Crafting A Wedding Cape: Monetizing Your Creative Skills

How to Make a Money Cape for a Wedding

In the Philippines, it is customary for guests to pin money on the bride and groom during their first dance, wishing them luck and prosperity. If you're looking to incorporate this tradition into your wedding, here's a guide on how to make a money cape to hold all those pins and notes.

First, you'll need basic sewing skills and supplies like fabric, scissors, and thread. Measure the length of your wedding gown and the widest portion of the skirt. Cut your fabric to match the length, adding a few inches for seams. Fold the fabric, measure the width of the gown, and cut accordingly. Sew a liner using satin fabric and hem the outer edges. Fold the cloak again, line up the top edge, and sew to create a hood. Use your head measurement to determine the neckline, measuring from the hood seam down. Add lace, beads, or trim to match your dress, and use a silk rope and clasp to create a drawstring. Now you're ready to dance the night away and collect some cash!

Make your own bridal cape

A bridal cape is a great addition to a wedding outfit, especially for weddings in the cooler months. Making your own bridal cape is a simple DIY project that can save you a lot of money. You will need basic sewing skills and supplies, which you can find in most craft stores or online. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create your own bridal cape:

Measurements

First, take measurements of your wedding gown. Measure the length of the gown and the width of the skirt at its widest point. Also, measure the height of your head from the base of your spine to the top of your head, considering any headpiece or veil you plan to wear. These measurements will help you cut the fabric to the right size and ensure your cape is the desired length.

Cut the Fabric

Based on your measurements, cut the fabric to match the length of your wedding gown, adding an extra 4 inches for seams. Then, fold the fabric in half and cut it to match the width of the skirt, adding an extra 2 inches for seams. You may need to sew multiple panels of fabric together to achieve the desired width.

Sewing

Choose a satin fabric for the lining and sew it to the main fabric. Hem the outer edges using a 1/2 to 1-inch seam. Then, fold the cloak in half and create a small seam at the top to form a hood.

Neckline

Use your head measurement to determine the neckline of the cloak. Measure the fabric from the hood seam down and sew to create an open seam or loop. This will allow you to adjust the neckline and ensure a comfortable fit.

Embellishments

Add any desired embellishments such as lace, beads, or trim to match your dress. You can also add a drawstring by running a silk rope through the open seam and securing it with a clasp, brooch, or slider.

Attachment

Finally, decide how you want to attach the cape. You can sew it to the shoulder straps of your dress or use a clasp or chain in the front. Sweater clips, shawl chains, and hook attachments are all great options.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful bridal cape that complements your wedding gown and adds a unique touch to your special day.

Save money on the venue

The venue is one of the biggest expenses of a wedding, so it's a good idea to try and cut costs where you can. Here are some tips to save money on your wedding venue:

• Pick an off-peak date and time: The peak season for weddings is between May and September, so opting for a wedding outside of these months, such as January or February, can save you thousands. Similarly, most weddings are held on Saturdays, but you can save money by choosing a weekday wedding.
• Choose a non-traditional venue: Consider a restaurant, museum, city park, library, or even a boat for your wedding. These venues are usually cheaper than traditional wedding venues and can add a unique touch to your big day.
• Host your ceremony and reception in the same place: Having your ceremony and reception in the same venue will save you money on transportation costs and may even get you a discount from the venue.
• Opt for an all-inclusive venue: All-inclusive venues provide many amenities and services, such as catering, alcohol, staff, rentals, and accommodation, all under one roof. This can be a great way to save money and time.
• Trim your guest list: A smaller guest list means you need a smaller venue, which will reduce your venue costs. It will also lower your catering budget and save you money on rentals and centerpieces.
• Choose a venue that doesn't need much decor: Pick a venue that is already beautiful and doesn't require a lot of extra decoration. This will save you money on decorating costs.
• Be transparent with your venue: Be honest with your vendors about your budget. They may be willing to work with you to find ways to save money.
• Book early or last minute: Some venues offer early booking incentives, while others may have last-minute deals for unbooked dates. It's always worth asking about any potential deals.
• Consider a BYOB venue: Alcohol can be expensive, so choosing a venue that allows you to bring your own drinks can save you money. Just make sure to factor in any corkage fees.
• Don't host your wedding at a blank canvas venue: Avoid choosing a venue that is a blank canvas, as you will have to rent furniture and decor, which can quickly blow your budget.

Save money on the photographer

Capturing your wedding day through photography is important, but it can be expensive. Here are some tips to help you save money on your wedding photographer:

