wedding tips?

HI,

I am starting to plan my wedding and I am interested to know if anyone has any tips on bringing the cost down. I started to plan my wedding before but I got overwhelmed with making everything perfect and expensive that I had to stop and really think what is important.. so here I Am again.. and I am happier planning it because I actually want to do a lot of the things myself.. so if you have any thrifty ideas please share..

thanks:)

The first and most important thing you need to do is the following..

Imagine your perfect wedding. How does it look. How does it feel. Where is it. Who's there. Who isn't there. What vendors are there.

Get your fiancee to do the same.

Compare and contrast and come up with.. an image of the wedding the two of you want to do..

Then, from there, figure out what you want to spend most of the money on... and what you want to spend the least on. Do you need alot of flowers? a few flowers? Do you need a musician? A videographer?

That'll help you start really breaking down where you think the money SHOULD go, which is how you start a budget.

Some warning.

The two most expensive things are food and flowers, typically. The less guests you have, the less food costs. The less flowers you have (both decorations and.. bouquets, boutinneres, etc.), the less flowers cost.

THanks, I decided on a winter wedding theme so I am replacing a lot of flowers for candles and silver-sprayed trea branches with lights.. idk how its going to work but its in my head lol but you're right I have to ask hubby how he imagines his "dream wedding"

Yeah, you definitely do need to ask the fiancee. He may care, he may not care. He may care and be embarrassed to say something since guys typically don't get involved in the wedding planning. Find out where he stands.

Here are some good money saving tips:

• If your faith and beliefs permit, get married outside in a pretty setting.  You will save so much money on flowers because you won't have to decorate anything.
• Consider reusing bridesmaid bouquets as centerpieces.  I had my florist prepare mason jars with ribbon tied around them, and then the bridesmaids just dropped their bouquet into the jar after the ceremony.  It gave them a safe place to store their bouquets, and saved about $75 per table. 
• Look into non-traditional settings.  They can be beautiful and original.  I got married at a ranch and it was perfect for us.  Try a zoo, or a museum. 
• Spend your money on things that will make your wedding fun.  No one will notice but you if you you skimp on wedding favors and decorations.  No one cares about them but you. 
• Ask for help in lieu of gifts.  I had my sister do my hair and makeup as her gift to me.  It worked great because she had no money and couldn't afford a gift, and I was in a remote place and didn't want to pay to have someone come all the way out there just to do my hair and makeup.
• Check out www.freecycle.com.  It's a website sort of like craig's list but is only for people who are giving things away.  I got about 100 baby food jars and other small glass jars and used them as candle holders on the tables-- I put tea lights in each one.  They were all different, but it looked (and was) intentional. I also got a whole bolt of tulle for free that I used to decorate the tree we got married under.  That was the entire decoration for the tree. 
• No one cares what your invitations look like but you.  Save money by buying them at Costco.  Check out their website for designs.  Same with flowers, though they don't have much selection. 
• Find a photographer that will give you the original digital images of all your pictures.  Ours gave us a CD of all the files, and then I uploaded them to the Costco website and printed everything I wanted.  Had I ordered them through her I would have paid about $4 per picture.  Costco charges about 17 cents for one hour prints, same quality.

That should get you started. :) 

When I planned our wedding last year, we had minimal money to spend. All the money shelled out was from us. His mother offered to pay for the flowers and his step dad was an amateur photographer who offered to do all the pictures for free!!! We really were blessed in those two aspects.

Pick out the most important things you know that you'll be keeping and that guests might want to take home as a memory.

I had our unity candle engraved, the cake cutter and custom napkins. The napkins were relatively cheap and the text on it didn't cost any extra. Bonus! The unity candle was sold out for months but since I placed an order ahead of time, I was able to get a discount on it for the invconveinence :) 

The places I spent the most money on were on invitations, cake/cake topper and catering. We skipped the DJ and made our own music with a large stereo. My husband made 5 CDs of songs we loved and those made for great background. We set our wedding in the mid afternoon and then made the reception at 4 PM. This meant we only had to serve snack type food instead of a full meal. That alone saved us thousands. We only had about 80 people. The food was mini sandwiches, mini meatballs, relish trays, fruit trays, punch, bottled water and coffee.

