What can we cut back on, budget is out of control

We are paying for the entire wedding ourselves, and it's already outragously priced. We have all the vendors, my dress and the honeymoon. What are some things we can cut back on?

> I got this out of the Martha Stewart wedding
> magazine. Rather than the traditional book with

What can we cut back on, budget is out of control

Hi there - we're paying for our wedding ourselves as well. But if you've already signed contracts with your vendors & purchased your dress, you might have missed the big opportunity to save in ways that would have significantly cut your budget.

If you haven't signed your contracts...some things to consider....Have it Nov-Mar. Everyone's prices from the caterer to the photographer tend to be lower b/c they're not very popular months. We're getting married the last sat. in March and have saved 10-20% on our major items as a result....Reduce the size of your wedding party. The more people, the more you'll spend on flowers, bouquets, gifts, transportation, etc (I only have a maid of honor but have included my family in the procession and my friends in the mass so everyone is included without the extra cost of buying a brides maid dress.).....Get 1 limo for you to get to the church and to take both of you to the reception. Everyone will need their own cars to get home from the reception place anyway....Do not give out favors or make them yourself...Make your own invites (see www.paperdirect.com - ck out the vellum products...very nice) & don't use response cards (have them call you - you'll save on postage & printing - besides, most people throw the invites away)...Find a photographer that will give you the proofs as well as your album, that way you'll have all your photos and can make your own album...have a dj instead of a band...don't decorate the church. most churches have flower arrangements on the altar anyway...

I planned our wedding in under 2 months & got 3 quotes for every major contract...Engagement was Sept 99.....I purchased 2 books that were very helpful - Bridal Bargains by Denise & Alan Fields and Weddings for Dummies. Its only 100 people but it is a sizable event. Bridal Bargains was key b/c it highlighted each of the bridal designers and rated them based upon price, quality and delivery.

What can we cut back on, budget is out of control

Those are some great ideas! Also, having a buffet instead of a sit down dinner. Or, even better, a continuous "cocktail hour"! Some of the nicest weddings I've been to have been four hour cocktail hours with changing food (yes, entrees do appear) and no assigned seating.

I can't imagine not getting your proofs! Are they still playing that game? (The proofs don't do the photographer any good. They just want you to order as many pictures as possible and NOT use the proofs for albums or to give away)

Good luck, Mark

What can we cut back on, budget is out of control

The suggestions that people have are great! We are on a VERY tight budget also and are trying to find ways to save money on the wedding. We now are probably going to get married in January instead of the summer, which will save alot of money. So right now we are trying to find a place that is nice for the winter, a nice home-y yet sort of elegant type of feel for about 150-175 people. Does anyone have any places they could think of?

Also, do all of the vendors cost less in these off-season months as a result? I assume there is more availability also? Thanks!

What can we cut back on, budget is out of control

> The suggestions that people have are great!
> We are on a VERY tight budget also and are trying
> to find ways to save money on the wedding. We

What can we cut back on, budget is out of control

Thanks Karen! Actually we did check out the cottage and they were very high on the amount of people you needed to guarantee, but it looks beautiful! Then I was going to check out the Carriage House, but now that you told me the max was 130, I won't be able to do that.

Good Luck!
> to find ways to save money on the wedding. We

What can we cut back on, budget is out of control

Lori, to give you my personal experiance. I was married in January 1995 (1/7/95). For an afternoon wedding the week after christmas, we paid $49 per person at the Coral House, (keep in mind this was 5 years ago).

The entire wedding, with all vendors and even my wife's gown did not exceed $12k, and we had exactly 149 people. The time of year plays a major role in the prices you pay. Who wouldn't cut their prices to book an affair and make some money, when the alternative is to sit home and make no money?

Another benefit was that the Coral House (as many catering facilities do) was still decorated for the holidays, as they promised it would be. So right there we saved $$$ in flowers. The church was also in full decor, so we didn't need any flowers there either.

What can we cut back on, budget is out of control

Thanks for your input Rob! I have to admit at first I was a little disappointed to realize that I probably couldn't have a summer or fall wedding, but I'm seeing so many added benefits that I am beginning to love the idea of a "Winter White" wedding :)

The entire wedding, with all vendors and even my wife's gown did not exceed $12k, and we had exactly 149 people. The time of year plays a major role in the prices you pay. Who wouldn't cut their prices to book an affair and make some money, when the alternative is to sit home and make no money?

Another benefit was that the Coral House (as many catering facilities do) was still decorated for the holidays, as they promised it would be. So right there we saved $$$ in flowers. The church was also in full decor, so we didn't need any flowers there either.

What can we cut back on, budget is out of control

Lori,

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall - Your wedding day will be special, because IT'S YOUR DAY!!!

Besides, having a wedding when everyone else is not, kind of sets you aside from the rest...and believe me no one will ever confuse your wedding with the other 10 they attended that same year.