to invest in your own real business versus paying for gas to and from home parties, order forms, hostess rewards, trade show booths, and, inventories. Instead, you could have your very own online boutique; even if you have to start small or try drop-shipping until you learn the ins and outs. 

   These days; you can learn so much just by finding videos on Youtube or Skillshare. If you are into beauty; think about starting a mobile spray-tanning business. Some states such as Oklahoma currently do not require any cosmetology licensing to run this service. You can find an accountant for tax advice and check out irs.gov for ideas on licensing and permits information you may need for business ideas. 

    For legal advice; consult with an attorney and do not be afraid to ask questions. It is best to find someone who specializes in small-business ownership, and you may have a friend that can give you a referral. If business or finance is your thing; think about obtaining an insurance or real estate license. You may also think about starting your own business-consulting business, notary service, or doing taxes for others. 

    Companies such as Career Tech offers portable courses in which you can train at your own pace. If you are a military spouse; you may qualify for a certain military spouse scholarship called the Military Career Advancement Account. 

   A red flag to watch out for are companies that do not mention their company name in their advertising. They do this for several reasons; one being they do not want you to google the company and find bad reviews, law suits...or have you join one of their fellow consultants. 

   Another red flag are companies that require those hefty start-up costs or product starter kits. Sure; all real businesses will have investments but why not just invest in your own real business? I used to be the girl who shopped, supported and sold for multi-level marketing companies. …You name it; I have supported and tried it. It was a huge part of my lifestyle and family's life. If I was not on a team training call, I was doing vendor shows on the weekends.

   Starter kits, catalogs, demo products, business cards, postage, shipping supplies, inventories, replicated website fees...the costs begin to add up so fast. At any time a multi-level marketing company can go out of business, cancel your contract or change their policies. This alone proves again; consultants are not business owners since anyone with a social security number can sign up as a downline team member. 

  Ready to find a flexible work-from-home job position or a home based business that you can do in your spare time? You may even prefer something that gets you out of the house several hours a week; the adult-interaction is so helpful for many current stay at home parents. You may want to go ahead and create a resume for your job search if starting a business is not for you right now....or ever. There is nothing wrong with that! Lately, I have noticed companies such as Dell, Fiverr, Remote Year, and VistaPrint often offer remote careers to apply for. 

   Some pretty common ways some busy moms can earn extra money would be Uber, Lyft, Pet-Sitting, Substitute teaching or re-selling fashion and home goods. 

   When searching for job opportunities; keywords to search for are remote and telecommuting. Luckily more and more employers are learning the benefits of hiring at home employees. Working from home is so beneficial for my family because I can earn supplemental income~

1. Do you enjoy working with children? If so; applying for a position as a baby-sitter, coach, or nanny may be a great fit for you. Have a passion for teaching? Apply to become an English teacher or tutor. You can also apply to get paid for creating lesson plans and content for students with companies such as Outschool. If you are currently homeschooling; you may be already doing such tasks. Tinkergarten is a unique teaching opportunity in which you can help children learn with nature-based play. Sometimes they even offer remote opportunities. 
2. Enjoy organizing or cleaning? Housekeepers are in high-demand and you can generally set your own rate and hours. 
3. If you consider yourself quite creative; you may have considered starting a mom blog or vlog about a niche you enjoy. Some common ones are cooking, travel and parenting. Many mom's create digital and printable documents to sell on popular sites such as Etsy.
4. Recently I learned about Shoott which is a woman-owned business for photographers. You can check out their Today show segment; here. Another option for gaining photography clients is applying as a photographer with Flytographer.
5. Some companies such as Live OP's, Alorica, UHAUL, and 1800 Flowers often hires remote customer service representatives whether seasonal, part, or full-time.  
6. Are you pretty computer savvy? Why not start your own virtual assistance or book keeping business from home? You can begin this business with minimal expenses and can work from your smart phone if you choose. The great thing about this line of work is that you can pick and choose services you choose to offer. Copywriting not your thing? Perhaps Pinterest management could be your specialty. Honeybook is great for contracts, templates and invoices.
7. Do you love fitness and all things wellness-related? Many moms made extra money teaching fitness classes such as mommy and me classes, Pilates and yoga. If you want to take it a step further; personal training or developing your own fitness brand just may be something you will excel at. The industry does seem saturated but then again...there is a Wal-Mart and McDonald's everywhere and they still get business. I think they key is just not doing any business solely for money. It is best to stick to something you are passionate about; therefore helping preventing you from that all-too-common "burn-out" feeling. With any industry; you will have to work typically harder as an entrepreneur and building your own brand people can know and trust. 
8. Have friends and family ever came to you in hopes you can help plan the details for a baby shower, wedding or event? Have you been told you are fantastic when it comes to planning parties? I know I enjoy doing these types of things and it is always more fun than overwhelming for me to plan my child's birthdays and think ways to make holidays more memorable. Why not start your own event and/or wedding planning services? If dealing with brides would not be for you; you can stick to children's parties or corporate events solely.
9. Do you have an amazing story that could help others? Self-publish your own book or look into motivational speaking. A lot of people hire life coaches to even help them with their new business ventures or deal with milestones in their lives. To grow your business; you can join local networking groups and your local Chamber of Commerce. 
10. Interested in grocery shopping or personal shopping for others? Would food-delivery be something you would be able to do in your free time? Some of these gigs are flexible and often times; you can bring your children along. Try Instacart, Shipt, or DoorDash. 
11. If you are already on social media, blogging, creating content, or have a large following...check out Buy Me A Coffee.
12. Some people are making thousands of dollars per month live streaming and selling content. No; it is not like that anymore. You do not have to do things like nudity. You can do whatever you want to do! Fitness, cooking, art,...you name it! You must be over age 18. Learn more here. 
13. Did you know you can make extra money if you have space to let pets use the area for a rest or potty area. Learn more here.