Finall suggestion- buy things over time. It won't seem as overwhelming. Martha Stewart has a great list of planning it out and when things should be picked out by to ensure you don't lose your mind. Or forget anything!

Here's the link: http://www.marthastewart.com/wedding-planning

I'm planning mine, too. I still have a lot to learn, but the advice I've been given so far and learned from planning my sister's wedding is:

• Decide what's the most important to you about the day: food, music, people, decor, location, etc. Get this part right, and it doesn't matter if you skimp on the other stuff. For example, for my sister it was very important to have lots of people there (we have a big, close family). So the food was not fancy, but we had 250 guests. Someone else might choose to have it in an exotic or expensive location, and not have many guests.
• Make a guest list early. Get parents on both sides to help you, so you don't forget important people from your childhood or relatives who could be offended.
• Don't order things from 'wedding' specialists where you can avoid it. Everything will be twice the price. Also, when you get quotes, say it's for a 'function', not a wedding, otherwise they'll bump up their prices. Look for people who're new in their industry, and they'll probably be a lot cheaper (for example, you can agree to let the photographer use some of your pictures for their portfolio, in exchange for a lower rate). But remember to do a trial run with them, to make sure their quality is up to scratch: have a food tasting with potential caterers, have a few photos taken or have a good look at the photographer's portfolio, have a look at the dj's playlist from previous parties. Use venues that are not usually used for weddings: the price will be quite a bit less. Or if you know people with a big garden, ask to have the wedding there (promise to send professional cleaners afterwards, though).
• Negotiate. When people first give you a quote, tell them you're on a tight budget, and ask if there's some way you could reduce the cost. Shop around, and if you get a better quote from someone else, ask suppliers if they'd be willing to match it. Our liquor supplier matched a much lower quote, and was much more professional than the other supplier.
• Get help from friends. If someone you know is a good baker, ask them to make the cake (hint: it doesn't have to be a 3-tiered monstrosity in order to look good on the table). If you're friends with musicians, ask them to play at the wedding (as a musician myself, I've been asked to play at several weddings for people in my church, and it was always an honour even if I hardly knew the couple). If you have creative friends, ask them to do the flower arrangements (go with them to the flower market to buy the flowers. Get whatever flowers are pretty and in season, rather than having a set idea that might cost 3 times as much).
• Do things yourself. My sister arranged with the caterer that the two families could make the desserts themselves. We all got together to make family specialities a week before the wedding (or sooner if they'd go stale), her mother-in-law (an artist herself) made the most beautiful cake shaped like one of her son's artworks, and we all decorated the house and garden ourselves.

Enjoy it! It's a stressful time of preparation, but also incredibly memorable. And bear in mind that the stress can cause silly arguments. Be nice:p

 

When is your wedding? How much time to you have to plan?

I looked for things in the most unlikely places and found it less expensive.

For instance , I found a lady that taught cake decorating and she made my cake for a fraction of the cost. For my cake topper I found a Christmas ornament that was two doves holding glass bells(it costs three dollars)

My flowers came from a trade school that taught horticulture. I had both silk and real flowers. I made my as simple as possible because it made things easier.

We had finger foods at the reception and we paid the cost. One of my in-laws friends had a catering business and that was their gift to us.

Think about what kind of resources you have in the way of friends,family, and what is in your area.

My brother in-law played the piano and sang. (he has a terrible voice but he plays wonderful)

I bought material for my flower girl and a friend of mine made her dress. The material was on sale.

I think getting married on a beach at sunset would be beautiful!

What ideas do you have or need some ideas on? Have you decided how many people you want to invite?

It's really going to depend on what kind of wedding you're having.

You cannnnnnnn...

1.  Bake the cake yourself.  If you have friends that know about cake decorating or have time to take a class, you can bake the cake and decorate it by yourself or ask friends who know how to give you a hand.  I'd keep this option for simple cakes or small weddings, 'cause making a four tiered cake is a bitch.

2.  Stalk for sales.  Wedding dress sales, bridesmaid dress sales, shoe sales, supply sales (like, wedding bubbles and organza bags for rice, decorations and such), suit sales..  Keep your eyes peeled for them. 

