Save on wedding transportation, music

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - All this month, Wake up is helping you find ways to save when it comes to planning a wedding.

Monday, News 4 found ways to cut costs on transportation and music.

A limo can be fun and extravagant, but for a bride on a budget, it's a luxury item.

Bride-to-be Kim Czekalski said, "We're not going to do a limo and all that."

Bride-to-be Jessica Biegaj said, "Our church and reception are two blocks apart in the city, so we're just going to walk in between."

"We're renting Chrysler 300s, so I'm not even doing a limo," said bride-to-be Shiwanda Benson.

Local companies say they can offer good discounts.

Joe Milazzo of Zoladz Limousine said, "The best time to book is at a bridal show because you get an average of 10% off a limo."

Zoladz also recommends off-peak weddings if possible. The popular 30-passenger limo bus for four hours is $1,195 on Saturdays. But any other day than Saturday during the off-season, the price goes down to $995. If you do a little searching you might save you even more. The same size limo bus any day during February and March at Status Limo is $599.

Many brides don't know this, but almost all limo prices are negotiable. So, just ask.

DJs for your wedding are negotiable as well.

Eric Felder, Phenomenon Sound DJ said, "Don't just look at a piece of paper and be like, oh six hours, $700, maybe that's a little pricey for me. Call us. Come on in. Talk with us."

A DJ or live band can make the night so memorable. But, there are other radical options for brides on a budget.

If you're having a more low key reception don't splurge on a DJ. Load up your iPod with your favorite play list, plug it into a speaker, and do it yourself. It will save you hundreds of dollars.

Shopping around, negotiating, and speaking to references about services and prices must be on the bridal to-do list ,when it comes to the DJ and limo.

Another piece of advice when it comes to the limo, make sure you actually step inside the limo that will be picking you up on your wedding day. You should know what you're paying for.

Next week on Wake Up, News 4 will talk about how to cut costs on your invitations, wedding cake, and accessories like shoes, veil, and jewelry.