If you have a pretty good idea what you want your centerpieces to look like and you know how much you're willing to spend, the it's time to start scouting for supplies! Unless money is not an issue for you, you'll need to be getting the best bargains you can find. Don't expect to get everything during one shopping trip or even the first time you start looking. You've spent this long trying to find the perfect partner, don't rush into buying your centerpieces!



Here are some ways to find great prices for your centerpiece supplies...

- Consider the resources already available to you. Do you know anyone in the floral business that could provide flowers at a discount? Do you have any friends working at the local craft shop who get an employee discount? Do you know a business owner who can get you into wholesale decor stores? I think you get the idea... if you're looking for something more rustic those old mason jars sitting in your parents root cellar just might come in handy after all!

- Does the hall provide a caterer? If so, ask the caterer if they have any contacts where they normally shop for their catering supplies or if they know where the best prices are. We ended up getting classic glass bowls for $2 each from a shop recommended by our caterer that normally retail for $15, and our guests had no idea.

- Start checking the sale flyers early and collecting those coupons. Sooner or later almost everything goes on sale. If you start watching for sales well before your wedding date you should be able to get at least some of your supplies for less than retail price. Before purchasing anything on sale, make sure to ask about the store's return policy for discounted items. If you think you might change your mind about your centerpiece idea later you will want to have the option of returning the already purchased merchandise.

- Ask friends where they purchased their centerpieces. Often just-married couples know the best places to get things on sale! They've already been through it and have already done the leg-work you're just starting to do. Save some effort and benefit from their discoveries.

- You might be able to find some good prices online, just remember to check the seller's return policy in case you don't like what you get.

- Consider items that are cheaper during a certain time of the year, such as fresh flowers when they're in season.

Finding the cheapest supplies doesn't have to take a lot of time, possibly just a few minutes when the weekly sales flyers are delivered. These ideas may sound like a lot of work, but they aren't. You'll be in contact with most of the people we've suggested anyway, so why not ask a simple question about centerpieces? One final thing to remember is to have fun. Start early and you will save time and money while ending up with the centerpieces you want.