Hopefully this guide gave you some ideas on ways you can begin earning extra income from home. Working from home for me has so many advantages such as more time freedom for myself and I like being able to make my own company rules, policies and schedule. There are plenty of inexpensive businesses you can begin; you just need to believe in yourself. Starting a business is not for everyone; I love just being a stay at home mom these days and doing hobbies that make some money. 

While browsing the internet recently I even ran across a company in which you can get paid for doing laundry for others. Apparently, there are quite a few neat ways to make extra money. 

Personally; I chose blogging as a way to make money and still be a stay at home mom. I was so not interested in working outside the home any more since I would end up paying child care costs, visiting coffee shops more often, spending more money on gas each week...I think I will stick to working in my pajamas.

I really applaud all parents; no matter where or how they choose to work. So what if you just want to be a stay at home mom and soak up all the giggles, tantrums and everything in between. There is nothing wrong with without at home...or outside of the home. As long as you are doing something you enjoy or truly happy and doing what is best for your family! Until next time! 

Work from home as a call center agent for Fortune 500 companies

Some companies such as Disney, Carnival Cruise Lines and more offer work from home positions for customer support agents. 

There are various companies to select to work from with this platform and it is great if you want something super flexible. 

Use referral code 4132422 to arise.com.

Start a blog that makes money with these 3 simple steps!

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Did you know that some bloggers are earning thousands of dollars per week from the comfort of their homes? Have you ever wondered how exactly do bloggers make money? Then you are in the right place! I have been blogging for years and wanted to share my knowledge and tips. You can start your very own blog in these easy steps; it is way easier than you probably think. 

1. Choose a blog niche; which will be what you want to blog mostly about. Even if you have a fashion blog...you still may post things about travel here and there so do not get so stressed about sticking to one niche. This just helps you know your target audience. Maybe you would like to start a crafting or parenting blog? What is a topic you could go on and on about? Do you love cooking and sharing recipes? Recipes seem to always be a great blog niche and topic.

2. Next go ahead and think about a blog name. Maybe something catchy? Perhaps something that goes along with the main niche you will blog about. 

3. You will now want to get started by getting hosting and a domain name for your blog. Blogging can be a very affordable business to start. I invested very little for what I have the potential to profit and have earned thus far.

To create images for your blog and social media posts; try using Canva. It is pretty popular amongst bloggers and content creators. I like making pins for each blog post I write; then pinning them on Pinterest and my social media platforms. 

When you do start blogging; you will want to be consistent. I never spent money on courses to learn how to blog; it was a lot of learning and experimenting for myself. I wrote blog posts; then shared them with others. Then I joined affiliate programs to monetize my blog. Some affiliate programs do accept smaller blogs, and some did not accept me until I grew my traffic and they have seen I was more consistent. That is okay! Your niche also just may not be what some advertisers are looking for; regardless; you can find plenty of companies who accept micro-influencers or those just starting. 

You do have to add disclosures when you are promoting products, doing sponsored posts, and being involved in affiliate marketing ads. You can find out how to do all that easily for free before you publish your first blog post. I would then spend all your time pinning your posts to Pinterest to gain more views. Pinterest is like a visual search engine and some people's happy space for a bit. That is why I suggest positing things with fun, catchy headlines that sound motivational or helpful to them.

When it does come to promoting on social media; I like to focus on just two platforms mainly. I do have accounts on more than two platforms for my blogging business but I put my energy mainly into two as to not spread myself too thin...resulting in mastering nothing! Another lesson learned....so learn from me. Focus on the platforms that are generating the most traffic for you; your blog analytics and stats can show you that on your dashboard area upon login.

