Can I Do This?? Is It Possible?

Question

OK, I have 20K budget for my wedding. We are inviting 150 people. I found a great reception site that includes a full-sit down dinner w/ five hour open bar, wedding cake, champagne toast and linens/flower centerpieces. The cost is $87 with tax and gratuity.

With 150x$87 is about 13K.

That only leaves 7K left for the remaining flowers, the church donation (no flowers at the church) the pictures, video, favors (no more then $2 a per or $300) my dress, attendant gifts, etc.

Is it possibe to do afford all the rest for 7K.

If not, I'm willing to cut the guest list to about 120-130.

What do you think? Can I afford all that for 7K or should I cut my list?

20K is are finally budget to. We will not go over a by a penny, that's what we can comfortably afford. So, we don't plan on anything else.

Answer 1

I think you can do it. Try looking around at some stores that are closing, outlet mall and Internet for stuff. For pictures I would suggest look at that before anything else b/c that is what is the most expensive from that list. If you can just use the photographer at the wedding then buy disposal camera for the guest to use at the reception.
Good Luck

Answer 2

I think it's certainly possible, but you will really need to scrimp in certain areas:

* Flowers: Only get bouquets/boutonnieres for you and your fiancee, the bridal party and immediate family members. Try going through a supermarket florist to save money. And try getting only one kind of flower, like roses or gerbera daisies. I just saw wedding photos where the bride only used orange gerberas for her black and orange color scheme ... not only was it cheap (under $400), but the contrast with the black was fantastic!!!

* Church donation: find out what this is. I imagine this is set in stone, no?

* Photos: try not to scrimp too much here if you can avoid it. In most areas of the country, you should be able to get a decent package for anywhere from $1,000-3,000.

* Video: consider having a friend tape the ceremony with a camcorder. Or hire a college media student for a few bucks and a free meal.

* Favors: Skip them. Nobody will miss them. They're a waste of money, which can go towards something else.

* Dress: You can definitely get something nice for $500 or less ... try jcrew.com and nordstrom.com. Find an awesome bridesmaid's dress and order it in white. Buy a used gown from eBay, craigslist.org or pewownedweddingdresses.com. Check out makingmemories.org to see if the Brides Against Breast Cancer charity sale will be in your area soon. Check out local thrift stores. Wear silver or gold shoes you already own, or try Payless or Target for basic white heels. Wear jewelry you already own, or borrow it from someone. Borrow a veil, make one, buy a cheap one from eBay, or go without (try a hair flower or sparkly brooch instead).

* Attendant gifts: Make them something special - a heartfelt note can go a LONG way. Check out stores like Kohl's, Marshall's and Target for inexpensive gifts. Remember that the thought is more important than the money spent ... a $10 book that she's been dying to read will go over a lot better than a $75 music box that she'll keep in the back of her closet.

* Transportation: If you have access to a car, and your bridal party doesn't mind driving themselves, don't bother renting a limo. Or borrow a cool car (Mini Cooper, convertible, Beetle, etc.) from a friend to get a nice photo op.

* Stationery: try americanweddingalbum.com, or make your own invites using the blank kits from Target or craft stores. Don't bother with programs. Make placecards from blank business cards or inexpensive cardstock. Marshall's and the dollar store have blank Thank You cards.

* Hair and Makeup: Can a friend help you out, or can you do your own? If not, you may need to budget at least $250 or more to have it professionally done.

* If you can cut the guest list down, that'll certainly give you some breathing room! Take another look at the list and see if you can give anyone the ol' heave-ho.

* Also, ask your reception site if you can cut out the champagne toast and have people toast with whatever they're drinking that night (not that many people finish the glass of champagne, and it's a waste of both money and drinks). Ask if that takes money off the bill, or if you can add something else in place of it ... maybe an extra hors d'oeuvre during cocktail hour, or a slightly bigger cake.

Answer 3

I think it is going to be tight, but it is not impossible. Here are a couple ideas to help:
- speak to a florist about what will be 'in season' and most affordable at the time of your wedding and go with that.
- check out discount wedding dresses (if you are in the US look for when Davids Bridal has their sales)
- do you have any trustworthy & reliable friends that could do any of the pictures or video for you? Do you really need a video of the wedding if you are having pictures done?
- have you factored in a DJ or band? Do you have a friend who could do this for you?

Even if you cut your guest list down to 120 people you are still paying almost 10,500. Would an extra 2500 get you to your goal of 20k???

Good Luck!

Answer 4

That should be no problem - flowers can be about 700, church donation 200, pics and video 800, your dress and veil, plus shoes 1000, attendant gifts 300 --- and you will come up with many more expenses as you go along. Oh, dj - about 500; invitations 500.
You didn't say the size of your bridal party, but it's totally doable.
Good luck!

Answer 5

If you can cut the guest list down to 120 you will have an extra $3000 roughly. Ask if you can get some money off by having the bar only serving wine and beer, or perhaps having an open bar for less time.

flowers photographer and videographer will probably eat up that $7000 pretty quick.

Do you need a videographer? i have never heard good things about them and they are so expensive... use some of that money to get an even better photography package.

Just a thought.

Answer 6

You should really look around, get a lovely memo book and write down all your quotes.
Don't forget you CAN actually bargain the reception down!!! I have. Who cares they don't know you and at the end of the day it willbe cheaper for you.
We got our reception, full dinner with about 8 different meal choices, 6 hours of alcohol, beer garden, linen, chair covers etc for $61 per head.
It was $71.00 per head. So keep looking around, and ask "is that the best price you can do" as this is a lot of money and a lot of them won't want to lose you.

Good Luck.

Answer 7

Well I think you have a wonderful budget and have done really well so far the next big expense is photo & viedo. Then flowers which you can use your bouquet as your center pice and the bridemaid as there center pice, You could do candle center pices which cuts coast, do candy for favors (buy in bulk so it is cheaper) check out the knot.com for ideas or orientaltrade.com for candy napkins, and other wedding details. Best wishes and good luck. I hope I helped.

Answer 8

I would have a buffet instead of a sit down dinner. The food will be hot, and the guests can choose what they want to eat. Plus, it will be a lot cheaper.

There is no way I would spend that much money on a wedding!

Answer 9

Sadly, I believe you may need to cut down on the guest list unless you can makes some cuts elsewhere. I'd suggest pricing the flowers, pictures, ect. ....If you go over then make some cuts. Remember there are going to be some misc. odds & ends (ie. shoes, accessories, and so on)

With a 20K budget you have plenty to work with...I'm planning mine with 6-8K :) The cheaper the better....

Best of luck to ya!

Answer 10

In my opinion, you should cut down the invites as you may need money for your honeymoon and other miscellaneous expenses. Anyway, the choice is yours.

Here's wishing you both A LONG, HAPPY AND CHERISHED MARRIED LIFE.