• Start with your budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on a photographer and find someone who fits within that budget. Experienced professionals will likely charge higher rates, so consider hiring newer photographers or photography students if you're on a tight budget.
• Book early: Booking early can help you secure discounts, and you can avoid price hikes as photographers become more established or due to inflation. Paying in full upfront may also get you a discount, and using a rewards credit card can earn you cashback.
• Opt for digital: Instead of purchasing a wedding album from your photographer, ask about digital packages. Buying the digital rights to your photos might seem more expensive upfront, but it gives you the freedom to print photos more affordably whenever you want.
• Hire a photographer for less time: Reducing the number of hours you book a photographer for can significantly lower the cost. You can have them skip the pre-wedding festivities or leave after key moments, such as the cake-cutting, to save on costs.
• Ask about referral discounts: Many photographers offer referral discounts or credits, so don't be afraid to ask. You can also negotiate, especially if you're booking off-season or on a day other than Saturday.
• Skip the wedding album: Creating a wedding album can be costly and is not always necessary. You can save money by opting to create your own album using online services, giving you more control over the flow and the ability to easily make copies for family and friends.
• Limit the photographer's hours: You don't need to capture every moment of your wedding day with a professional photographer. Consider limiting the photographer's hours to key moments, such as the ceremony and key post-ceremony shots, to reduce costs.
• Hire a single photographer: Photographers who work with a second shooter or assistant often charge higher rates. Opting for a single photographer can help you save money, but make sure they can manage the workload for your event.
• Look for custom packages: Preset photo packages often include unnecessary services or add-ons. Look for photographers who offer custom packages that allow you to choose the number of hours of coverage and provide all images in electronic format. This gives you greater control over your budget and the ability to spread your investment over time.
• Book during off-peak times: Many weddings take place on Saturdays, so consider having a weekday wedding and ask for an off-peak discount. Off-season weddings can also help you save, as rates may be lower during less popular months.

Save money on music

According to wedding website The Knot's 2023 Real Weddings Study, 72% of couples had a wedding DJ, 32% had musicians, and 13% had a live band. While music is a key part of a wedding, there are ways to save money in this area.

Live Band or DJ?

Live bands typically cost between $1,200 and $3,000, but prices can go much higher. DJs are generally cheaper, with rates starting at $1,700 and going up to $5,000. If you want to save money, opt for a DJ instead of a live band.

Pick One, Not Both

It's a common misconception that having both a live band and a DJ will save you money. In reality, you will be paying two sets of setup fees, so it's best to choose one or the other.

Ask About an Associate

If the DJ or band you want is out of your budget, ask about booking an associate. Many bands and DJs can recommend someone who works for them at a lower price, so you get a similar vibe and quality without the high cost.

Book for Multiple Parts of the Day

If you're set on having a band, consider hiring them for both the ceremony and the reception. You can also ask about hiring one or two members of the band for the ceremony, which may be cheaper.

Choose an Off-Peak Date

Like with venues, booking a band or DJ for an off-peak date or a weekday wedding will be cheaper.

Ask About What's Included

When pricing DJs, always ask if everything is included, like tax, setup, breakdown, gratuity, and travel. Source a DJ that doesn't have hidden fees.

Use a Wedding Planner

A wedding planner can help you find savings and suggest alternatives that fit your style and budget. They have relationships with vendors and can help you find exclusive discounts.

Use a Wedding Budget Tool

Use a free wedding budget tool to understand what a practical budget is and to nail down your spending priorities.

Be Flexible and Creative

Being flexible and creative can help you save money on your wedding. Think outside the box when it comes to services and decor.

Save money on flowers

Flowers can be an expensive part of a wedding, but there are many ways to save money in this area. Here are some tips to keep the costs down:

• Reuse flowers throughout the day. Bridesmaid bouquets can be placed in vases and put on the bar, cake table, or head table after the ceremony. Large flower arrangements can be moved to different locations throughout the day, such as flanking the bride and groom during the ceremony, then moved to the opening of the tent as guests arrive, and again to the band during the reception.
• Use greenery to fill out flower arrangements. Blooms are more expensive than greens, so using more greenery will give you more bang for your buck.
• Choose in-season flowers. In-season flowers are always less expensive, as their prices reflect the growing conditions and expenses required to produce them.
• Choose an affordable colour palette. Work with a colour scheme that requires few variations in flower type but can be enhanced with additional embellishments. Monochromatic colour palettes are affordable and chic.
• Fill space with large statement blooms. Use large, inexpensive flowers such as sunflowers, roses, and gerbera daisies to fill out centerpieces and create a sense of grandeur without breaking the bank.
• Add lots of greenery to your arrangements. Large fern leaves or winding ivy leaves are timeless and elegant, and put much less stress on your budget. Greenery-heavy arrangements are also a great choice for rustic weddings.
• Do your own arrangements. Wedding flowers are expensive, so if you have to pay more to get the blooms you want, consider creating your own arrangements. Look for discounted artificial flowers at thrift stores and craft shops, or buy silk flowers or even dried flowers online.
• Choose vases wisely. Don't buy vases just because you like them, buy what will work with your flowers and your budget. Explore more affordable options like potted plants or single-stem standout pieces.
• Shop for inexpensive centrepieces. Instead of making flowers the main attraction, look for unique and affordable centrepieces that you can accent with flowers or foliage.
• Take advantage of candles. Adding candles to your floral arrangements will help create large, appealing centrepieces that don't rely heavily on expensive floral arrangements.
• Grow your own flowers. If you have the space, you can grow flowers that will be in bloom for your wedding.
• Opt for affordable alternatives. Some flowers are very expensive, but there are often cheaper alternatives that look very similar. For example, disbud chrysanthemums are a good, affordable alternative to dahlias.
• Be deliberate about your deposit. If you pay your florist with a check instead of a credit card, you can often save on service fees.

Frequently asked questions