3.  Learn to sew or befriend a seamstress.  My wedding dress, in the end, cost me a whopping $27.39 and I've got enough materials left over to make a purse to go with it.  It would've been cheaper but I really wanted the 17 dollar a yard fabric. :o

4.  With the bridesmaid/flower girl dresses, instead of going traditional bridesmaid dresses, look at department stores or malls for dresses.  That way your bridesmaids can wear their dresses after the wedding, and it'll probably be cheaper than going to a bridal boutique.

5.  Learn to garden if you have time.  I hate the idea of having flowers at a wedding, but a lot of people like 'em.  I think flowers look better in the dirt.  If you've got the time or have a lot of gardening friends, ask them to share some flowers.  Even if they've all got rose bushes and you want roses and daisies, you'd save money on the cost of roses and would only have to shell out for the daisies.

6.  Think about your food options.  If you're going buffet style or fancy plated dinner, is there anything you or a family member that loves to cook, can provide?  When you're shopping around for caterers, ask them for their biggest competitions.  Sometimes they'll knick a little off the price to get your business or they'll be honest and say, "Oh that little diner on 34th Street makes the best pancakes around, and they're cheap.  They're definitely my competition."

What's your budget like and what does your dream wedding involve?  You can get a lot of things in bulk for pretty cheap at orientaltrading.com and if memory serves me correct, they've got a wedding issue you can request.

Here's a couple things I did to try to keep costs down:

1) Get married in a small town!!  My tiny hometown was ridiculously cheap to get food catered, halls rented, etc.  I think my per-plate cost was $6---and I swear, the food was great!  Also, I spent about $300 on a huge cake with 6 different flavors--it was beautiful! 

2) Skip the party favors.  I don't think anyone noticed we didn't have any.

3) Stick with wine and beer.  We went to the grocery store during a sale and stocked up on cases and cases of beer!  (the hall we rented didn't have their own bar service)   But please do NOT make your guests pay for their drinks!  YOU are throwing them a party!  (sorry, one of my pet peeves!)

4) We rented a dance floor from United Rentals, put it together ourselves, and hired a family friend to DJ for us. 

That's all I can think of for now---congrats on your upcoming wedding, and have fun planning!  :)

I thought of something else. I have been at weddings that have disposable cameras on each table at the reception.  Some of the pictures were a hoot!

My hubby and I spent only around $6,000 on our wedding, and it was great.

*My dress was made by a family member who is a seamstress, and that was her present to me.  Actually, she said she had so much fun making it, it was almost a present to her.

*Had a local seamstress make the bridesmaid dresses.  We actually wanted to pay her more because she did such a great job, but she absolutely refused to take more. 

*We used silk flowers, and were recommended to a flower arranger/craft person by a local Micheal's who taught classes there.

*Didn't have favors - and nobody noticed.  I think they appreciated we put that towards the food and were able to have an open bar.

*Used a reception hall that had a deal with a local bakery - people who have their reception there automatically get a 15% discount at the bakery for a wedding cake.

*A friend from college who is really talented with a camera took all the reception pics, and a family member did the video with his own camera.  Since we haven't looked at the video more than once since the day, it doesn't really matter to us that it wasn't professionally done.

*Had a photographer who just recently started his own business to do the wedding photos.  Because he was just starting out, he was cheap, and he was good.  We also were able to get the proofs - something that not every photographer is willing to do.

*Went very basic on the invitations.  Alternatively, if you have the time, making your own is easier than ever if you have a good quality printer.  Find some really good stationary, get supplies from a craft shop, and get creative.  I've also heard of trends of just sending out postcards with instructions on how to have guests RSVP on line or via email.

Above all, remember that while it's important and should be memorable, it's just one day.  Don't get stressed out about it, and remember that the best days with your honey are yet to come!

Good luck!

*Tagged*  :o)

I started planning my wedding 2 days ago.  I so far have a list of venues to decide which one we want.  A guest list, the quotes from each venue and my estimations on price.

So far we have racked up an estimated £8000 GBP, £4000 GBP on food, drink and entertainment,  £1500 on clothes, £500 photographer. £300 flowers, £500 church hire, £500 rings and £300 cars.

Now we try to cost down some of the things but I don't expect to lower that by more than 7-8%.