Having a newsletter is very important as you can actually keep up with your followers and not just have them visit your blog once. Bloggers also add additional ads for example to their newsletters. Why just have someone look at your blog once when they can visit monthly? 

You can always get an accountant once your business starts growing and to prepare for taxes. I also love using Honeybook for contracts with sponsors, templates, and more.

Some bloggers enjoy fun add-on's to their blogs that generate more extra cash; such as Buy Me A Coffee.

You do not have to be a "perfect" writer. You can be yourself and type as you are talking to a friend. Stay consistent and do not give up! Happy Blogging!

A Fabulous Opportunity To Teach Online

  

 Have you been considering teaching children virtually online? Are you able to create curriculums for young learners? Would you enjoy teaching but doing so from wherever you are? With this company; You will even be able to select your pricing and experience is not required. 

Some people may not necessarily have formal experience teaching in a classroom but still are spectacular at teaching certain subjects and speaking on numerous topics. In addition to flexibility; you will be able to teach classes on varieties of subjects. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone wanting to make extra income from home or stay-at-home parents who already homeschool. 

Working at home part-time can be beneficial to you if you are wanting to save more money. By teaching children online; you may find you want to do it more on a full-time basis. Background checks are conducted before and if you are hired. You can learn more information or apply HERE. Another company I have found that hires teachers online is Magic Ears.

10+ ways to save money planning your wedding

 

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     Is it beginning to seem stressful planning your upcoming wedding on a smaller budget? Are expenses adding up fast and you are in need of  ideas in order to cut some costs? A common frustration for some couples when wedding planning is staying within the particular budget they have decided upon. 

   Here is a list of over ten ways you can save money while still having the wedding you dream of! We have all heard the same ideas such as eloping instead….but there are other options if you still want to give a traditional wedding a try. The frugal way.

Etsy has plenty of trendy yet affordable wedding dresses, rings, invitations, favors, veils and belts for your gown, linen for the reception, and so much more. You also can help support small-business owners by shopping this way.

1. Do not get overwhelmed just yet!

...Although eloping may end up sounding fantastic at times. If you are not hiring a wedding planner due to cost; why not schedule consultations with event planning professionals that offer complimentary consultations and day-of coordination rates instead. It may work with your budget more where you can afford that type of service instead of no help at all.

Do you have a cousin whose a musician? Is your nephew in a high school band? They may love the experience of performing at your reception. 

    In the beginning of your wedding planning stages I suggest you start pinning wedding inspiration to an idea board and order a planner to take with you to wedding consultations and vendor meetings throughout your planning journey. 

    2. Have you thought about online wedding invitations? Better yet; You can opt to skip save-the-date cards and only send out invitations to guests. A couple of websites some engaged couples use for ordering and creating invitations are Vistaprint and Zazzle. 

Online wedding invitations

   3. Before you purchase your dream wedding dress; search to see if you find the same or similar dress on StillWhite. StillWhite has gently-used wedding gowns which can save you tons of money if your wedding budget is tight. 

   The way I look at it; bridal gowns are probably tried on plenty of times before they are finally sold…so technically they are all gently used…kind of. I love a great bargain on fashion so this website that allows brides to buy and sell wedding gowns is probably my favorite resource to share with brides these days. 

Find bridesmaids dresses under $100

   4. When it comes to alternations; that can take months if businesses are busy. To avoid rush fees and eliminate stress weeks leading up to your big day; try not to procrastinate too much with your alterations. 

    Be careful not to be overcharged by inexperienced large franchises. I have learned working in the bridal industry that some large bridal shop franchises have their new sales associates doing tailoring work and charging brides tons of money on simple fixes. Before getting their quote; go ahead and chat with other alteration shops that usually are more experienced and cheaper. You may end up even getting better service working with a smaller business. 

   5. This is a perfect excuse to go to a bridal fair or two in your area if they are inexpensive or free to attend. Oftentimes the wedding vendors offer the bridal fair attendees deals on services such as alternations and honeymoon vacation inspiration. 

6. Find alternatives to pricey and fancy wedding venues. With the right décor; you can turn some plain spaces into a beautiful wedding ceremony, reception, or party spot for bridal showers. I have seen some museums or wedding venues that are so gorgeous they do not need additional décor.

D.I. Y. Flower Combos

Maybe you have a relative with a huge backyard? Are there community centers in your area or gardens that rent space? The community centers, public gardens, and small event centers in my area are far cheaper than the fancier event venues. Maybe rent an air b&b versus a hotel for out-of-town guests or for getting ready for the wedding. This may save you money but it never hurts to compare costs.

