This is a thread that was started in our old BlissWeddings.com forums by bride2be on 6/24/04. Feel free to add your comments by pressing Post Reply.
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posted by bride2be
Hi
I'm so excited because after being engaged for a couple of years, we finally set a date! Although it was exciting, it was also kind of nerve-wracking to write out that big deposit check! We have been lucky to find a reception hall that doesn't charge for the use of their facility, just for the food. We are trying to plan a wedding on a small budget, $5,000-$7,000. So, I have two questions: Is this even possible? and What are some strategies other brides have used to save money? I have read some great ideas in this forum but it can't hurt to hear some more!
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posted by 6amandaf6
Um....
Making your own invitations
Having a dry reception (no alcohol)
Having a reception at a time of day that doesnt require a full meal
Limiting the number of bridal party members (depending on whether you pay for outfits/hair/makeup/gifts this can add a bit extra
Doing your own hair/makeup, or a friend who is really good at it (make sure you have LOTS of practices and even practice photos to see how it looks)
Use family members/friends cars if you know some that are really nice as wedding transport, bearing in mind you'll need these people to be drivers rather than enjoying all the reception.
Get your dress made; even find a design that you like from a designer or bridal shop and get them to copy it. It will work out a fraction of the cost.
One important thing you can do as soon as you start budgeting is work out what you don't want to skimp on. We decided that we were going to have the reception place we'd fallen in love with (it was kinda expensive) and a really good photographer(real expensive). Everything else we were negotiable on. And also talk to your parents early on to get out who is willingto contribute what. Heaps of girls on Bliss wil tell you financial stuff and people not communicating what they're thinking/feeling has caused troubles round their wedding planning. And even if you are planning on paying for everything yourselves, your parents may have decided years ago how much they wanted to contribute, just so they feel a part of your big day. FYI; we found our
biggest expenses were food, alcohol, and clothes (my dress, his suit).
Anyway, Ive babbled on long enough. There's heapsof others who'll have great ideas to (holly has good advice).
Good luck, congratulations and feel free to check back in. We'll help where we can.
Amanda
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posted by TheaterDiva1
You should watch For Better Or For Worse on TLC... a team of the couple's family/friends pan the wedding for them with help from a professional planner. They only have $5000 and one week to pull it off (and I'm assuming you have WAY more than a week).
Other TLC shows, such as Trading Spaces and While You Were Out, can also provide inspiration (and budget and time are critical factors on these shows). In face, we got our ideas for favors from a recent WYWO episode.
Also, my FI and I are into DIY, and he's making favors and programs. I'm making bouquets from silk flowers and centerpiece (we're getting buteniers and corsages from E-Bay - they're made from seashells but look like flowers). I think I can do this for around $200 - personal flowers from the florist wouldve been at least $675 (supposedly the centerpieces were included, but I think they worked that into the cost).
What's the difference between a unity candle and a pillar candle? The cost! Buy plain candles and trimmings and dress them up yourself (even if you pick out the material and have someone at the craft store do it for you, it's cheaper than getting them ready-made). That's what we did - We found candles and ribbon, and the lady there tied the bows on and added seashells - all for $17 and change (that included the cost of the materials). Otherwise, a unity candle alone can run you around $30.
I mentioned E-Bay above - it can be a HUGE resource!
Think about who you know (and who THEY know) - a friend of a friend who's a DJ may give you a good deal because you know someone.
I don't know how legal this is in your state, so please research this carefully, but I've heard of friends getting ordained on the Internet and performing the ceremony for their friends. Law's vary from state to state - in NY, I actually did that, but I need an extra certification to do weddings, so I can't marry couples.
If I think of any more, I'll let you know
-Maggie
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posted by syringa
One thing you don't want to skimp on is photography. In the end, what you will have left are your memories and the photos. There are many other ways to cut corners without guests knowing. Check the classified ads and resale shops for gowns. Women who have broken their engagements dispose of new gowns this way and you can get some great deals. You can also rent gowns. Use readily-available in-season flowers, such as daisies, for the bouquets. Go European and use sprigs of rosemary for boutonnieres. Have a dessert reception instead of a meal. The options are endless and depend on your circumstances.
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posted by TheaterDiva1
I just thought of something else... don't limit your shopping to wedding-related vendors - they'll charge an arm and a leg. Take the dress for example - instead of a bridal shop, maybe you can buy it at a consignment shop or buy a white dress at a boutique for less than a wedding gown. If you decide to have a theme, visit places that cater more to the theme and not so much for weddings (for some reason, just tacking on the word "wedding" to any item jacks up the price like you wouldn't believe!) Open your mind, and you may find the most unique and inexpensive wedding-related items in the most unexpected places!
-Maggie
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posted by serialkitten
I agree that one thing you don't want to skimp on is photography, but you can save money by using a photography student - just make sure to check out their portfolio first.
We are also hiring a veideography student to shoot and deliver raw footage - it's all of the production that costs a lot of money.
If you are determined to have floral centerpieces, grocery stores like albertsons and safeway do arrangements. Or go to a wholesale florist and make your own bouquet and centerpieces.
Have a friend bake your cake (safeway/albertsons's also does these for very little money). or choose something less traditional, like several differnt pies (my sister did this and everyone loved it!)
Good Luck!
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posted by MomGot3
I'm pulling mine off for under $1200.
I did my own invitations (Office Max) $80/100
dress from place going-out-of-business $200
gloves from Ebay $20
shoes from Shoe Dept $24
FG dress Kmart $6 on sale (really pretty)
2 RB shoes $3,5 on sale- Walmart
OrientalTrading has been great! 2 dz bubbles for 2.95, 2 dz personalized pencils for 4.95, feux petals $3.95
Tux rentals from GOODIES, $43 each
I asked by BM just to wear simple black evening dresses.
I even got the grooms ring from EBAY- brushed titanium $40.
Lastly, fresh flowers are coming from Wal-Mart the same day!
Of course my chapel and pastor aren't "charging" and my reception hall is only $159 for 2 hours (vs normal 4 hours).
Think of it as a giant party and don't pay more than you would for any other reason.
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posted by MomGot3
Sorry to add more...
our alcohol is going to be limited to just 4 large bottles of Arbor Mist wine, $6 2 lt... Peach Chardonnay and the like.
We're doing fruit tray, vegetable tray, Strawberries-dip, wedding cheese ball and homemade cream cheese mints for the reception. The punch is also quite cheap. All the serving dishes are from family and friends; Help is from family and friends.
Just one giant party
100 invited!
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posted by Marge129
HOLY CRAP THAT'S CHEAP! MY wedding cost 10 times that! LOL
You should be a wedding planner!
Margie
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posted by Holly
Hi,
Lots of posters gave you really great ideas! I'll add:
1) shop around and compare prices
2) limit your guest list
Good luck!
Cost-cutting strategies!
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