When are you getting married?  What type of wedding are you having?

wow thanks for all the great tips! I am getting married around Feb. so here in chicago it will be pretty cold ..snow maybe? so we're going for a winter-themed wedding..  I haven't thought exactly about the budget I am getting really excited about weddings under 20,000. 

I am looking to the Plant Conservatory here, they have a great setting and flowers galore.  The hall itself without catering is about 2000 which is a steal! I am thinking about having about 100 guest or so.  I found a family friend who can dj for about 200-300 dollars..

we are paying for the wedding, the only thing would be the Mariachi (hubby is Mexican) and his uncle wants to pay for that. 

There isn't a bar there, but they rent a bar table.. I am thinking about hiring a bar tender and supplying beer and liquor for 2 types of drinks margaritas and a martini.. my friend suggested we name the 2 drinks.  Also I would like to serve hot chocolate with marshmellows.. is that cheesy? lol

ANywho I guess I have to really think about the food and photographer and decorations.  The wedding party is buying their dresses so I hope that I can find a good deal for them..

Thank you for all the great suggestions! I am psyched!

Since you gave me an idea of what your budget will be , I have another idea.

I had a friend that got married in the Bahamas. The only people that were there were  her parents,his parents, brothers and sisters and the wedding party.

After the wedding vows were spoken , the bride and groom got on a boat and honeymooned on another island.

When they returned they had a very low keyed  reception with all their friends.

In otherwards have your wedding where you plan your honeymoon and you could go someplace where it is warm and sunny! 

I had a chocolate fondue fountain with sweet bing cherries,pineapple,marshmallows, and strawberries.

I would recommend a top down budget. Instead of starting with wants and ideas first and adding that up, first establish what you can AFFORD first. Then STICK to it!

Not what you want to spend, what you realistically think you can spend and feel ok about it. Afterall, it is just one day, and you don't want your first years of marriage to be weighed down with debt.

That being said, I wanted my wedding to be under 10K. I set my priorities from there. For me, the photographer was the MOST important thing, because great pictures will last forever. Here's a brief break down of what I spent, and how I did it.

Photographer - $2,500: I picked the one I liked the best, and who had the nicest albums. I negotiated to get a great deal (Included engagement shoot, wallets of the engagement shoot, 11X14 print, two 8X10 prints, 1 5X6 black and white for the newspaper, and my album. I also got to keep all original proofs... it was a HUGE box of pictures, and so I had more than enough to give to people framed)

Facility/Food/Cake/Wine - $6,000: I had my wedding at a Victorian bed and breakfast. They did the catering and the cake. I only had 40 people, so this REALLY limited the cost. We had like 5 different passed entries, a gorgeous buffet and an endless stream of wine and champagne. Everyone said the food was amazing, and most people got quite buzzed. :) Having wine only or a signature cocktail can make it much cheaper.

Dress/Veil - $400: I tried on dresses at a bridal store and found out my size, and what makers I liked. I bought a Maggie Sottero dress on ebay. It was new, unaltered, and came with a certificate of authenticity. I also bought my veil on ebay. I found a woman who custom made it to match my dress. I had my mom press and hem the dress.

Flowers - $450 - We had our wedding outdoors, so needed few flowers, just the essentials.

Music - $400 - string trio. We don't dance, so we didn't have any other music or dancing once they left. We all just drank and socialized. Everyone I talked to had SO much fun.

Favors - $80 - I bought really cheap champagne glasses (I think $1 each), and decoupaged dried flowers to them. Then filled them with pastel M&M's (no one likes jordan almonds anyway... I bought them after easter on deep discount).

Hair/Makeup - $300 - #2 think to spend money on. SO worth it to not have to stress over doing my own. Make sure a trial run is included.

It was the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to. It was super simple, elegant, and intimate. There's hardly anything I would change.

So, my 3 biggest tips: 1.) Think ahead. The more you can figure out early, the cheaper it will be 2.) Be resourceful. Use the MILLIONS of online resources out there 3.) Decide your budget first, and think necessities from there. There are a ton of cliché details I didn't do that just rack up the $$. I left them out, and no one ever knew.

kaffwynn, I just looked at your wedding pictures, they are really beautiful.  I loved your venue, and your dress is amazing.

Wow, those are lovely pictures:)