Wedding Freebies and Samples

Local Freebies for Future Newlyweds

Looking for freebies can be difficult when you are planning a wedding. Every vendor seems to have a special list of “extras” that cost an additional fee for adding them to your current package. Depending on your budget, needs and wants, this can be a strategy for saving money on your wedding.

A good place to find local vendors is by attending a bridal expo or show. Usually held at large convention centers, they may cost you a minimal entrance fee. The fee is well worth it for most brides, who have the chance to do the following:

• Visit with local vendors
• Obtain discount codes and coupons for services
• Sign up for prizes and sweepstakes
• Try samples of food, drink and cake
• See the latest wedding fashions

Potentially sidestep the fee by finding affiliated vendors who offer free tickets for visiting their storefronts. Tickets might also be won in radio contests or by registering with local wedding websites.

Attire

Wedding attire is expensive for everyone involved, from the bride to the groom to the bridal party. Inquire at bridal shops about minimum purchases; sometimes, a free veil or piece of jewelry is included with a purchase over a particular amount. Boutiques may have an agreement with local tuxedo shops and offer a free groom’s tux if you purchase the dress at that salon.

Not only are the bride and groom racking up big bills, but the bridal party can be left with empty wallets, too. Check into whether or not you qualify for a free groomsman tux rental or bridesmaid dress with the purchase of a particular amount. Then, split the amount evenly between your friends and family as a way to save money for everyone.

Photography

Photographers often include freebies for spending a certain amount. Sometimes booking during a special can result in a good free deal, too. Look for free items such as:

• Album with photo purchase of a particular number/price
• Free wall portrait with purchase
• Engagement photos free after putting wedding deposit down
• Anniversary photo session free, one year after wedding

Food and Drink

Food and drink often takes up a large portion of the wedding budget. Ask around about free deals, like free appetizers with the purchase of meal plans over a particular amount. Bakers might offer free samples of cake during tasting sessions, or even a small groom’s cake with the purchase of certain tiered wedding cakes.

Thirsty dancers at a reception can wind up drinking up a big chunk of change. Check into vendors that offer free soda, juice and other non-alcoholic beverages with their services.

Wedding Freebies and Samples Online

Doing a quick Internet search will result in a number of money saving websites that have wedding freebie links. Visit Absolutely Freebies to find links to various wedding vendors advertising free sweepstakes entries, products, samples, catalogs and more. Related coupons and shopping sites are also listed. Killer Freebies has a long listing of freebies, from magazines to gifts to planning books.

Brides and grooms should check out free product samples of the more expensive items they plan to purchase online. Fabric swatches are usually free, as are invitation cardstock samples. Some places might even offer favor samples. If no information can be found on the website, email them directly regarding a free sample of their product. Many will be happy to oblige couples who want to do business with them.

Sign up online to receive the following freebies:

• Resource Guide for Web Savvy Brides: Learn how to make the most of your budget with this free 16-tool download.
• MagnetStreet Weddings: Fill out the catalog and sample request form to get them for free.
• Welcome Wagon’s Bridal Showcase: Canadian brides and one guest can get free admission to their local Bridal Showcase.
• EZ Wedding Planner: A wedding planner for free that tracks guests, gifts, payments, plans and more.
• eWedding: Sign up to create a free wedding website. Be careful not to register for their packages that cost extra.

Keep in mind that regular product samples can be of use in a wedding, too. For example, brides may want to get lotion samples and other beauty aids to try before the big day. Find listings like this and more on almost every freebie website.

Celebration Wedding and Gift Registry Freebies

Wedding registries are quickly becoming the norm for most couples who plan to marry. Not only do they give guests a guide for choosing gifts, but they offer the future Mr. and Mrs. some additional perks.

Celebration Wedding and Gift Registry offers two categories of rebates: gifts with registry and gifts with completion. Read the downloadable forms and instructions for full details of each offer. Stores included in the Wedding Royalty Gifts Rebate Center include:

• Bon-Ton
• Bergner’s
• Boston Store
• Carson Pirie Scott
• Elder-Beerman
• Herberger’s
• Younkers

Brands included in the various gift items include Calphalon, Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Lenox, Mikasa, Waterford and more. Current free gifts range from serving sets to cutlery to cookware.

LoveToKnow Weddings

Visit LoveToKnow Weddings to find plenty of free resource articles. Destination weddings, dresses, etiquette, trends, decorations and expert interviews are all offered to readers for free.