My boyfriend and I don't have a lot of money to throw around. But we are so in love, and don't want to wait another year to get married. Is it lame to ask the bridesmaids to buy their own dresses? I need help to throw a quick wedding together
2006-10-01 17:40:30 · 11 answers · asked by ? 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
My daughter got married last year. We paid...but not for bridesmaid dresses. Each girl buys their own. Guys pay for their tux rental. Be choosy about what you choose. It does not have to be a big formal wedding to be memorable. We had to keep it down to 100 guest. I would call that a medium size. Seemed small at the church, but big at the reception(that's where the money went!)
Choose a theme you both can go with and keep it simple. If a fancy wedding dress has always been your dream...get the best that you can afford to pay and still have for other parts....ASK family for help. Could some of them plan the reception and help with the food. One of the best receptions I have been too was given by family members who cooked Bar B Q all day and served at the community center with a dance and very comfy atmosphere...and the Bride had a formal cake she always wanted....
You can do it on a budget...don't put yourselves in debt before your married...just to get married!
2006-10-01 18:01:27 · answer #1 · answered by kachamp74 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would consider a small to medium sized wedding anywhere from 30 to 50 guests. Under 30 would be a small wedding, while 50-75 would be a medium wedding. Over 100 is a large wedding.
Actually, it's traditional and common for the maids to buy their own dresses. At most weddings, the attendants pay for their own attire. Only when the bride and groom, or the bride's family, can afford to spend the money is the offer made. It's expected for the girls to buy their own dresses.
To have a quick wedding, and cut costs, think about having it all at a church that has it's own reception room, or at a friend or family member's house. Site fees and food are the biggest expenses at a wedding. Then talk to people who are close to you about helping you make the food. Also, think about an afternoon wedding where finger foods and the cake are acceptable as food options. That way you won't have to put out for a full spread. Have enough champagne for the toasts, then offer non-alcoholic drinks for the rest of the reception. Go to local party supply stores for decorations, and think about silk flowers over fresh. They last longer and they cost less. Look at David's Bridal for gowns, they start as low as $99 for some really spectacular dresses. Get a friend or family member who is great at photography to take the pictures, and let that be their gift to you. You both will save money this way; you because all you are paying is the cost of the film, and they don't have to buy a gift, just dedicate their time and effort. Skip the DJ or band, and instead have a stereo set up with a stack of CD's. If you are good at crafts, or know someone who is, think about doing your own bouquets and centerpieces. Michael's has some great guides that you can use to make beautiful things yourself.
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/home
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/articlelist?channelid=7
Most important of all, be happy and have fun! This is a celebration, so don't stress over the little stuff. You will remember this day forever, but not all the details. The big picture is what is important here.
2006-10-02 13:15:49 · answer #2 · answered by welches_grape_jelly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A small wedding is anything under 75 guests, I think. Medium is up to 150, and large is anything over that.
And yes, the bridesmaids normally pay for their own dresses anyway.
Here are a few ideas for how to make your wedding less expensive....Have a small guest list and have a cake & champagne reception instead of a full meal. Make your own favors, centerpieces, invitations, and programs. Buy your dress off the rack or one of David's Bridal $99 sales. Keep the bridal party small so you will have less presents to buy them. Skip the videographer and put a camera on a tripod for the ceremony. And always remember that the most important thing is that you are celebrating your marriage...no one but you will notice or remember the tiny details.
2006-10-02 09:36:33 · answer #3 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Small would be probably less than 30 to 40 and med would be under 75. A big wedding is usually well over 100 people. Try to find stuff on sale and make as much as you can. At my sisters wedding we made the wedding mints, punch, etc. Try to do some of the decorations yourself. Remember- it's the ceremony that matters, not how the decorations look.
2006-10-02 00:50:03 · answer #4 · answered by fat_bottom_girls_rock 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got married 2 years ago today ...
I had about 200 people at my wedding ..My husband and i payed for every thing but the dresses and the tuxes ...
But what we also did was we got a nice gift for every member of our bridal party.
Best of luck to you ...
2006-10-02 01:19:01 · answer #5 · answered by ELEN G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
50-100 guests
2006-10-02 00:49:10 · answer #6 · answered by carissa t 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
about 150 to 200.
2006-10-02 01:57:02 · answer #7 · answered by alexeytering@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bridesmaids typically buy their own dreses anyhow.
Throwing something together quickly is not usually a good sign.
2006-10-02 23:26:45 · answer #8 · answered by Etiquette Gal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
small 5 to 10
medium 11-49
Large 50+
2006-10-02 00:57:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
around 30 - 50 are okay
2006-10-02 00:50:45 · answer #10 · answered by Seagull 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