I recently got engaged and were planning on having a double wedding with my brother and his fiance, in a month. We dont want a big wedding because we'd rather save that money to furnish the place were gonna live in. We want to do it all on our own without are parents help. And we already decided were going to have the reception at a local clubhouse thats around $200 deposit, which you actually get back if you clean the place up afterwards. Were not having a big ceremony we will just be doing it city hall with just our parents and us there. What are some other things we could do to save money?
2007-03-28 11:23:21 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
About 100-150 guests
2007-03-28 12:23:47 · update #1
To save money you can cut the guest list. If that is not an option, consider a pot-luck reception or cake-only reception. If you do a pot-luck, make sure to assign a theme and ask specific people to bring specific dishes. Have a friend be the DJ, another be the photographer, have someone make the cake, another make the bouquets, etc. Assign tasks. Borrow or rent decorations if you feel they are necessary. Make your own invitations, but send them out ASAP. Make sure you ask specific people to help clean up afterwords. Don't serve alcohol unless you absolutely want it there because you can save a lot of money that way. We served sparkling cider for the toasts at the reception and got a single great bottle of wine to share between the two of us on our wedding night.
2007-03-28 13:34:33 · answer #1 · answered by Sara B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rather than go to the courthouse, why don't you have a wedding at the place where you're having your reception. All you need is a focal point for the ceremony. Michael's crafts will be having their $30 lighted arch on sale in the next week or two. That, with or without the lights, & 16 yds of tulle from Joann's or another fabric store, 2yds/$1, and you're good to go . Then everyone can share in the wedding & reception
To find an officiant type into Yahoo your city, state & wedding officiant (no 's' on the end) You will have a few to choose from, usually on the 2nd page. The larger bridal sites seem to get top billing. If you do go to the bridal sites, please visit the site of someone you think you might like. Those bridal sites make vendors & officiants pay for your contact info so you may not hear back from someone you'd hoped.
By the way, you anywhere near Cincinnati?
2007-03-28 19:29:50 · answer #2 · answered by weddrev 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definately hit up craft stores in your area. If you live in a smaller town, see what the close larger cities have to offer. Nearly every store will have some kind of wedding supplies. The larger ones will have entire aisles.
You can buy ribbons, flowers, petals, paper, etc. Wedding photo albums, guest books, pens, champane flutes, etc. will all be available and much cheaper than the brand-name supply catelogs. You'll also be able to find invitations items and thank you cards for after the wedding.
As far as gifts for the reception, ask the workers if they have any ideas or kits for fun, creative, and inexpensive things for each guest. They should have some ideas, if not, they can point you in the right direction. Most places will have wedding candies and even bubbles in wedding-themed bottles to blow at you.
Have fun and good luck!
2007-03-28 19:15:30 · answer #3 · answered by Evoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to time the wedding so that it starts after everyone's already eaten lunch, say, around 1:45pm. Then you can just serve a light meal, not a full dinner.
Do you already have a dress? I got a really great deal on ebay!
Be careful with those disposable cameras - they're not that cheap, and the photos can turn out lousy. Instead, have a friend or relative use a digital camera - it'll be photojournalism style, which is the "in" thing now anyway!
CONGRATULATIONS, and GOOD LUCK!
2007-03-28 20:03:13 · answer #4 · answered by 多 ( Y ) ♫ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did not mention how many guests but you can have a very informal reception. The cheapest meat for weddings would have to be chicken and you can have that prepared in so many different ways. Try buffet and demand childrens pricing for the kids (after all, they do not eat as much as adults). Skip providing the alcohol, but if that is a must, try serving only beer and wine on your dime for a short while.
Enlist your friends and family to cover other things- find out what their strengths are and utilize them. Such as is one a dj?
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/yourweddingonabudget/join
2007-03-28 19:14:58 · answer #5 · answered by glorymomof3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if all religions do this but mine does, I will get married in June and in the same boat as you are ($$$$),but if you do ceremony and reception at your church it is free of charge,that's saving a lot. Make finger foods, that's cheaper than catering or a whole meal,depending on how many you will invite.I don't know where you live that there is a Hobby Lobby, but they Had all their bridal stuff at 50% off. I got some great stuff from there.There's plenty of ways.It also depends on what budget you have set?
2007-03-28 18:33:45 · answer #6 · answered by MS 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IF the reception is at a non-meal time of day, you will not have to serve a meal. Just serve snacks and beverages. A fruit tray and a veggie tray with dip is festive, while also being inexpensive.
But make sure your invitations say "Finger food reception" or simillar, so people understand you're not serving lunch or dinner.
2007-03-28 18:38:15 · answer #7 · answered by Etiquette Gal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do a buffet with home cooked food--baked ziti, garlic bread, soups, salads, and other things that go well for a buffet meal! Or, you could ask some close friends and relatives to help you cook for the buffet.
You could also bake your own cake as well.
Put disposable cameras on the tables and instead of hiring a photographer or you can ask a friend with a digital camera to take photos for you.
Instead of buying favors, bake cookies and put them in plastic bags with ribbon with a little note saying "Thanks for making our day so sweet!"
Here are some ideas. Congrats on your upcoming wedding! Enjoy.
2007-03-28 18:31:59 · answer #8 · answered by ms. teacher ft 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't spend lots on professional photography - these days everyone has a friend or family member who can take decent pics. Don't skimp on the food, music, and full open bar.
2007-03-28 20:23:26 · answer #9 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try doing all of your table arrangements yourself because online you can buy bulk flowers much cheeper than at a florist then you can make your own stuff. and example of a site is http://www.onlinewholesaleflowers.com/
2007-03-28 18:39:43 · answer #10 · answered by Beth N 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