I had to do my research first before trying this option for getting money for my wedding.
I ended up posting a listing for wedding sponsors on my local Craigslist website. I had offers coming in left and right with people offering their services and then recently I did get some replies that were inappropriate but I paid those no mind.
I ended up getting a videographer, a couture reception dress, invitations, wedding coordinator, and make-up artist all for free! All I had to do was include their information on our wedding website, slideshow at reception, on the wedding programs, and insert their business cards in the favor bags.
Even though I received offers daily, I had to weed through the replies to find people who were "for real" about sponsoring the wedding.
So just a heads up...be careful of who you deal with when you have a sponsored wedding.
I am reading the responses posted here and am now hoping if any of you would be willing to share what you learned. Have you received any ideas, and if so, how are things going? I'm the mother of a bride who's trying to put together a wedding the cheapest way I can. My daughter's future in-laws had planned on paying for the entire event plus honeymoon, but the father of the groom died suddenly while taking out the trash one morning this last November; this devastated the entire family, and of course has created a financial hardship!! My husband and I have no money to help them either so I'm reaching out for any and all ideas on how to make their wedding dreams come true. I would very much appreciate anything you can offer in the way of ideas or comments, or any help from those reading this post.
Thank you,
scribette@charter.net
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Just a warning.... by: Anonymous
Don't read nay-sayers emails, they get disheartening just delete them as soon as you see where they are heading.
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Craigslist Ad by: LaToya
Here is what I used for my ad. You can re-word it to work for what you are seeking. Hope this helps!
Couple willing to sell sponsorship for wedding expenses. 300 guests will see your business information on our wedding website, ceremony programs, wedding favors, and slide presentation. Please reply to this post if you are interested in being a sponsor. Local and non-local sponsors will all be considered. The wedding will be on Saturday, July 25, 2009.
We are currently seeking businesses to offer sponsorship for the following services: Beauty Services, Invitations & Stationery, Videography, Chair Covers & Sashes, Wedding Cake, and Limousine/Transportation Rental. If you have a service that you would like to offer, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Thank you so much!
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Great idea by: Anonymous
wow who would have thought this would work im planning my wedding now and it is expensive and i need help so im open for any and all ideas please respond to jennlvsray@yahoo.com and put the word wedding sponser in the subject thanks
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Sponsored Wedding by: Anonymous
This is my very first time hearing about this.I think that is a great idea,not only does that give the sponsore an open opportunity but it helps both parties.Times right now are tough,and I postponed our wedding six months ago due to financial issues.Now we have the wedding targeted for December 5,2009.I still need alittle help in some area's of my plans.
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Wedding Sponsorship by: Anonymous
Hi there!
My fiance' and I are getting married December 2010, in beautiful Portland Oregon. My dream wedding is a Winter themed wedding. I love Christmas light, holly, trees, snow, etc. I'm just hoping my wedding isn't snowed out Lol
I've been reading A LOT about wedding sponsorship, something that was just brought to my attention early this evening. Does anybody know any companies in Oregon that will provide their services at little or not cost, in exchange for advertisement? For example if a cake was donated, I would place business cards next to the cake, with a note "this beautiful cake provided by..." maybe a "thank you to sponsors ..." at the end of programs etc.
Please email me at roxychic0603@yahoo.com for any suggestions, comments, ideas, anything!
Thanks so much & God Bless!
~LO
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Thank you by: Anonymous
I am planning a wedding for next summer, and I have thought about advertising something like that on craigslist but I am not for sure how to word it without being so pushy. Did you ask for help? How did you put it? I don't want people to think that I am some sort of charity case. If you know what I mean. But these times and days any help will be great.
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how about.... by: weddingcrazy
This is a great idea. I'll be sure to add this to my saving idea list. I agree : how do you weed out the bs offers? All I can figure is you ask them for referrences. Also, set up a contract outlining what they get ( where and when) for what the owe you.
Another thing you can do along the same line is : bartering. CL has a section for this. Prehaps you are a carpenter and can build something in exchange for someone to do your hair etc.
along the line of hair : try your local beauty school for someone. Same goes with food and photos..maybe even invitations ( art courses)
hth
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Great Idea! by: Melissa
I think this is a really good idea. I was just sitting at home and stressed out on the expenses for my wedding. I'm going to post something on both myspace and craigslist today.
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craigslist by: Anonymous
where did put it at on craigslist?
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i might be doing the sponsor wedding by: Anonymous
I posted something on myspace and already got like four people making offers.
But, like I already have this great theme in my head and I might already have my wedding coordinator.
She is charging me 1800 for everything but I can do monthly payments till the wedding.
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Thank You by: Anonymous
I have a year to plan our wedding. My fiance basically said everything is up to me as far as Decor and colors.
This seems like a great idea. I'll be sure to make sure my fiance is involved when it comes to this.
It doesn't hurt to try right??
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Wonderful Sponsored Weddings by: sharom
Hello, that is so wonderful. I am also on Craigslist looking to get sponsored. I have gotten some wonderful people to help me.. still need a little more help since my fiance just lost her job.
Alot of people think it's tacky to ask for help but I see no issue with it. You are exchanging something of value...free advertising.
I am happy for you. Have a blessed day
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Weeding out? by: Lula
Would you mind sharing some tips on weeding out the unwanted 'sponsors'? I'd like to know what to look for specifically when selecting legitimate sponsors. How did you advertise on Craigslist? I was hoping to get on one of those wedding shows in hopes of inticing sponsors but if your idea really works then I may opt to do that instead.
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Sponsored Wedding by: Anonymous
Hello I to would like to have a go at a sponsered
wedding.
Where do you advertise this on craigs list?
Do you have any other advice?
Thank You
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I Did It Too! by: NiaLennay
I just placed my ad in Craig's list as well.
I can't wait to see what happens!!!
I won't worry about the weirdo's, But I do like this approach.
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Sponsored Wedding Winner by: LeeAnn
Thanks for sharing your Sponsored Wedding Success story. Very inspiring. Good point about being careful on who you work with but it sounds like all of your hard work is totally worth it.