So, you’re planning an event! For the sake of ease, let’s just say it’s your wedding. You’re recently engaged and obsessed with finding the perfect vendors. You start researching them and inquiring about pricing. Before you know it you feel overwhelmed at the cost of this day you’ve been dreaming of for… ever. And the truth is you don’t even have a date picked out yet!

What can you do?

Ask about gift cards. Gift cards are a great way to save money on your wedding if the service provider offers them while also not forcing you to put down a non-refundable deposit when you’re just not ready yet.

Here are 3 ways you can take advantage of gift cards for services:

Watch for promotions on gift cards and buy them. Most likely you can do it for any amount, so even if you take advantage of 15% off $100, you still save $15!
Ask your guests to buy you gift cards to specific vendors. It’s trendy to offer experiences instead of gifts, and what a great way to treat all of your guests with a vendor experience! Use sites like Zola, My Registry, and Blueprint to add them.
Change your mind, or is your preferred vendor unavailable for your date? You haven’t wasted any money on a non-refundable deposit and now you can regift a service to your friend (or sell the credit to someone else!)

(Please note: many companies require a deposit to secure a specific date. Gift cards are not to replace the deposit to secure a date)