Consider renting pools for wedding showers, bridal showers and celebrations of the sort if using your own home or apartment clubhouse is not an option. Make it a pot-luck style poolside get-together instead of renting expensive hotel meeting rooms or space from large venues. You may have friends who do not mind lending you their living room for your festivities leading up to your big day.

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7.Do not book the first photographer you see...talk to a few first! Search for their reviews and see if their portfolio style is what you like. I have also heard of some photographers offering a complimentary engagement or boudoir session with some of their wedding packages. 

 Sometimes you can find special deals online. There are companies such as Flytographer, Photosesh and Shoott. If you use Shoott for any photo sessions such as an engagement shoot; use promo code: AF3B88C4 for a special offer. 

8.Having a wedding earlier in the day around breakfast or lunch may be cheaper than having dinner and entertaining guests late into the evening. Not having a Saturday wedding can offset costs are certain venues. Especially if you opt for a wedding that is off-season. When couples have weddings around dinner time; there are usually more costs such as the menu rates, cocktails, a DJ and so on. 

9.Limit your guest list to close friends and family. I suggest only inviting people you actually have talked to this year. This does not mean you do not love or care about these people; it just helps to save money and only share your special day with those closest to you currently. It does sound harsh to some but imagine pay $30 a plate for tons of people you do not even speak to much. This happens far too often to couples already in debt planning a wedding. 

Countless brides have regrets about even their wedding party they selected years after they get married; so do not feel bad if you want a smaller guest list. The wedding is for your future spouse and yourself. Not others...so do not feel bad if you cannot invite Susie from elementary school. Many couples have plenty of money but choose to share this very special moment with only those that are super close to them such as their parents, children, and a select few relatives who support them unconditionally.

I always said I could have a luxurious wedding if I only invited about ten people. It would actually be better for me since our menus could be better and I can tend to each guest better throughout the day of the wedding. It would be so overwhelming with hundreds of guests and my wanting to please everyone. You simply can't!

Why not just tell everyone you would love to have them over for a housewarming party in the future but right now you and your future spouse will be having an intimate gathering to recite your vows but are not having a large wedding. Who's to say you will not have a large vow renewal one day instead? You also do not have to explain anything to anyone.

10.Do not forget to find out what you can do yourself craft-wise and compare pricing on veils, centerpieces, florals, table cloths, linens, bouquets, vases, table runners, lighting and even flower girl dresses on Amazon. Maybe only have your bouquet as the real flowers and use silk for the bridesmaid. Perhaps do your own DIY crafts for the reception and centerpieces. You can order quite a bit of party and wedding décor from Dollar stores in bulk. You can re-sell them to a bride-to-be once you are done using these crafts perhaps or on etsy.com, ebay and so on.

Party Rentals such as backdrops, chair covers, up-lighting and more

Learn how to make your own bridal bouquet

Wedding Bouquet Making Supplies

5-Day Photo Booth Rental: $299

11.Skip programs and wedding favors. A lot of wedding guests just end up leaving them behind for more clean-up after the event. Use that money to go towards the honeymoon or the purchase of new furniture when you move in together.

12. Places such as Sam's or Costco can save you money when purchasing jewelry since there will not be a sales person there to hassle you to add more items to your total.

13. Make extra money for your wedding by doing side gigs such as instacart, lyft, pet-sitting, baby-sitting, rent your pool or housekeeping. This can help you with off-setting wedding costs if you can bring in some additional income while planning your wedding. 

Teachers needed! 

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These are nice for temporary side work and there is no-long term commitment if you want to just do it for a few months or while you are engaged. Even a few extra hundred bucks may allow you the ability to afford something special for yourself or the person you are marrying.

The extra money can go towards your savings, wedding planning, honey moon or when you all purchase a new home together one day.

14. Not sure you can afford a bachelorette party or honeymoon get-a-way? Why not rent a day-pass to a nearby resort or hotel instead or a beautiful private pool? It is far better than staying at home I would imagine! 

Some couples never get around to a honeymoon due to lack of funds but you can ask your guests to contribute to a honeymoon fund versus gifts like baking dishes. I have seen it worded on invites that the couple would ask you donate to their honeymoon fund versus gifts. It is pretty common these days and I like the honesty! Of course I would be thankful for whatever gift someone gives me since it is really the thought that counts.

15. Sometimes opting for flowers that are not out of season or flowers such as baby's breath or plain greenery can be cheaper options.

Find bridesmaids dresses under $100

Find gorgeous dresses for your flower girl by clicking here

Ever considered re-selling items on eBay? You can start by cleaning out your own closets and home. Sell shoes, clothing, handbags, books, children's items, and home goods such as coffee mugs if you choose! Learn more information here.

Happy Wedding Planning!