How to get fre stuff on Amazon

 I have bought the majority of my wedding things through Amazon. The best part is, I have paid for NONE of it. Through two places I have earned Amazon gift cards without much work. Here I will describe those places and what you can expect to earn form them.

Checkpoints: (use bonus code CNA1 for 300 points! That's enough for a $1.00 gift card with no work on your part!) This is an app for iPhone or Android. You install it on your phone, and then scan items in stores you already go to to earn points. You can not only choose Amazon gift cards, but Home Depot, Victoria's Secret, CVS, and other places. The Amazon ones are instant (you get a code in your email within minutes) which I think is great. I have earned over $300 in Amazon gift cards since March of 2011!  I bought my veil and crinoline there, some of the paper for my invitations, my bridesmaids dresses will probably come from there, and many other things. I use the gift cards for gifts (my parents live on the other side of the country and I have Amazon ship directly to them).

Here is how I make the most (and easiest) use out of checkpoints: When I am in a store for any reason, I scan all the items in Checkpoints for that store. It usually adds about 10 minutes to my errand (the first time is a little longer because I am not yet familiar with the items yet). Every morning when I wake up there are "gold star" check in's and you can get ten points each, up to 5 a day. That's 50 points a day and you don't have to go anywhere! The points add up quickly. I also got my Fiance to get it on his phone and I do the same for him, and he is able to have his own Amazon credit.

The second way I get free Amazon gift cards is through Swagbucks.This is probably the easiest way possible to get Amazon gift cards (or a TON of other prizes) I installed the toolbar and every morning when I get on my computer instead of using my favorites to go to Hotmail, I type "Hotmail" into the swagbucks search. Then for the next page, and so on. It usually takes 3-4 searches, and then you have won swagbucks! I get anywhere from 7 swagbucks to 50 swagbucks a search. You can earn extras by completing offers (i only do the completely free ones) or by watching for bonus codes throughout the day on the website. it only takes 450 swagbucks for a $5 gift card.

I'd never list a site unless I have tried it myself, and I find these two sites to be the most profitable and most feasible (you don't have to spend hours a day) Do both of these, and a good portion of your wedding can be free after you use your FREE gift cards!

You just got engaged! But...now what?

I was so excited when I got engaged. I floated on air four about three days...and then reality set in. I needed to plan a wedding! I was excited, but lost. Where do I start? The best thing I did for myself was go out and buy a wedding planner. This was probably the only thing I paid full price for, but it was worth it. It wasn't until a month later that I realized you can print them! That gives you two options, and I love options.

Option number 1. Buy your book. Amazon is the BEST, because I found they are considerably less than Barnes and Noble or Borders. You will want to look for one that includes a calender, checklists, and most importantly, pockets. At LEAST a pocket in the front and back, if not one for each section. I use those pockets more than anything else in my book to hold  contracts, photos of designs I like, coupons, and samples.


A Brides Book: An organizer, Journal, and Keepsake for the Year of the Wedding

This is the book I bought. It was only 15 dollars on Amazon, where are Barnes and Noble it was 22.  After pouring over all of the books, I liked this one for several reasons. First, it is not too big. It is not the size of a notebook, as others are. There are pockets in the front an back, and while I have to fold papers in half, I have found that is no big deal. There is a section for everything including ways to keep track of your budget.



Tying the Knot: The Complete Wedding Organizer (Wedding Planner)

This book is 19.77, not much more than the other book. It is fantastic as well, with pockets for everything. This is the size of a slightly large binder, and holds everything without bending. If you are having a large wedding, I definitely recommend this one.



For those who are already thinking cheaply, how about printing your own? Had I though of this, I would have totally done it. There is a great PDF that gives you all the pages and checklists you will need, and you can just hold punch the pages and throw them in a binder. Visit the website here. The website looks like an AD, but I downloaded it myself and had no trouble. I would recommend setting your printer to only print pages 2-end, because the first page is just a giant photo and will use up a lot of ink.

Need a binder? For now, while it is back-to-school time, you can get one cheaply at Target or Walmart. Once that is over, try this one:
 Top Flight 2Be 3-Ring Vinyl Binder, 1 Inch Capacity, 11.5 x 10 Inches, Assorted Colors (43067)
 This one is only 4.95 and has free shipping with Amazon Prime (you can get it for free if you are a mom or a student - more on that to come watch for a post titled "How to get free stuff on Amazon") it comes with different flowers, just pick the one that matches your wedding! That makes your entire planner only 5 bucks!




Once your planner arrives, go crazy filling out all the information you know! You may want to wait on filling out the guest list part until you have finalized it, so that there are not a dozen scratched out entries.

Welcome!

Welcome to Weddings on the Cheap! I am a DIY bride-to-be who has practically the smallest budget ever for my wedding. Here I will post how I did my wedding, how others have done their weddings, and how to have a beautiful wedding for pennies. I will show you how to get free (or nearly free) things for your wedding, and how to get the rest for cheap!